Download Catheterisation of the Urinary Bladder of Sheep (L6)

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE (AEC)
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FORM
(For Domestic Fowl, Native Fauna/Wildlife, Domestic Livestock & Laboratory Animals)
Title of Procedure:
Catheterisation of the Urinary Bladder of Sheep (L6)
Objective:
To collect a sterile urine sample. To monitor urinary output.
Details of Procedures:
All animals should be sedated, prior to catheterisation, using either;
1) 2.5-5mg acetyl promazine 50kg live weight, intramuscularly or
intravenously (slowly).
OR
2) 8mg Xylazine 50kg live weight, intramuscularly.
All animals should receive a dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics 2-3 hours
prior to catheterisation and animals to be catheterized for 25hrs or more
require a course of antibiotics which will extend until at least 48hrs after
catheter removal.
In the case of entire males and testosterone-treated wethers that are to be
catheterized for any period of time, with an indwelling catheter, great care
needs to be taken that these animals are not sexually aroused.
a) Female sheep
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
The animal is restrained in the standing position and the length of
catheter required determined by holding a piece of string against the
proposed path of the catheter, this will help gauge when the catheter
has reached the urinary bladder.
The perivulval area is clipped free of wool and the area immediately
around the vulva cleaned well with a hibitane solution.
An assistant, using a sterile hand-held speculum and light source, gently
locates the external urethral orifice on the floor of the vaginal cavity
then with sterile gloved hands and using a sterile urinary catheter of
appropriate diameter the operator gently feeds the catheter into the
bladder.
A urine sample can then be withdrawn into a sterile syringe, attached to
the external end of the catheter.
If the catheter is to be indwelling its external end is affixed, with tape
tabs and stitching, to the adjacent wool of the rump or perineum.
If the catheter is to be removed it is slid out gently, a hand held loosely
around the catheter where it leaves the vaginal/vulval orifice, to prevent
the catheter flicking up as it leaves the passage.
b) Male or Castrated Sheep
i.
ARE NOT GOOD SUBJECTS for urinary bladder catheterisation
and THE PROCEDURE IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CLASS
OF ANIMALS
Drug, Chemicals or Biological Agents:


Sedative – as described above
Antibiotics – e.g. Terramycin LA, Noracillan LA
Care of Animals after the Procedure:
Return to pen or paddock, providing at least 48hrs of antibiotic cover and close
(twice daily) surveillance of animals for the 4 days following catheterisation.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills or Training Necessary to Perform this
Procedure:
A good understanding of normal sheep behaviour and anatomy and sensitivity to their
responses to handling and possible internal infection.
Effects of Procedure on Wellbeing of Animals:
Should be Nil.
Pain Relief Measures:
Nil required
References:
Nil
Prepared by: Ruth Tremont (UNE Director of Animal Welfare), 1992
Reviewed by: Dr I Godwin (Environmental and Rural Science) & A/Prof J McFarlane
(Science and Technology), 2006/7