Summary
Objective: To assess the management of traumatic urethral ruptures using a systematic attempt
at urethral catheterisation. Methods: Eleven cats that had been diagnosed with a traumatic urethral rupture over a five-
year period were included in this study. Rupture was assessed by positive-contrast
retrograde urethrography. An attempt was made to manage these ruptures by placing
an indwelling urethral catheter. Results: The placement of an indwelling urethral catheter, could be performed in 10 out of
11 cats, which indicated a partial rupture. In one cat, catheterisation was not possible
because of complete urethral rupture. A urethral catheter was placed into the urinary
bladder via the urethra in five animals. In the other five animals, urethral catheterization
required cystotomyusing a modified ‘inside to outside’ technique. Urethral catheter
removal occurred between five and 14 days after placement. Urethral healing was accomplished
in all cases of catheterisation with a good outcome in eight of the 10 cats. Two cats
showed clinical signs related to stricture formation during the follow-up period (seven
to 72 months). Retrograde urethrography provided a definitive diagnosis of partial
rupture in only six of the 10 cases of partial rupture. Clinical significance: Results
suggested that primary alignment with the placement of a urethral catheter should
be attempted for the management of traumatic urethral ruptures in cats. Gentle urethral
catheterisation seems to be an effective procedure for diagnosing and dealing with
partial urethral rupture in cats. Clinical stricture formation can occur, but the
risk does not seem to be high. Further studies are warranted in order to define the
ideal duration for maintenance of an indwelling urethral catheter in cases of traumatic
partial urethral rupture.
Keywords
Urethra - rupture - trauma - cats - catheterisation