Neurogenic urinary retention in cats following severe cluster seizures

Case series summary: Four cats presented with severe cluster seizures developed neurogenic urinary retention in the post-ictal phase. None of the cats had previous seizures. Micturition was reported as normal in all cats for 3 or more years before seizure onset. All cats required a propofol continuous rate infusion to control the seizure activity. In all cats manual bladder expression was performed every 8 hours until recovery of normal micturition. One cat was started on phenoxybenzamine to reduce internal urethral sphincter tone. All cats recovered normal micturition within four weeks of the end of cluster seizures. Relevance and novel information: Transient neurogenic urinary retention has not previously been reported in dogs and cats following severe cluster seizures. Urinary retention should be considered a potential post-ictal deficit, promptly recognised and treated to avoid urinary tract infection and detrusor muscle atony.