Long‐term outcome of female dogs treated for intramural ectopic ureters with cystoscopic‐guided laser ablation. Issue 7 (4th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoey, Christopher S. F. K.; Friend, Ed; Meakin, Lee B.; Chanoit, Guillaume P.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary surgery. Volume 50:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 1449
• Page End: 1462
• Publication Date: 2021-08-04
• Subjects: Veterinary surgery -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 636.0897
• DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-3499

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To report the complications and long‐term outcome of female dogs with intramural ectopic ureter(s) (iEU) undergoing cystoscopic‐guided laser ablation (CLA) and determine the effect of post‐CLA neutering on urinary continence. Study Design: Retrospective clinical study. Animals or Sample Population: Thirty‐four client‐owned dogs. Methods: Medical records of female dogs that had iEU‐CLA were reviewed. A 10‐point continence score was assigned before, immediately after, and at a minimum of 12 months postprocedure via owner telephone contact. Neutering status prior to and postprocedure was recorded. Results: Continence scores increased in all dogs after CLA ( p < .0001, mean duration of follow‐up: 63.9 ± 5.7 months) with an increase of the median score from 2 (preprocedure) to 10 (postprocedure). A urethral tear occurred in 2/34 dogs immediately after the procedure, successfully managed conservatively. Mild hematuria was present in 2/34, lasting less than 48 h. Postoperative urinary tract infections were documented in 6/34 dogs. Two dogs died of urinary‐related issues at 1 and 5 months after CLA. Complete and near‐complete urinary continence (scores 9 and 10/10) was achieved in 26/32 dogs including 3 dogs requiring medical (2) or surgical interventions (1). Post‐CLA neutering did not affect continence scores ( p = .44). Conclusion: A large proportion of dogs regained and maintained full continence after CLA alone. Subsequent medical or surgical therapy allowed further improvements when needed. Post‐CLA neutering did not negatively impact urinary continence score. Clinical Significance: The beneficial effect of iEU‐CLA in female dogs is long standing and not affected by postprocedural neutering.