Catheter suction technique for sampling suspected urethral tumours in bitches

Abstract

Diagnostic evaluation of bitches presenting with urinary obstruction includes full physical examination, which may reveal a prominent urethra on rectal examination, biochemical and haematological examination, retrograde vaginourethrography (VU), abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy and examination of urine sediment. However, although the results of these investigations (particularly retrograde VU) may be suggestive of a urethral mass, it can be difficult to obtain samples for cytology and/or histopathology from the urethra to make a definitive diagnosis.