Cystoscopic examination of male and female dogs

Rigid urethrocystoscopy via a percutaneous fluoroscopic-assisted perineal approach in male dogs: 19 cases (2005-2014)

OBJECTIVE To describe the technique and outcome for male dogs undergoing rigid urethrocystoscopy via a novel percutaneous, fluoroscopic-assisted perineal approach. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 19 client-owned male dogs. PROCEDURES Medical records of male dogs that underwent urethrocystoscopy via a percutaneous perineal approach for treatment of a variety of conditions from 2005 through 2014 were reviewed. Signalment, history, pertinent diagnostic imaging results, endourologic and postprocedure details, duration of hospitalization, complications, and outcome (short-term, < 1 month; long-term, ≥ 1 month) were recorded. After flexible urethrocystoscopy, direct percutaneous perineal needle puncture and guidewire placement by means of fluoroscopic guidance (with or without ultrasonography) allowed access to the urethral lumen. The perineal tract was subsequently serially dilated to accommodate a peel-away sheath and rigid endoscope. Rigid urethrocystoscopy was performed, and on completion of endourologic procedures, the access site was left to heal by second intention. RESULTS 19 male dogs successfully underwent 20 procedures. No intraoperative complications were reported. Short-term outcome was good (ie, mild perineal urine leakage) for 3 dogs and excellent (ie, no abnormalities with urination) for 16. Long-term outcome was excellent for the 17 dogs for which follow-up information was available. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A percutaneous fluoroscopic-assisted perineal approach (with or without ultrasonography) allowed access to the pelvic urethra with no major complications in the present series of patients. This minimally invasive approach may be a valuable tool for endourologic procedures in male dogs.

Uroendoscopy. Evaluation of the lower urinary tract

Recent advances in uroendoscopy have allowed diagnostic evaluation of the lower urinary tract in most of our canine and feline patients. By providing a magnified view of the luminal surfaces of the lower urinary tract, uroendoscopy provides useful diagnostic information that is not readily available even by more invasive techniques.

Urethroscopy, cystoscopy, and biopsy of the feline lower urinary tract

This article discusses the utility and limitations of urethroscopy and cystoscopy in both male and female cats. The special equipment and techniques necessary to adequately visualize the urethra and bladder of female cats are described in some detail. The emerging ability to visualize the male urethra is introduced. Photographs taken through the cystoscope are used to illustrate both normal anatomy and lesions likely to be encountered with cats with lower urinary tract disease. Cystoscopy is an important diagnostic tool for an inclusionary and exclusionary diagnosis of interstitial cystitis (sterile idiopathic inflammation).

Cystoscopy and biopsy of the feline lower urinary tract

Cystoscopy is rapidly developing as a diagnostic and therapeutic technique for application in feline practice. Instruments are currently available that provide transurethral access to the lower urinary tract in most cats with prepubic percutaneous cystoscopy allowing evaluation when transurethral cystoscopy is not applicable. Cystoscopy is indicated for assessment of chronic cystitis, hematuria, tenesmus, increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, alteration of urinary stream, trauma, and cystic and urethral calculi. The vagina, urethral opening, urethra, bladder, and ureteral openings can be effectively assessed and samples can be collected for histopathology, cultures, and stone analysis. Cystoscopy provides easy access to diagnostic information that can be difficult to obtain with any other technique.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure commonly employed in human medicine but that has received limited application in small animal practice. Readily applicable, cost-effective instruments are available for use in the dog and cat. The urethral opening, urethra, bladder, and ureteral openings can be effectively assessed, and samples can be collected for histopathology, cultures, and stone analysis. Cystoscopy is indicated for assessment of chronic cystitis, hematuria, tenesmus, increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, alteration of urinary stream, trauma, and cystic and urethral calculi. Most cases can be evaluated transurethrally; the rest can be assessed by prepubic percutaneous cystoscopy.