Cystoscopy and biopsy of the feline lower urinary tract

Cystoscopy is rapidly developing as a diagnostic and therapeutic technique for application in feline practice. Instruments are currently available that provide transurethral access to the lower urinary tract in most cats with prepubic percutaneous cystoscopy allowing evaluation when transurethral cystoscopy is not applicable. Cystoscopy is indicated for assessment of chronic cystitis, hematuria, tenesmus, increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, alteration of urinary stream, trauma, and cystic and urethral calculi. The vagina, urethral opening, urethra, bladder, and ureteral openings can be effectively assessed and samples can be collected for histopathology, cultures, and stone analysis. Cystoscopy provides easy access to diagnostic information that can be difficult to obtain with any other technique.