The use of less invasive techniques for the treatment of urinary tract obstructions, such as the placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) or a balloon expanded metal stent (BEMS), has gained popularity, and it has proven to be a safe, fast and effective method to restore urethral patency in dogs. However, there are only a few studies emphasizing the possible benefits of this technique in cats, taking into account their anatomical peculiarities. The study was carried out with twelve cadavers of the feline especies. An evaluation of the urethral diameter was performed using retrograde uretrocistography. The 0.36mm hydrophilic guidewirethat was inserted into the urethra and advanced to the bladder was passed through the catheter. With the guide correctly positioned, the catheter was removed and a balloon expandable stent (BEMS), was introduced with the aid of this guide. The product used varied in diameter, being the smallest 2 mm and the largest 3.5 mm. At the end, a control radiograph was performed to assess if the stent location was adequate. In the radiographic evaluation, it was observed that the distal urethra had a diameter between 1 and 3 mm with a mean of 2.08 mm. In all patients, a balloon-expandable stent was used and the retrograde urethral probing was performed, with the aid of the hydrophilic guide wire for the passing of the stent delivery system. The radiographs performed at the end of the procedures showed the positioning at the distal urethra, as recommended, with the location starting from the intrapelvic, on the distal ischium floor. The use of urethral stent is a minimally invasive technique that may be an alternative to surgical treatment to restore urethral patency in cats. Retrograde stent implantation, using hydrophilic guidewire, was feasible in this non-obstructed cadaveric cats study. An in vivo study is required to test the effectiveness of this technique.
