Modified Toyoda technique for total cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy in a cat.

OBJECTIVES: To report the technique and outcome of a cat treated with a total cystectomy and bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy. ANIMALS: A 16-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair cat. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. CASE PRESENTATION: A cat was referred after a 2-week history of pollakiuria and hematuria. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) was suspected based on ultrasonographic, cytologic, and contrast computed tomographic (CT) findings. A total cystectomy was combined with a modified cutaneous ureterostomy: the ureter, incised like a fish-mouth aperture, was anastomosed to the skin after the creation of a rectangular-shaped defect. Complete excision of a TCC was confirmed histologically. RESULTS: Ureteral stents were removed 7 days (left) and 28 days (right) postoperatively. The cat's incontinence was managed with an absorbent diaper surrounding the ureteral stomata. The right ureter became obstructed 14 months after surgery, and the cat died at home approximately 16 months after surgery. In spite of the urinary incontinence, the owner was satisfied with the surgery and evaluated the cat's quality of life as satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The total cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy described here allowed urinary excretion and resulted in long-term survival of a cat with bladder TCC.

Laparoscopic-assisted cutaneous ureterostomy in a canine patient with prostatic carcinoma.

A 9-year-old neutered male Dachshund dog was assessed for stranguria. An enlarged prostate was identified on physical examination, and a diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma confirmed by cytology. Due to a neoplastic lower urinary tract obstruction, palliative surgical urinary diversion treatment was performed with laparoscopic assisted cutaneous ureterostomy (LACU). The dog recovered well without any major complications. Adjuvant chemotherapy was maintained and continued for post-surgical medical therapy. This report describes a novel minimally invasive assisted technique in canine patients for palliative treatment of prostatic neoplasia.

Ureterostomias cutânea e colônica em suínos: avaliação da exequibilidade das técnicas / Cutaneous ureterostomies in pigs: technical feasibility assessment

O aumento da expectativa de vida dos animais de companhia favorece a ocorrência de casos de câncer, como o de bexiga. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar a exequibilidade da técnica de ureterostomia cutânea em suínos após a realização da cistectomia total, quando comparada à técnica de ureterostomia colônica, assim como detectar e caracterizar possíveis complicações transoperatórias. Foram utilizados 20 animais, distribuídos em dois grupos. Todos foram submetidos à cistectomia radical e, em seguida, à ureterostomia cutânea ou colônica. A exequibilidade das técnicas foi avaliada. Observou-se o tamanho da incisão, o tempo de diérese, de realização da derivação urinária e o tempo de síntese, estimou-se a perda sanguínea e o grau de dificuldade na realização dos procedimentos de preparo dos ureteres, o preparo do sítio de ureteroanastomose e a realização da ureteroanastomose em si. Os resultados indicam que a ureterostomia cutânea apresentou maior eficiência quando comparada à colônica nos quesitos perda de sangue, tamanho da incisão realizada e facilidade de realização da anastomose. Já a ureterocolostomia apresentou melhor resultado referente à execução do preparo ureteral. Assim, concluiu-se que ambas as técnicas podem ser indicadas como derivações urinárias viáveis e que a escolha dependerá de fatores intrínsecos ao cirurgião e ao paciente.(AU)

Increased life expectancy of pets favors the occurrence of cancer, such as the urinary bladder ones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of cutaneous ureterostomy technique in pigs after the total cystectomy compared to the technique of colonic ureterostomy, as well as detect and characterize possible intraoperative complications. For that, 20 pigs were used, divided into two groups. All patients underwent radical cystectomy and then the cutaneous or colonic ureterostomies. The technical feasibility was assessed during the procedures. The procedures compared were: the incision size, dieresis time, realization of urinary diversion and the synthesis time. Also, the estimated blood loss and the degree of difficulty in performing the preparation procedures of the ureters, ureteroanastomose site preparation and ureteroanastomose itself were compared. The results indicate that performing cutaneous ureterostomy was better than the colonic ureterostomy in relation to blood loss, incision size, and anastomosis performance. In contrast, ureterocolonostomy showed better results on the implementation of ureteral preparation. Thus, it was concluded that both techniques can be indicated as viable urinary diversions and the choice will depend on factors intrinsic to the surgeon and the patient.(AU)

A minimally invasive surgical technique for ureteral ostioplasty in two fillies with ureteral ectopia.

