Effect of intermittent bladder flushing on recurrence rate in feline urethral obstruction: 72 cases.

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of intermittent bladder flushing on recurrent urethral obstruction (rUO) at 7 d and 30 d after discharge and the risk of bacteriuria as a result of indwelling urethral catheterization.

Animals:

There were 72 cats with suspected obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis admitted to the hospital.

Procedures:

Cats were randomly assigned to either intermittent bladder flushing (n = 34) or no-flush (control) groups (n = 38). Bladder flushing was performed with 5 mL/kg of sterile 0.9% saline, q8h during indwelling urinary catheterization. Urine was tested for bacteriuria by a point-of-care test at the time of urinary catheterization and via cystocentesis following catheter removal before discharge. Risk of rUO by groups and its association with other variables were evaluated.

Results:

The age (median: 3.0 years) in the flush group was younger (P = 0.01), and the length of hospitalization (> 24 hours) was longer (P < 0.01) than that of the control group. Overall rUO was 6.6% on Day 7 and 21.8% on Day 30 after discharge, but there was no significant difference between groups. A shorter duration of catheterization (< 24 hours) was associated with higher risk of rUO (odds ratio: 6.0). The incidence of catheter-related bacteriuria was 14.5% and was not significantly different between groups (13.8% and 15.2% in the flush and control, respectively).

Conclusion and clinical relevance:

Intermittent bladder flushing during hospitalization appears safe but did not decrease the incidence of rUO. The incidence of bacteriuria following catheterization was not affected by intermittent bladder flushing.

• Authors: Kaoru Tsuruta, Amy Butler, Joana Goic
• Journal: The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne (Can Vet J) Vol. 63 Issue 12 Pg. 1236-1241 (12 2022) ISSN: 0008-5286 [Print] Canada
• PMID: 36467381 (Publication Type: Randomized Controlled Trial, Veterinary, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

Topics

• Cats
• Animals
• Urinary Bladder
• Bacteriuria (veterinary)
• Urethral Obstruction (veterinary)
• Urinary Catheterization (adverse effects, veterinary)
• Urethra
• Cat Diseases