2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Here we describe cytometric quantification of bladder dysfunction in chronic paraplegic pet dogs. These dogs were <20 kg and had sustained severe T3-L3 spinal cord injury resulting in inability to walk or control urination persisting for at least three months post-injury. A dual-lumen sterile urinary catheter was used for cystometry: one lumen was used to infuse 0.9% sterile saline into the bladder while the other measured intravesicular pressure. Infusion was terminated when: (1) leaking was apparent at the external urethral orifice; or, (2) when the physiologic maximum holding capacity of 20 mL/kg was reached; or, (3) when the 50 mmHg intra-vesicular pressure threshold was reached.