lapis - Articles
Urinary catheterization
Introduction
Uses
- Obtaining a urine sample Urine collection: freeflow.
- Flushing of the bladder to remove excessive calcium carbonate precipitate (sludge/hypercalciuria) Urolithiasis.
- Performance of single and double radiographic contrast studies of the bladder
.
- Retropulsion of small urethral calculi Urolithiasis.
- Healing of urethral injuries (indwelling urinary catheter).
- To obtain cytological samples of urethral wall masses.
Advantages
- Relatively simple to perform; minimal equipment required.
Disadvantages
- Sedation Sedation or anesthesia Anesthesia: overview when necessary.
Technical problems
- Location of the urethral opening may be difficult in does
.
- In female rabbits, the urethral opening is positioned on the floor of the vagina.
- Bucks
may experience urethral spasm making passage of the catheter difficult, on insertion or removal.
Alternative techniques
- Cystocentesis Cystocentesis under general anesthesia.
- Cystotomy Cystotomy.
- Manual bladder expression.
- Free catch urine sample.
- Collect urine sample from the cage using the non-absorbable side of an incontinence pad.
Time required
Preparation
- Sedation/anesthesia (if necessary): 10-20 min approximately.
Procedure
- Usually <5 min; generally easier and quicker in bucks.
- In does, it may take 5-10 min because it is more difficult to visualize the urethral opening.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Requirement for urine sample.
- Presence of excessive calcium carbonate sludge (hypercalciuria).
- Urethral occlusion due to presence of small uroliths.
- Presence of urethral wounds, urethral wall masses.
- Requirement for contrast radiographic studies of bladder.
- Distended bladder.
Risk assessment
- Small risk of urethral trauma/hemorrhage.
- Risk of sedation or general anesthesia when required.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Ulthamanthil R K, Hachem R Y, Gagea M, Reitzel R et al (2013) Urinary catheterization of male rabbits: A new technique and a review of urogenital anatomy. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 52 (2), 180-185 PMC.
- Jenkins J R (2010) Evaluation of the rabbit urinary tract. J Exotic Pet Med 19 (4), 271-279 VetMedResource.
- Graham J (2006) Common procedures in rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 9 (2), 367-388 PubMed.
- Scherz H C, Kaplan G W, Boychuk D I et al (1992) Urethral healing in rabbits. J Urology 148 (2 Pt 2), 708-710 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Quesenberry K E, Orcutt C J, Mans C & Carpenter J W (2021) Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. 4th edn. Elsevier, USA.
- Meredith A & Lord B (2014) BSAVA Manual Of Rabbit Medicine. BSAVA, UK.
- Suckow M A & Douglas F A (1997) Experimental Methodology. In: The Laboratory Rabbit. CRC Press LLC, USA. pp 71-106.