CASE DESCRIPTION 2 fillies, aged 3 months and 1 month, were examined because of urinary incontinence and urine scalding. CLINICAL FINDINGS In horse 1, ultrasonography did not reveal any structural abnormalities of the kidneys; however, unilateral ureteral ectopia was diagnosed cystoscopically. In horse 2, CT revealed bilateral nephropathy, bilateral distended ureters (up to 3.6 cm in diameter), and bilateral ureteral ectopia. Cystoscopy revealed intramural ureteral ectopia with abnormally caudally positioned ureteral ostia in both horses. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Ureteral ostioplasty was performed under cystoscopic guidance. Laparoscopic scissors (horse 1) or a vessel-sealing device (horse 2) was introduced, and the tissue separating the intramural portion of the ureter from the urethra and bladder was cut longitudinally in a cranial direction toward the trigone. After surgery, both horses were continent and voided normal streams of urine for the duration of the follow-up periods of 20 and 9 months for horse 1 and horse 2, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cystoscopically guided ureteral ostioplasty provided an effective and minimally invasive surgical treatment option for correction of ureteral ectopia in 2 fillies.

Estenose ureteral após cistectomia radical associada à ureterostomia cutânea abdominal: relato de caso / Ureteral stricture after radical cystectomy and cutaneous abdominal ureterostomy: case report

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a realização de cistectomia total associada à ureterostomia abdominal, uma técnica ainda pouco descrita na veterinária, bem como descrever as complicações pós-operatórias observadas. Um canino da raça Akita, macho, 11 anos, castrado, foi atendido com histórico de prostração, hiporexia, disúria, hematúria e incontinência urinária havia aproximadamente 10 dias. No exame clínico, foi observada leve algia abdominal; demais parâmetros estavam dentro da normalidade. Os exames complementares de imagem revelaram presença de massa envolvendo grande parte da vesícula urinária. O paciente foi submetido à cirurgia de cistectomia total associada à implantação cutânea abdominal dos ureteres, e o exame histopatológico chegou ao diagnóstico de carcinoma de células de transicionais (CCT) infiltrativo não papilar. No pós-operatório, o paciente desenvolveu dermatite urêmica leve no local de inserção dos ureteres e estenose ureteral em região distal, de maneira que reintervenções cirúrgicas foram necessárias para a correção. Além disso, observaram-se pielonefrite e hidronefrose secundárias ao quadro obstrutivo. Devido às complicações pós-operatórias, a tutora optou pela eutanásia do cão. Dessa maneira, conclui-se que a estenose ureteral e a pielonefrite são possíveis complicações da técnica de cistectomia associada à implantação abdominal dos ureteres.(AU)

This study aims to report the technique of total cystectomy associated with abdominal ureterostomy, a technique -little described in veterinary medicine, as well as to describe the postoperative complications observed. A male Akita canine, 11 years old, castrated, was attended with a history of prostration, hyporexia, dysuria, hematuria, and urinary incontinence for approximately ten days. The clinical examination revealed mild abdominal pain and other parameters within the normal range. Complementary imaging studies revealed the presence of mass involving a large part of the urinary bladder. The patient underwent total cystectomy surgery associated with abdominal cutaneous implantation of the ureters and histopathological examination led to a diagnosis of non-papillary infiltrative transitional cell carcinoma. In the postoperative period, the patient developed mild uremic dermatitis at the insertion site of the ureters and ureteral stenosis in the distal region, so that surgical reinterventions were necessary for correction. In addition, pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis secondary to the obstructive condition were observed. Due to the postoperative complications, the tutor chose to euthanize the dog. Thus, it is concluded that ureteral stenosis and pyelonephritis are possible complications of the cystectomy technique associated with abdominal implantation of the ureters.(AU)

Radical Cystectomy and Cutaneous Ureterostomy in 4 Dogs with Trigonal Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Description of Technique and Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe radical cystectomy followed by cutaneous ureterostomy as a treatment of invasive bladder neoplasia in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder trigone (n=4). METHODS: Perioperative complications and long-term outcomes of dogs that underwent cutaneous ureterostomy following radical cystectomy and lymphadenectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder trigone were reviewed. Both ureters were transected and anastomosed to the ventral abdominal skin. Polyvinyl chloride catheters were placed in the ureteral stomas and maintained for 5 days. After catheter removal, dogs were managed with an absorbent diaper over the stomas. Long-term outcome and survival were documented by follow-up visits or phone contact. RESULTS: Median age at the time of surgery was 10.3 years (range, 8-12). Average procedural time was ∼4.7 hours (range, 3.8-6.1). Minor complications occurred in all dogs, including bleeding and edema of the ureterostomy site during the first 2-3 days after surgery. One dog developed urine scald that resolved with improved stoma care and hygiene. Median survival time after surgery was 278.6 days (range, 47-498). Distant metastases were documented in 2 dogs at 47 days (bone) and 369 days (lung) after surgery. CONCLUSION: Radical cystectomy with cutaneous ureterostomy is a viable salvage procedure for urinary diversion after cystectomy in dogs with invasive bladder neoplasia. Postoperative management and quality of life were considered acceptable by most owners. Future studies are warranted to evaluate survival time in a larger number of animals.

