Use of a percutaneous transabdominal catheter for management of obstructive urolithiasis in goats, sheep, and potbellied pigs: 69 cases (2000–2014)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of a percutaneous transabdominal catheter (PTC) for urinary bladder drainage in goats, sheep, and potbellied pigs with obstructive urolithiasis. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 43 goats, 10 sheep, and 16 potbellied pigs (all males) with obstructive urolithiasis evaluated at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. PROCEDURES Medical records of goats, sheep, and potbellied pigs examined because of obstructive urolithiasis from January 2000 through December 2014 were reviewed. Records of animals for which a standard PTC had been placed into the urinary bladder as part of disease management were selected. Data were collected regarding signalment, complications associated with PTC placement, and duration of PTC placement prior to removal. RESULTS 42 of 43 goats, 5 of 10 sheep, and all potbellied pigs were castrated. Median (range) duration of PTC placement was 2 (1 to 4) days for goats, 1 (1 to 4) day for sheep, and 1 (1 to 3) day for potbellied pigs. Complications associated with PTC placement included blockage of the catheter by urine sediment, perforation of the cecum, and migration of the catheter out of the urinary bladder. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Placement of a PTC into the urinary bladder allowed for effective stabilization of goats, sheep, and potbellied pigs with obstructive urolithiasis while acid-base and electrolyte imbalances were corrected. Use of a PTC should be considered for urinary bladder drainage during medical management or prior to surgical management of obstructive urolithiasis for these species.

Urolithiasis in a female miniature potbellied pig

“…However, placement of a percutaneous transabdominal catheter should be considered as a treatment alternative for temporary relief of obstructive urolithiasis in potbellied pigs. In one retrospective study, the majority of the pigs (14/16) that underwent this procedure required surgery within three days of catheter placement, one pig was euthanized and one did not require additional procedures 9. This suggests that in pigs with urinary obstruction, surgery should be considered and is often essential.…”

Diagnosis and management of obstructive urolithiasis in miniature pigs

“…Ultrasound-guided placement of a temporary percutaneous catheter (Bonnano, Becton, Dickinson & Co) into an intact urinary bladder can allow for medical stabilization of a patient prior to surgery under general anesthesia. 18 Additionally, this temporary catheter placement may allow time for the patient to be referred to another facility for surgical treatment or else to avoid costs associated with after-hours surgery by allowing surgical intervention to occur during normal business hours. Most pigs that undergo this specific procedure are reported to require a subsequent surgical procedure to resolve urinary obstruction, and catheter occlusion is a reported complication in this species.…”

“…Most pigs that undergo this specific procedure are reported to require a subsequent surgical procedure to resolve urinary obstruction, and catheter occlusion is a reported complication in this species. 18 However, in cases with uroliths that can dissolve in acidic solution, it may be possible to administer an oral urinary acidifier or directly instill buffered acetic acid (Walpole's Solution, Jorgensen Labs) or buffered citric acid (Renacidin, Guardian Laboratories) into the urinary bladder via the urinary catheter and dissolve cystic and/or urethral calculi. 18 A similar procedure using a 16-French Foley catheter S77 introducer (Introducer Lawrence Supra-Foley 16 Fr, Utah Medical) and a 14-French Foley catheter has been used by one of the authors (KMS) to percutaneously place a cystostomy tube in the left inguinal region via ultrasound guidance in a potbellied pig with struvite urolithiasis.…”

Präpubische Urethrostomie bei einem Wiesenauer Minischwein mit Urolithiasis

“…Die Urolithiasis ist ein gut bekanntes, nicht so seltenes Leiden bei Minischweinen 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 23 , 24 , 25 . Die Harnsteinbildung und deren Ansammlung in Blase und Harnröhre dürfte auch bei Nutzschweinen, die zur Zucht und Mast gehalten werden, vergleichbar hoch sein 4 , 26 .…”

“…In der Diagnostik weisen meist die klinischen Symptome sowie erhöhte Werte der harnpflichtigen Substanzen Kreatinin und Harnstoff im Serum auf eine Obstruktion der ableitenden Harnwege hin 8 , 9 , 11 , 16 , 17 , 27 , 28 . Allerdings trifft das bei Minischweinen, wie auch im vorliegenden Fall, selten zu 8 , 23 , 24 , da keine Azotämie bestand. Anzunehmen ist, dass Minipigs bei Auffälligkeiten jeder Art dem Tierarzt wie ein „companion animal“ zeitnah vorgestellt werden und sich bis dahin keine Azotämie entwickeln konnte.…”