Fluoroscopy-guided basket retrieval of a chronic urinary foreign body in a cat

A 4-year-old neutered male Maine Coon cross cat was presented because of a 3-year history of recurrent lower urinary tract signs. Urinary signs were associated with pyuria, hematuria, and bacteriuria on urinalysis and did not resolve with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics. The cat had undergone a perineal urethrostomy 3 y before presentation; however, the lower urinary tract signs worsened following the surgery. The cat was diagnosed with a foreign body within the urethra and urinary bladder, visible on radiographs and ultrasound. A novel approach involving a nitinol stone extractor basket and fluoroscopic guidance was used to retrieve the foreign material. The newly described procedure was successful and carried minimal complications. The lower urinary tract signs resolved shortly after the procedure and the cat had shown no evidence of recurrence at the time of writing, at least 2 mo after the procedure. Key clinical message: This report describes the successful treatment of a retained urethral catheter using a novel approach with a stone extractor basket and fluoroscopy. This procedure offers an attractive alternative to traditional therapies for urinary tract foreign material.