December 2024

Urinary Catheterization in Male Dogs

By Melanie Newton, CVT, VTS (ECC), Veterinary Technician Development Coordinator – Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education blog, Melanie Newton, CVT, VTS (ECC) describes how to place a urinary catheter in a male dog. Urinary catheterization has several uses in veterinary medicine. Calculating urinary output, preventing recurrent urinary blockages, and helping to maintain a patient’s cleanliness are just a few of the reasons to place a urinary catheter. The placement of urinary catheters in male canines can be easily taught and utilized by veterinarians and veterinary technicians alike. While there are several ways to perform urinary catheterization, we will discuss some of the more popular options.

Temporary Catheterization for Urine Collection

Passing a temporary urinary catheter (u-cath) for urine collection is a fast and easy way to obtain a sample from a male canine. This technique allows for a sterile sample to be obtained and avoids having to perform cystocentesis. Due to the anatomy of the vulva and the difficulty associated with passing a u-cath, temporary catheterization is not typically utilized in females. There are different ways to perform temporary urinary catheterization while utilizing a red rubber catheter: total sterile technique and an aseptic/sterile technique, which will be described below.

Choosing Red Rubber Urethral Catheter Size

Choosing which size red rubber to use to perform temporary catheterization is based on patient size. Red rubbers range from 3.5-14fr, however, you do not need to use the largest size possible. Select a size that feeds smoothly without a large amount of resistance to prevent damage to the urethra and to prevent the patient from being in pain.

Supplies needed: dilute chlorhexidine, gauze, sterile gloves, sterile lubricant, red rubber catheter, and catheter tip syringe (size will depend on amount of urine needed)

  1. The penis should be extruded from the prepuce while the patient is in lateral recumbency.
  2. Using gauze and chlorhexidine, gently remove any debris and clean the opening of the urethra.
  3. While using sterile gloves, remove the catheter from the packaging.
  4. Using sterile technique, apply a small amount of lubricant to the tip of the catheter.
  5. Pass the catheter into the urethral opening until urine is seen.
  6. Collect urine in the syringe and then gently remove the catheter.

*If a catheter tip syringe is not available, the red rubber can be cut to allow a smaller syringe tip to attach*

Figure 1: Total sterile technique. Photo courtesy of Melanie Newton.

Aseptic/Sterile Technique (Figure 2 and 3)

Supplies needed: dilute chlorhexidine, gauze, non-sterile gloves, scissors, sterile lubricant, red rubber catheter, and catheter tip syringe (size will depend on amount of urine needed)

  1. Prepare the red rubber catheter packaging: cut a small movable piece about ¼ of the way down, but do not remove! This will act as the sterile “holder” for advancement of the red rubber.
  2. The penis should be extruded from the prepuce while the patient is in lateral recumbency.
  3. Using gauze and chlorhexidine, gently remove any debris and clean the opening of the urethra.
  4. Apply a small amount of sterile lube to the tip of the catheter.
  5. Using the moveable holder, guide the catheter into the urethra opening while maintaining sterility.
  6. Collect urine in the syringe and then gently remove the catheter.

Figure 2: Technique for cutting the “holder” piece of the red rubber. Photo courtesy of Melanie Newton.

Figure 3: Aseptic/sterile technique. Photo courtesy of Melanie Newton.

Indwelling Urinary Catheter Placement

During hospitalization, indwelling urinary catheterization may be necessary for calculating urinary output, collecting urine that may have contaminants (i.e. leptospirosis), or for overall cleanliness of a down patient. Placing an indwelling u-cath is similar to the sterile technique for temporary catheterization. While a red rubber catheter can be used and secured in place with suture, a Foley catheter is the ideal device for indwelling u-caths.

Foley catheters contain a balloon that is inflated after placement. The balloon is inflated using sterile saline and sits at the trigone of the bladder, which prevents the Foley from becoming dislodged. Some Foley catheters come with a guide wire that can be used for placement. This allows the Foley to be slighter stiffer and helps with guiding the u-cath into the bladder with ease. The Foley will be labeled with how much saline is required to fill the balloon.

Indwelling Urinary Catheter Placement in Male Dogs

Supplies needed: dilute chlorhexidine, gauze, sterile gloves, sterile lubricant, Foley catheter (with or without guidewire), saline, and urine collection set.

  1. The penis should be extruded from the prepuce while the patient is in lateral recumbency.
  2. Using gauze and chlorhexidine, gently remove any debris and clean the opening of the urethra.
  3. While using sterile gloves, remove the Foley catheter from the packaging.
  4. Using sterile technique, apply a small amount of lubricant to the tip of the Foley catheter.
  5. Pass the Foley into the urethral opening until urine is seen.
  6. If there is a guidewire, remove after placement.
  7. Using the appropriate amount of saline, fill the balloon and then gently pull the Foley to ensure it is properly placed. A placement radiograph can also be obtained.
  8. Attached a closed urine collection set or an injection cap if a collection set will not be used.

*Flushing a small amount of sterile saline into the Foley prior to placement can assist with guide wire removal

Indwelling Urinary Catheter Maintenance

While an indwelling u-cath can help with patient care and cleanliness, there are some complications that should be considered. Patients with u-caths are at higher risk of forming a urinary tract infection due to the u-cath allowing passage of debris and bacteria directly into the bladder. To help mitigate this risk, u-cath maintenance is essential.

Cleaning the urinary catheter daily can help to decrease the risk of bacterial infections. Using diluted chlorhexidine and aseptic technique, the u-cath can be wiped from the penis down towards the collection set every 4-6 hours to keep the u-cath clean and clear of debris.

Decreasing the number of times the collection set is disconnected can also assist in the prevention of bacterial infections. Urinary bags with a drainage valve can be used to prevent having to disconnect the collection set.

Making sure the u-cath and collection set are located in a clean area can also help to prevent infections. Using “chuck” pads to line the patient area and changing soiled or used bedding frequently can help to reduce the risk of infection.

Urinary catheters are an excellent tool for use in outpatients and hospitalized patients. With a little practice and training, male urinary catheterization can be utilized by veterinarians and veterinary technicians of all skill levels!

  1. Olivia Dallas says:

    Definitely cool to see the different techniques there are to put in catheters. Never would have thought about cutting the paper to have a “Holder” to make it as sterile as possible.

Only VETgirl members can leave comments. Sign In or Join VETgirl now!