Signalment, clinical features, and outcome for male horses with urethral rents following perineal urethrotomy or corpus spongiotomy: 33 cases (1989-2013).

OBJECTIVE To describe the signalment, clinical features, and outcome for male horses with urethral rents following perineal urethrotomy (PU) or corpus spongiotomy (CS). DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 33 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of male horses examined because of hematuria or hemospermia caused by urethral rents that underwent PU or CS at a referral hospital between 1989 and 2013 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, clinical features, urethroscopic findings, surgical treatment, and outcome were recorded. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone interviews. RESULTS Age of the study population ranged from 3 to 18 years. Nineteen geldings and 1 stallion were examined because of hematuria, of which 13 and 7 underwent PU and CS, respectively, at a mean of 56 days after onset of clinical signs. Thirteen stallions were examined because of hemospermia, of which 7 and 6 underwent PU and CS, respectively, at a mean of 193 days after onset of clinical signs. Hematuria resolved following 1 surgical procedure in all 17 horses for which long-term information was available. Of the 12 stallions for which long-term information was available, 7 had resolution of hemospermia after 1 PU or CS and 5 developed recurrent hemospermia that required additional PUs or CSs (n = 3) or primary closure of the urethral rent (2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that PU and CS were reliable treatments for resolution of hematuria in male horses with urethral rents; stallions with urethral rents may require multiple PUs or CSs or primary closure of the rent for resolution of hemospermia.

Outcomes of ureteral surgery and ureteral stenting in cats: 117 cases (2006-2014).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare outcomes in cats following ureteral surgery or ureteral stent placement. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 117 cats. PROCEDURES: Data regarding signalment, history, concurrent disease, clinical signs, clinicopathologic tests, surgical procedures, and perioperative complications (including death) were recorded. Follow-up data, including presence of signs of chronic lower urinary tract disease, chronic urinary tract infection, reobstruction, and death, if applicable, were obtained by records review or telephone contact with owners. Variables of interest were compared statistically between cats treated with and without stent placement. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were performed to assess differences in survival time between cats with and without ureteral stents. RESULTS: Perioperative complications referable to the urinary tract were identified in 6 of 43 (14%) cats that had ≥ 1 ureteral stent placed and 2 of 74 (3%) cats that underwent ureteral surgery without stenting. Perioperative mortality rates were similar between cats with (4/43 [9%]) and without (6/74 [8%]) stents. After surgery, signs of chronic lower urinary tract disease and chronic urinary tract infection were significantly more common among cats with than cats without stents. Nineteen of 87 (22%) cats with follow-up information available had recurrent obstruction; incidence of reobstruction did not differ between cats with and without stents. Median survival time did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The potential for signs of chronic lower urinary tract disease and chronic infection, particularly among cats that receive ureteral stents, warrants appropriate client counseling. Judicious long-term follow-up for detection of reobstruction is recommended.

Ureteral implantation using a three-stitch ureteroneocystostomy: description of technique and outcome in nine dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the procedure, postoperative outcome and complications of a new technique for ureteral implantation by means of a three-stitch ureteroneocystostomy in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of dogs requiring ureteral implantation between April 2007 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, preoperative biochemistry results, details of the surgical procedure, perioperative and postoperative complications, postoperative biochemistry results and outcome. RESULTS: Nine dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Follow-up times ranged from 10 to 79 months (median 30 months), with 8 of 9 dogs having an excellent long-term outcome and no major postoperative complications. One dog with follicular cystitis as a comorbidity developed obstruction from inflammatory granuloma and required revision surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The three-stitch technique for ureteral implantation compares favourably to previously documented techniques in terms of outcome and complication rates. Reduced tissue handling and a decreased volume of suture material may be beneficial for healing. The technique is also faster than previously described options, which may be of benefit in unstable patients requiring ureteral implantation due to traumatic injury or rupture.

