Urinary catheterization in Rabbits (Lapis) | Vetlexicon
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Urinary catheterization

ISSN 2398-2969


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 Bladder: calculus lateral radiographBladder: sediment VD radiograph.
  • 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

Technical problems

  • Location of the urethral opening may be difficult in does Sexing 01: female genitalia.
  • In female rabbits, the urethral opening is positioned on the floor of the vagina. 
  • Bucks Sexing 02: male genitaliamay 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 (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.