[Endoscopic studies of the bladder in breeding sows--diagnosis of cystitis]

With a flexible scope the examination of the bladder is possible at the standing sow without anaesthesia. When using a non-flexible scope general anaesthesia with a supplementary spinal anaesthesia is necessary in order to avoid lesions of the urinary tract and damage of the instrument. For a systematic inspection the bladder must be emptied and filled with air. The state of the bladder can be estimated by the colour of mucosa, the condition of visible blood vessels and of the mucosal surface. To prevent infections careful disinfection of the scope as well as antibiotic treatment of the bladder is important. There were good correlations between endoscopic findings in sows with cystitis and parameters of urinalysis especially for sensory parameters, proteinuria, leukocyturia and significant bacteriuria. An advantage of cystoscopy is the possibility to survey beginning or chronic symptoms of cystitis, even when urine is nearly unchanged.