Correction of intramural ureteral ectopia by ureteral transection and neoureterostomy with the distal ureter left in situ.

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective study to determine postoperative continence when correcting intramural ureteral ectopia by transection of the ureter and neoureterostomy, leaving the distal ureter in situ. We hypothesised that the technique would achieve results comparable to previously described surgical techniques. METHODS: Medical records for dogs that underwent surgery for correction of unilateral intramural ureteral ectopia were reviewed. Cases (n = 9) of a neoureterostomy where the distal ureter was left in situ were included. Postoperatively, owners were contacted by telephone or email and asked to complete a questionnaire, scoring their dog's urinary continence on a scale from 0 to 2 where 0 was completely continent, 1 was occasional incontinence during excitement or while recumbent and 2 was no improvement in postoperative urinary continence, with the dog having constantly wet perivulvar fur and constant dribbling of urine. RESULTS: All dogs showed signs of severe urinary incontinence prior to surgery, including constantly wet perivulvar fur and constant dribbling of urine. Postoperatively, six dogs had a score of 0 and three dogs improved to a score of 1. Time to follow-up after surgery ranged from 1 to 62 months. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support our hypothesis. The technique was simple to perform and urinary continence achieved was comparable to that of other techniques. We suggest that this technique should be considered as an alternative for the correction of intramural ureteral ectopia.

Ureteral papilla implantation as a technique for neoureterocystostomy in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ureteral papilla implantation for neoureterocystostomy in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Five domestic shorthair cats. METHODS: The ureteral papilla was resected and the ureter isolated to the level of the renal hilus. The ureter was reimplanted into the apex of the bladder and the contralateral kidney was removed. Serum creatinine concentrations were measured daily for 7 days, then every other day from days 7-14, then every 3rd day until day 35. Ultrasound examination (once during the first 4 days, then again on day 35) and intravenous pyelography (day 35) were performed to assess ureteral patency. Histologic examination of the anastomosis was performed on day 35. RESULTS: Serum creatinine concentration remained within reference range for all cats except for a transient (<24 hour) increase (2.2, 2.3, and 3.6 mg/dL respectively) in 3 cats. Ultrasound examination and intravenous pyelography revealed no evidence of ureteral obstruction. Histologic examination revealed complete mucosal epithelialization of the anastomosis, moderate inflammation localized to residual suture material, and no evidence of vascular compromise of the ureteral papilla. CONCLUSION: Implantation of the ureteral papilla is a viable technique for neoureterocystostomy in cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Advantages of ureteral papilla neoureterocystostomy include the technical ease of suturing the ureteral papilla, reduced risk of ureteral obstruction because sutures are not placed directly within the ureteral lumen and a more secure anastomosis because a complete 2-layer closure is performed.

Comparison of 3 techniques for ureteroneocystostomy in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 3 techniques for ureteroneocystostomy in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental surgical study. ANIMALS: Fifteen adult cats. METHODS: Cats (15) had ureteroneocystostomy with ureteronephrectomy of the contralateral kidney: 5 cats had an intravesical mucosal apposition technique (modified Leadbetter-Politano; intravesical-MA group), 5 cats had extravesical ureteroneocystostomy (modified Lich Gregoir) using a simple continuous suture pattern (extravesical-SC group) and 5 cats had an extravesical technique using a simple interrupted suture pattern (extravesical-SI group). Renal function was evaluated by measuring serum creatinine concentration. Ultrasonographic assessment of the kidney and ureteroneocystostomy site was performed the day after surgery, twice weekly for 3 weeks and once weekly for the remainder of the study. Cats were euthanatized 50 days after surgery. The kidney and ureter removed at surgery, the remaining kidney, ureter, ureteroneocystostomy site, and bladder were examined histologically. RESULTS: Two extravesical-SC cats were euthanatized because of azotemia and uroabdomen, and 1 died acutely at day 4 for unknown reasons. In the intravesical-MA and extravesical-SI cats, the serum creatinine concentration increased after surgery, peaking at a mean (+/-SD) of 9.4+/-2.4 mg/dL and 4.9+/-3.3 mg/dL on day 3, and decreasing to 3.4+/-5.7 mg/dL and 1.5+/-0.4 mg/dL on day 7, respectively. The extravesical-SI technique was associated with consistently lower serum creatinine concentrations for the first week after surgery compared with the other techniques. The mean serum creatinine concentration was within the reference range in cats in the intravesical-MA and extravesical-SI groups by days 10 and 5, respectively. Renal pelvic dilatation occurred in all cats but resolved more rapidly in cats after extravesical techniques. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine concentrations or renal pelvic dilation between the intravesical-MA and extravesical-SI techniques. Bladder mass height at the anastomosis site was significantly larger and persisted for longer with intravesical-MA technique. CONCLUSION: An extravesical-SI technique is seemingly the choice for ureteroneocystostomy in cats with undilated ureters. Renal pelvic dilation on ultrasound examination should be expected after ureteroneocystostomy in cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique using a simple interrupted pattern for anastomosis should be considered in cats undergoing renal transplantation.

