Medically Reviewed by Taylor Froiland, PharmD, RPh
Written by Adam McCown, PharmD
Many people believe that cats are unpredictable creatures, and my cat behavior is certainly no exception. I often find myself scratching my head in confusion as he does something seemingly inexplicable. One moment he might be sleeping contently on my bed, and the next he's attacking my ankles for seemingly no reason.
While it's true that cats can be mysterious creatures, their behavior is not always totally random. There are usually some underlying reasons for why they do the things they do. For example, when my cat Loki shows increased agitation and starts crying when straining to urinate, it's usually because he's trying to tell me he's suffering from urethral obstruction.
What causes urethral obstruction in cats?
There are a few different things that can cause urethral obstruction in cats, but the most common culprit is a build-up of crystals in the urinary tract. These crystals can form for a variety of reasons, including changes in diet, dehydration, or even stress.
If your cat is displaying any of the following symptoms, it's important to take them to the vet right away: straining to urinate, crying or vocalizing while urinating, excessive drinking or urination, blood in the urine, lethargy, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
I couldn't stand seeing Loki in pain, so I quickly took him to the vet who put him on Prazosin Compound Oral Liquid. This medication helped him to relieve his obstruction and he is back to his normal, mischievous self.
How do Prazosin Compound Oral Liquid works?
Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker, it acts as a smooth muscle relaxant and can help relax the bladder and reduce spasms which makes it easier for the cat to heal. It helped relax Loki's urethra and allowed him to pass the crystals. It can also lower blood pressure by allowing the muscles around some arteries to relax.
It is worth noting though that Prazosin does not cure the cause of the urinary blockage, therefore along with this treatment the vet requested a change of diet and stress management to help Loki in the long run.
In dogs, Prazosin can be used for the treatment of congestive heart failure, and systemic hypertension.
Any side effects to be aware of?
The most common side effects of Prazosin are drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or constipation. These side effects are usually mild and go away as your cat's body adjusts to the medication. In some rare cases, more serious side effects can occur such as low blood pressure, fainting, irregular heartbeat, and seizures. If you notice any of these side effects, it's important to contact your vet right away.
All in all, Prazosin is a safe and effective medication that has helped my cat Loki recover from urethral obstruction. I'm so grateful that there is a treatment available to help cats like him. If your cat is displaying any of the symptoms I mentioned above, don't hesitate to take them to the vet for treatment and to place their Prazosin Compound Oral Liquid order via Express Vet. You will receive a compounded prescription medication that is flavored to the liking of your cat and easy for them to take.