Cystocentesis

Cystocentesis is a veterinary procedure in which a needle is inserted into the urinary bladder of an animal through the abdominal wall, and a urine sample is taken.^[1] Diagnostic cystocentesis is used to collect a urine sample without the risks of bacterial, cellular and debris contamination that other methods have.^[2] Therapeutic cystocentesis may be employed to relieve pressure buildup due to urethral obstruction. Therapeutic cystocentesis is typically a last resort for relief, as a greatly distended bladder^[3] is more likely to rupture when punctured. A safer method of emptying the urinary bladder in this condition is by urethral catheterization.