CAUTIOUS (Cat Urinary Tract Infection and Obstruction Study)
The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently looking to determine if insulin administration is beneficial as additional therapy in treating the life-threatening hyperkalemia caused by a urinary obstruction in male cats.
Enrollment Status: Currently Enrolling
· Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of urinary obstruction by the University of Florida Veterinary Teaching Hospital Emergency Service Staff.
· Procedures: For this study, multiple, small samples of blood (five samples of approximately 1 mL [~¼ teaspoon] each) will be collected while your pet is being stabilized by the Emergency Clinician in charge.
· Costs: The study will cover the cost of blood tests (two venous blood gases) when in the Emergency Service and all blood test for the insulin measurement.
· Contact: Ronald Gonçalves
· PI: Ronald Gonçalves
Background:
Urinary tract obstruction is a common clinical condition in male cats that may cause death if not treated accordingly. Thus, a prompt assessment and adequate treatment by a veterinarian are essential. The initial treatment involves clearing the urinary obstruction and by administering medications intravenously to help with life-threatening blood value alterations. Elevated levels of blood potassium, also called hyperkalemia, represents the main focus of treatment. Common drugs to treat hyperkalemia include insulin and dextrose. However, the use of insulin in cats with urinary obstruction is not universally accepted. This research aims to measure the blood insulin levels of male cats diagnosed with urinary obstruction. This will determine if insulin administration is beneficial in treating the life-threatening hyperkalemia caused by a urinary obstruction.