4208 Lind Ave, SW Renton, WA

Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) Surgery for Cats

Urinary blockages in cats are a serious health issue and can become life-threatening if left untreated. Male cats are especially at risk for urethral obstruction, so it is important to seek veterinary care right away if you think your cat may have a blockage.
 
At Boreal Animal Surgery, we offer Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) surgery for cats with recurrent urinary blockages or a narrowed urethra. This surgery creates a wider urinary opening, helping cats urinate more comfortably and reducing the risk of future obstructions.
 
Our goal is to make your cat more comfortable, support their long-term urinary health, and help prevent recurrent episodes associated with ongoing urinary blockages.
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What is Perineal Urethrostomy

What Is Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) Surgery?

Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure that widens the urinary opening so urine can flow more easily through the urethra.
 
Male cats have a naturally narrow urethra, which makes them more prone to urinary blockages. Crystals, mineral debris, or other materials can build up in the urinary tract and block urine flow.
 
If a blockage happens, urine cannot leave the body as it should. This is a medical emergency and needs quick attention from a veterinarian.
PU surgery removes the narrowest part of the urethra and creates a larger opening for urine to pass. This wider pathway reduces the risk of future blockages and allows small particles to pass more easily.
 
PU surgery does not address the root cause of urinary disease, but it can greatly reduce the risk of recurrent blockages and help many cats with ongoing urinary problems live more comfortably.
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Why Choose Boreal Animal Surgery

Compassionate Surgical Care Backed by Experience

Board-Certified Surgical Expertise

Perineal Urethrostomy is a specialized soft tissue procedure that requires careful surgical planning and technique. Dr. Duane Robinson is a board-certified veterinary surgeon with advanced training in soft tissue surgery and experience treating cats with recurrent urinary obstruction and urethral disease.

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Successful PU surgery requires precise surgical technique to create a functional urinary opening while minimizing complications. Our team utilizes proven surgical methods and evidence-based care to help improve long-term urinary function and reduce the risk of future obstructions.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Every cat's situation is unique. We evaluate your cat's medical history, previous urinary episodes, overall health, and current condition before recommending treatment. Our goal is to develop a plan that supports both immediate recovery and long-term urinary health.

Recovery & Communication

Recovery and ongoing management are important parts of successful PU surgery. We provide detailed post-operative instructions, clear communication, and ongoing support throughout the healing process. Our team works closely with both pet owners and referring veterinarians to help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible outcome for every patient.

Perineal Urethrostomy Our Approach

Our Approach

At Boreal Animal Surgery, we know that urinary blockages are stressful for both cats and their families. We aim to determine whether Perineal Urethrostomy is the right treatment for your cat and to explain its benefits, recovery, and long-term care.
 
Here is what you can expect during our evaluation and treatment process:
 
  • We review your cat’s medical history and any past urinary problems.
  • An assessment of diagnostic testing and urinary tract health.
  • We discuss the treatment options and work with you to find the best path forward.
  • We create a treatment plan that fits your cat’s needs
  • We give you clear instructions and support for your cat’s recovery after surgery
 
We stay in close contact with you and your regular veterinarian during the whole process. Our goal is to reduce the risk of future blockages, improve your cat’s quality of life, and help them return to feeling comfortable and healthy.
Perineal Urethrostomy What to Expect

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery plays a key role in your cat’s successful PU surgery. After the procedure, your cat will need time to heal. By keeping a close eye on your cat during this period, you can help the surgical site heal properly and ensure urinary function remains normal.
 
During recovery, you may need to:
 
  • Give pain medication and any other medicines your vet prescribes
  • Watch your cat’s urination closely while they heal
  • Keep the surgery area clean and protected
  • Limit your cat’s activity at first
  • Bring your cat in for follow-up visits to check their healing and progress
  • Continue to manage your cat’s urinary health as advised
 
Most cats recover well after PU surgery and are much less likely to have future urinary blockages. The surgery helps improve urinary flow, but your vet may still recommend ongoing care. Depending on your cat, this could include changes to their diet, regular checkups, and routine monitoring to maintain their urinary health.
 
During your cat’s recovery, our team will be here to guide and support you so your cat has the best chance at a healthy outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perineal Urethrostomy Procedures

Review some FAQs on PU Procedures to get a better understanding, or contact us to discuss further. If you’d like to learn more about the process as a pet owner, click below.
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PU surgery costs depend on your dog’s size, health, the tests needed, and recovery care. We will provide you with a clear estimate and discuss all recommended care before the surgery. At Boreal Animal Surgery, providing expert care at affordable pricing is our ultimate goal.

Male cats have a narrow urethra that can become obstructed by crystals, inflammatory debris, mucus plugs, or other material within the urinary tract.

Yes. A urinary blockage prevents normal urination and can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. Immediate veterinary care is required.

No. The surgery does not eliminate the underlying causes of urinary tract disease, but it can greatly reduce the risk of future urethral obstructions.

PU surgery is typically recommended for cats with recurrent blockages, repeated urinary emergencies, or urethral narrowing that cannot be effectively managed with medical treatment alone.

Most cats recover well with appropriate monitoring, pain management, and post-operative care. Follow-up visits help ensure proper healing.

The goal of PU surgery is to create a wider urinary opening that allows urine and small particles to pass more easily, reducing the risk of future obstruction.

Request a Consultation for Your Cat

If your cat has had repeated urinary blockages, trouble urinating, or a diagnosis involving the urethra, our team can help. We will assess your cat, discuss treatment options, and determine whether PU surgery could be right for your pet.
 
At Boreal Animal Surgery, we offer consultations and surgery for cats with ongoing urinary blockages and other urinary problems. From your first visit to recovery, you will get expert advice, clear updates, and care tailored to your cat. Our goal is to keep your cat comfortable, support their long-term urinary health, and help prevent future blockages.
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