Cystoscopic diagnosis and treatment of ectopic ureters in female dogs: 16 cases (2005-2008).

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of cystoscopic-guided transection for treatment of ectopic ureters in dogs.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS: 16 female dogs.

PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs that underwent cystoscopic-guided transection of the membrane separating unilateral or bilateral ectopic ureters from the urethra and bladder between May 2005 and May 2008 were reviewed. Postoperative outcome was determined by use of telephone interviews conducted 1 to 36 months after the procedure.

RESULTS: 4 dogs had complete resolution of urinary incontinence with cystoscopic-guided transection alone, an additional 5 dogs had complete resolution with a combination of cystoscopic-guided transection and phenylpropanolamine administration, and an additional 4 dogs had an improvement in urinary control, although urinary incontinence persisted. Outcome could not be assessed in the remaining 3 dogs because of collagen injections in the urethra at the time of ureteral transection (n = 2) or nephrectomy secondary to unilateral hydronephrosis (1).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that cystoscopic-guided transection may be an acceptable alternative to traditional surgical correction of ectopic ureter in dogs. Most complications associated with the cystoscopic procedure were minor and easily managed.