Catheter-assisted retrieval of urocystoliths from dogs and cats.

To facilitate medical dissolution of uroliths in dogs and cats, urinary catheters may be used to retrieve urocystoliths for quantitative mineral analysis. Following transurethral catheterization of the urinary bladder and distention of the bladder with physiologic saline solution, urine and saline solution are aspirated into a syringe while an assistant vigorously and repeatedly moves the abdomen up and down. Dispersion of small uroliths throughout fluid in the bladder lumen facilitates their aspiration into the catheter and syringe.