
Prompt, expert urethral obstruction unblocking is critical for your pet's health. At Northwest Animal Hospital, our veterinary team delivers compassionate, skilled care for urgent urogenital blockages in Columbus and surrounding communities.

Urethral obstruction unblocking is a life-saving veterinary procedure designed to quickly restore normal urine flow in pets, most often male cats. This condition is an emergency because it leads to dangerous toxin buildup in the body when the bladder cannot empty. Without immediate attention, a blockage can cause severe pain, kidney damage, or even become fatal.
Our veterinarians at Northwest Animal Hospital provide advanced veterinary urethral unblocking in Columbus. Prompt, expert intervention safely relieves stress on your pet’s urinary system and helps restore comfort. We combine state-of-the-art techniques with a gentle approach, prioritizing each pet’s well-being and safety. As a Fear Free and Cat Friendly Certified practice, we are committed to making even urgent procedures as low-stress as possible for both pets and their families.
If your pet needs emergency unblocking, our team will act swiftly to relieve the blockage while focusing on comfort and safety throughout the entire process.
Upon arrival, your pet receives a rapid assessment to confirm a urethral obstruction. The veterinary team will evaluate vital signs, review any previous health issues, and initiate stabilization, often including supportive IV fluids and pain relief. Dr. Hollenbach specializes in urgent situations like these, ensuring your pet receives gentle, efficient care from the start.
Once stabilized, safe sedation is administered to reduce pain and anxiety. Our veterinarians use specialized sterile catheters to gently clear the obstruction and re-establish urine flow. Attention to patient comfort is prioritized at every step, with ongoing monitoring during the entire procedure.
After the blockage has been cleared, the bladder is carefully flushed with sterile fluids to remove any remaining debris or crystals. Close observation continues as your pet recovers, ensuring that urine flow is restored and monitoring for any immediate complications.
Our veterinary professionals provide additional supportive medications based on your pet’s needs, including pain management and anti-inflammatories. When your pet is stable, you will receive detailed at-home care instructions and guidance on dietary adjustments to help prevent future blockages.

Timely urethral obstruction unblocking is essential for your pet’s immediate survival and long-term health. This condition causes pain, dangerously disrupts kidney function, and can quickly become fatal if not treated.
Early intervention by our team in Columbus prevents permanent organ damage and helps pets return to their happy routines. Preventive guidance and post-procedural support can also reduce the risk of recurrence.
Relieving a blockage prevents life-threatening complications such as ruptured bladder, acute kidney failure, shock, and severe pain. Immediate action saves lives.
Treatment returns your pet’s ability to urinate comfortably. Our veterinarians provide ongoing support and nutrition guidance to reduce future risks and improve urinary health.
Successfully resolving urethral obstruction helps safeguard vital organs. Pets regain energy, experience less anxiety, and get back to the activities they love.
Recognizing urethral blockage early is key. If you notice any of the following warning signs in your pet, especially a male cat, seek veterinary care immediately.
If your pet shows any of these signs, contact Northwest Animal Hospital right away. Timely veterinary intervention can be life-saving and prevents severe complications.
Urethral obstruction unblocking is an emergency procedure, not a routine preventive treatment. However, pets who have experienced an obstruction are at higher risk for recurrence, especially male cats.
Our veterinarians recommend annual wellness exams to detect urinary health issues early. If your pet has a history of urinary blockage, routine monitoring, special diets, and close follow-up are important. Our team can tailor ongoing care recommendations to your pet’s specific risk factors, age, and needs, ensuring proactive support for urinary health.
For urethral obstruction unblocking in Columbus, Northwest Animal Hospital stands apart for our rapid response and compassionate care.
Fear Free Practice Certification: Our veterinary team uses gentle, low-stress handling in every emergency
Cat Friendly Certification: Cat-specific protocols ensure sensitive, expert care during stressful urinary emergencies
Urgent Care Appointments and Walk-ins: We offer flexible access for emergencies, including walk-in appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays
Skilled, Personable Veterinarian: Dr. Hollenbach is dedicated to patient comfort, working closely with pet families throughout every step
Convenient Payment Options: Accepting all major credit cards, Care Credit, Snout Wellness, and Trupanion insurance for eligible cases
Urethral obstruction is a blockage in your pet’s urinary tract, most common in male cats, that prevents normal urination. It is a life-threatening emergency; our Columbus veterinary team provides immediate, expert care for this condition.
The procedure to relieve a urethral obstruction is typically completed within a few hours, depending on your pet’s condition and recovery needs. Please call Northwest Animal Hospital at (614) 451-4772 for current cost estimates and to discuss your pet’s needs.
If you suspect a blockage, keep your pet calm and transport them to the clinic promptly, do not attempt home treatments. After unblocking, follow our detailed at-home care instructions and dietary recommendations for smooth recovery.
Urethral obstruction can result from urinary crystals, inflammation, or bladder stones; some cats are more prone than others. Our team provides preventive guidance, diet recommendations, and regular monitoring to minimize recurrence risks.
Call our Columbus, OH practice during business hours or use our online appointment system for urgent slots. We welcome walk-ins on Mondays and Tuesdays (8am–12pm) and offer flexible scheduling for emergencies.