Collection of untainted urinary specimens from the bladder of an anesthetized rabbit

It is difficult to collect untainted urine specimens over short intervals of time during renal studies with rabbits. This is because both the ureters and the bladder of this species are relatively friable and minor manipulation can easily cause intraluminal bleeding. We have developed and refined an effective technique and protocol for placing an indwelling urinary bladder catheter into an anesthetized rabbit. The procedure is easy to perform and completely effective and reliable, allowing high-quality urinary specimens to be collected at intervals of 15-20 min over a period of 3-4 hours during a study of acute metabolic acidosis.