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In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes Rachel Halpin, DVM, DACVECC, to discuss her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Radiotherapy & Lorazepam for Recurrent Urethral Obstruction.” Dr. Halpin reviews the recent evidence for these novel therapies. She explains the proposed mechanism and application of low-dose radiation therapy, as well as utilizing a benzodiazepine that can be dosed twice daily.
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Key Takeaways
The urethra in male cats is much longer than in females and narrows significantly as it proceeds distally, which is what predisposes to obstruction.
Feline interstitial cystitis (FIC), the major cause of urethral obstruction in male cats, is like an “anxiopathy” that causes chronic inflammation stemming from over-activation of the central threat response system.
Radiotherapy, in the form of low-dose radiation delivered by a linear accelerator, appears to deliver a potent, rapid, and long-lasting anti-inflammatory effect.
Lorazepam provides skeletal muscle relaxation that targets spasming of the distal urethra, and it may also help address the dysfunctional stress response.
The primary thing that will address the underlying “anxiopathy” is environmental modification at home to alleviate stressors.
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The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Multimedia Specialist