A urinary blockage can be caused by what?

A urinary blockage can be caused by a urolith, which is a stone or mineral deposit that forms in the urinary tract. Uroliths can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to potential pain, swelling, and serious complications if not addressed. When a urolith gets lodged in the urethra or bladder, it can prevent the normal passage of urine, making it a primary cause of urinary blockages in both cats and dogs.

Hydronephrosis refers to the swelling of one or both kidneys due to a build-up of urine and often occurs as a result of urinary blockages rather than being a direct cause itself. Cystic calculi are similar to uroliths but specifically refer to stones that form in the bladder, which also can cause blockages. While infections can lead to a variety of urinary tract problems, they typically do not directly cause a blockage; instead, they might lead to inflammation or other issues that could contribute to blockage in some cases. Therefore, when discussing direct causes of urinary blockage, uroliths are a key factor to consider.