Resident Schwarzman Animal Medical Center New York, NY, United States
Abstract:
Background: To report the use of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (CLA) for ectopic ureters (EU) in male dogs. Hypothesis/Objective: To retrospectively describe the long-term outcomes using CLA for correction of intramural EU in a larger cohort of male dogs than previously reported. Animals: Eighteen client-owned male dogs
Methods: Medical records of male dogs that had CLA-EU performed were retrospectively reviewed. Continence scores were assigned (out of 10) before and after the procedure, and after additional intervention. Data collected included signalment, neuter status, age of onset of urinary incontinence, pre- and post-operative continence scores, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis and microbiological culture, pre-operative abdominal imaging, EU laterality, concurrent urinary tract anatomic anomalies, laser type/size used, procedure time, complications, and follow-up time.
Results: The CLA-EU procedure was technically successful in all dogs. Four (22%) dogs were continent at the time of presentation. Post-operative continence scores were significantly improved from pre-operative (P= 0.001). Of the 14 that were initially incontinent, 11(79%) became continent without any additional intervention and 86% with the addition of medications, resulting in 89% of dogs completely continent at the end of the study period. The presence of pre-operative EU orifice stenosis (P=0.04), hydronephrosis (P=0.02), hydroureter (P=0.03) or a normal urethral diameter (P=0.0009) were significantly associated with a better post-operative continence score. The median follow-up time was 1789 days (range, 98-3560). Conclusion and Clinical Importance: CLA-EU in male dogs was a safe, minimally invasive, and effective procedure with good short- and long-term outcomes, achieving continence in most dogs.
