Urinary Catheterization of Adult Male Horses

Purposes of urinary catheterization of adult male horses are to obtain a urine sample for urinalysis and detection of bacterial and viral pathogens, to drain the bladder when the patient is unable to empty its bladder, to collect timed volumes of urine for renal function analysis and to inject contrast for contrast imaging. Complications for the urinary catheterization are bacterial cystitis and trauma. The degree of restraint will depend on the age, training, and disposition of the horse. Restraint in stocks is optional. For geldings and stallions, in general, moderate sedation with an alpha-2 agonist in combination with butorphanol is effective. If urethral obstruction is suspected, administration of alpha-2 agonist drugs, which promote diuresis, may be inappropriate. The use of acepromazine in the male results in good relaxation of the penis. Rare side effects of paraphimosis have been reported following use of acepromazine.