Cystocentesis - Hungarovet

Cystocentesis. Small Animal Diagnostic and Treatment Techniques
http://courses.vetmed.wsu.edu/templates/printb.aspx
Page 1 of 2
05-06-2008
Cystocentesis
Cystocentesis can be performed with the animal in
dorsal recumbency (shown below), lateral
recumbancy, standing or being held standing on its
hindlimbs by elevating its forequarters. The position
of the animal is primarily based on personal
preference. Cystocentesis is usually performed with
a 25-22 gauge needle.
Although some veterinarians perform cystocentesis without preparation of the puncture site, (they just
wet the site with alcohol) it is the preference of the author to clip the puncture site of hair and clean the
area with an antiseptic solution such as Betadine TM .
The bladder is palpated
and immobilized. The
bladder should not be
squeezed tightly as the
puncture is being made
as this can cause urine
to leak from the puncture
site into the abdominal
cavity.
The needle should be inserted at a 450 angle, a short distance cranial to the junction of bladder and
urethra (a) If the needle is inserted at the apex of the bladder (b), as urine is removed, the bladder gets
smaller and moves away from the needle. The needle should be inserted into the bladder while creating
negative pressure by pulling back on the plunger of the syringe. The needle should not be redirected if
urine is not obtained, due to the risk of penetrating a bowel loop and subsequently taking the
contaminated needle into the bladder. If a sample is not obtained on the first attempt, change the needle
before making another attempt. If a sample is not obtained on 3 attempts, the bladder is probably small
and in the pelvic canal. If a sample is obtained, the syringe plunger is released, and the needle is
removed from the abdomen.
If you cannot palpate the bladder, you can perform
"blind" cystocentesis with the dog in dorsal
recumbancy. Pick a point on the midline, midway
between the umbilicus (u) and brim of the pelvis
(p) . Notice when you are preparing the puncture
site, this is the same point at which the antiseptic
solution will pool when the patient is in dorsal
recumbancy. This is the starting point of
cystocentesis. If urine is not obtained with the first
puncture, two additional punctures can be
attempted from 1 to 2 centimeters cranial and 1 to 2

Cystocentesis. Small Animal Diagnostic and Treatment Techniques
http://courses.vetmed.wsu.edu/templates/printb.aspx
Page 2 of 2
05-06-2008
centimeters caudal to the initial puncture site. If
urine is not obtained on the first attempt, change
the needle before making another attempt. If a
sample is not obtained on 3 attempts, the bladder is
probably small and in the pelvic canal. Try again
later to collect a sample.
Cystocentesis can be performed on the midline in male dogs by retracting the penis and prepuce off the
midline.
return to main menu
Revised June 19, 2004 | http://courses.vetmed.wsu.edu/samdx/cysto.asp