Catheterization of the bladder in a cat: technique and consequences

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Cat bladder catheterization is a procedure that veterinarians perform to treat abnormalities in the genitourinary system of pets. Most often, this method is the only one that allows you to save a pet with acute urinary retention. This condition is caused by urolithiasis. This pathology is characterized by the formation of stones in the internal organs of the animal, which disrupt the normal outflow of urine and cause overflow of the bladder. Below we will talk about the procedure in more detail.

What is this?

Bladder catheterization in cats is necessary for the treatment of urolithiasis, cystitis and other pathologies of the genitourinary system. The procedure can only be performed by a veterinarian, as a person without special knowledge can cause serious injury to the penis or urethra.

SWith the help of catheterization, you can introduce the necessary medications into the organ, alleviate the condition of the cat, and also take urine for further research. An activity carried out in a veterinary clinic is harmless to the animal, as only experienced doctors are allowed to perform it.

Assigned to whom?

The main indications for bladder catheterization in cats are:

• Urolithiasis.
• Idiopathic cystitis.
• Various urinary tract obstructions.
• Collection of urine for analysis.
• Surgeries on the bladder that require permanent absence of urine.
• Inflammation of the urethra.
• Disorders in which the pet cannot urinate on its own (paralysis).

Contraindications

In the following situations, catheterization is not recommended:

• Sepsis.
• Tumours of the urethra and bladder.
• Decreased immunity.
• Various viral and infectious diseases.

Preparation

As a rule, before starting the procedure, the specialist conducts a number of preparatory activities, which include:

1. Research for contraindications and reasons for catheterization. If this procedure is not possible, other methods of removing urine from the organ are chosen as a treatment.
2. Pain relief. It is necessary so that the pet does not feel pain during all manipulations. Without anesthesia, the cat canharm both himself and the veterinarian. Most often, sedation or general anesthesia is used. The first option applies to pets with lack of appetite, severe intoxication, various functional disorders and a prolonged course of the disease. The second option is used in animals whose condition is assessed as satisfactory, without severe intoxication and with the absence of heart and vascular diseases. Bladder catheterization in cats without anesthesia is performed only in case of an extremely serious condition of the animal.
3. Hygiene measures. Before the procedure, the hair from the penis and around it is shaved, and the skin is disinfected. This is necessary to prevent pathogens from entering the bladder.
4. Additional pain relief. Various local aerosol analgesics are used as local anesthesia. This further reduces sensitivity, as the glans penis contains many nerve endings. Without analgesia, the cat will feel pain even under anesthesia.

Bladder catheterization in a cat: how to put

The procedure is as follows:

1. A catheter with a mandrel, lubricated with a lubricant, is inserted into the lumen of the urethra. Lubrication is necessary so that the instrument does not damage the walls of the urinary canal.
2. If the device stumbles upon various obstructions before entering the bladder, then a special solution is injected through the catheter, which destroys the plugs andcontributing to its further promotion.
3. When the instrument enters the bladder, urine begins to flow out of it. By smell and color, the veterinarian can determine the condition of the organ and prescribe appropriate therapy. Part of the urine is taken for further follow-up.
4. If there is blood in the urine, we can say that the integrity of the walls of the organ is broken. In this case, the specialist flushes the bladder with a special solution, most often novocaine, to remove the crusts and blood clots formed in the organ, as well as to prevent the problem from recurring.
5. If necessary, the catheter is left for several days. This is necessary so that urine is artificially excreted from the body. In this case, the pet is prescribed medication and diet therapy to help relieve acute symptoms.

Care

During catheterization of the bladder, a cat is prescribed antibacterial agents to prevent the development of pathogenic microflora in the urethra and bladder. In this case, the owner of the animal must comply with all recommendations of the veterinarian for treatment.

In addition, it is necessary to maintain the sterility of the catheter itself. If it is present for several days, the device should be washed with a special solution recommended by the doctor. You also need to monitor the condition of the wool in the perineum and keep it clean, and the genitals are regularly treated with antibacterial solutions of chlorhexidine or furacilin. This will prevent the development of infections.

Catheterizationbladder in a cat: consequences

After this medical procedure, the pet may experience various complications, which include:

1. No diuresis. Due to the fact that the muscles of the urethra are spasmodic, the pet cannot go to the toilet. To eliminate the pathology and relieve unpleasant symptoms, antispasmodics are prescribed to the animal.
2. Injury to the urethra. May occur in case of inexperience of a specialist. In such a situation, the cat must be taken to the veterinarian again. Injuries are characterized by severe pain in the urethra, the cat licks the sore spot and cannot urinate normally. Sometimes there may be blood in the urine.
3. Cat often licks after bladder catheterization. This may be due to discomfort after the procedure, which will accompany the pet for some time, or with the presence of injuries.

Conclusion

With the right approach on the part of the owner and veterinarian, the catheterization procedure is most often successful and does not entail any pathologies and injuries. Therefore, if a pet has problems urinating, it is necessary to take it to the clinic for diagnosis and treatment.