The Veterinarian's Notebook: Free catch or cystocentesis
A few days ago a five-month-old puppy came into the clinic dripping urine. He could urinate normally, but afterwards throughout the day he was leaking a small amount of urine.
We took a urine sample using a procedure called cystocentesis and sent it to a lab for analysis. The laboratory will analyze the urine for a bladder infection.
We have choice when it comes to collecting a urine sample—free catch or cystocentesis. Free catch is when you collect the urine as it comes out, catching it in a Dixie cup. This method is easy and painless, but resident bacteria in the urinary tract can contaminate the sample.
The alternative method is cystocentesis in which we take a sterile syringe and needle and draw the urine directly from the bladder into the syringe. This bypasses the urinary tract and provides a “clean” sample.
This little puppy had bacteria in its urine; it had a bladder infection. We had already started the puppy on an antibiotic in anticipation of an infection, but we now the lab is culturing the sample to determine the type of bacteria, and the most effective antibiotic to use. We may have to change antibiotics.
-- Rob Santos DVM, Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital
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Doc....
Are the dogs awake during the "collecting" process?! And what are the differing causes of bladder infections?
Collection
Yes..they are awake but don't seem to mind a 22g needle piercing their bladder. I think its like accupuncture. The main reason dogs get bladder infections is that they hold their urine too long. If a dog has access to the outdoors, they can prevent some bladder infections. Also a dog could have bacteria migrate from their reproductive tract into the bladder creating an infection.
By the way..is that a sleeveless shirt you are wearing?
Sleeveless AND on a tractor
Yup!
Even better, I was mad because I left my beer by the camera and could not get it until the timer on the camera snapped the picture!
As for the dog not minding the needle in the bladder....I am not so sure about that! Heaven for bid they get a bowel infection!!!!!!!
I have two dogs..they also
I have two dogs..they also have same problem..
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