Clinical Examination of Farm Animals - CYF MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION

Clinical Examination of the Urinary System
Rectum
Diseased
right ureter
Normal left
ureter
Uterus
Right
flank
Bladder
Left flank
Figure 9.2 Diagram to show palpation of
diseased right ureter at rectal examination.
the pelvic floor where it is surrounded by the disseminated
part of the prostate gland. The urethra is
readily palpable per rectum as a firm, muscular tube
approximately 1.5 cm in diameter in the midline of
the pelvic floor. Pulsations are felt in the urethra
when the animal is either passing or attempting to
pass urine, or ejaculating. In some animals pulsation
is induced by palpation of the urethra. The two ampullae
of the vas deferens enter the dorsal wall of the
urethra near the neck of the bladder (Fig. 11.8). Leaving
the pelvis, the urethra passes through the muscular
root of the penis and ventrally downwards in the
midline of the perineum. It is enclosed within the
ventral part of the penis, follows the route of sigmoid
flexure and terminates just caudal to the anterior tip
of the penis.
Passage of urine
Cattle normally pass urine 8 to 12 times per day. They
produce approximately 1 ml of urine per kilogram of
body weight per hour. The average cow passes 6 to 12
litres of urine per day, the exact amount being influenced
by many factors including her weight, diet,
fluid intake and the ambient temperature. Urine is
normally passed with ease and often after a resting
animal gets to its feet. Cows and heifers arch their backs
and stand with their hind feet apart whilst urinating.
The bladder is emptied in 10 to 15 seconds. Male cattle
pass urine less frequently and more slowly. Urine is
passed either in a steady stream or in a pulsatile manner
whilst the animal maintains a normal standing
posture.
Collection of urine samples
Gentle tickling of the perineum around the vulva
with a piece of straw or the fingers may encourage
a cow or heifer to urinate. In some male animals
similar handling of the prepuce may be followed
by urination. This is only possible and safe in quiet
animals.
Once collected, the urine sample should be inspected,
smelled and its contents tested.
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