Ureteral mast cell tumor in a dog.

A 6-year-old, castrated male, mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with partial unilateral ureteral obstruction secondary to a ureteral mass. The ureteral mass was surgically resected, and an ureteroneocystostomy was performed. Histopathology of the ureteral mass was consistent with a poorly differentiated mast cell tumor (MCT). The patient recovered well but was euthanized 5 months postoperatively for central nervous system signs. A choroid plexus tumor was diagnosed during necropsy examination. There was no evidence of recurrence or dissemination of the ureteral MCT. Extracutaneous MCTs are rare in dogs, and primary MCT associated with the urinary tract has not previously been reported in the veterinary literature.

Surgical management of a ureteral defect with ureterorrhaphy and of ureteritis with ureteroneocystostomy in a foal.

A 2-day-old male foal developed uroperitoneum. Initial exploration of the abdomen via ventral midline celiotomy failed to localize the source of uroperitoneum. Bilateral nephropyelocentesis and antegrade urography were performed, and a defect in the right ureter and stenosis of the left ureter were identified. With the foal in dorsal recumbency in the Trendelenburg position, ureterorrhaphy was performed on the right ureter. After ureterorrhaphy, a ureteral catheter was maintained as a stent. The stenotic left ureter was transected, and ureteroneocystostomy was performed using a drop-in mucosal apposition technique. The ureteral catheter was removed 26 days after surgery. Histopathologic findings suggested that ureteritis of unknown origin was a possible initiating factor for stenosis of the left ureter. The drop-in technique for ureteroneocystostomy may be used successfully for ureteral transposition in horses. Ureterorrhaphy combined with the use of a ureteral stent may be used to repair ureteral defects in foals.

Ureteral obstruction after ureteroneocystostomy in dogs assessed by technetium TC 99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) scintigraphy.

OBJECTIVE: To use technetium Tc 99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) renal scintigraphy to monitor ureteral obstruction after ureteroneocystostomy in a canine model of partial ureteral obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Eight normal adult dogs. METHODS: Partial ureteral obstruction was created in 8 dogs by incomplete ligation of the terminal right ureter. Two weeks later, ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 7 dogs with unilateral partial ureteral obstruction and in 1 dog that had developed bilateral partial ureteral obstruction. 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy was performed intermittently for 2 weeks after ureteroneocystostomy. Renal transit time of each kidney, as assessed by the time to maximal uptake (time of peak), and glomerular filtration rate, as assessed by percentage of kidney uptake of the radiopharmaceutical between 1 and 3 minutes, were estimated. Comparison between affected and nonaffected kidneys was performed with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. RESULTS: Unilateral partial ureteral obstruction was induced successfully in 7 dogs. In 1 dog, bilateral partial obstruction was induced inadvertently. After ureteroneocystostomy, percentage of kidney uptake of 99mTc-DTPA was low in 4 affected kidneys. The uptake returned to within normal limits in 2 of the kidneys during the observation period. The time activity curve had a more rounded appearance or was increasing continuously for all affected kidneys. A significant increase in renal transit time was observed 2 and 4 days after ureteroneocystostomy. Transit time progressively returned to normal by 4 to 11 days for all affected kidneys except 1. CONCLUSION: Ureteroneocystostomy resulted in persistent partial ureteral obstruction for 4 to 11 days as determined by 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy may be a useful procedure for monitoring renal function and ureteral obstruction after ureteroneocystostomy. Persistent partial ureteral obstruction may be seen 1 to 2 weeks after ureteral reimplantation in dogs with previously existing dilated ureters.

A mucosal apposition technique for ureteroneocystostomy after renal transplantation in cats.

Renal transplantation is a successful treatment for terminal renal failure in cats. However, in the initial clinical study, there was a frequent occurrence of obstruction of the implanted ureter at the bladder wall or stoma. This resulted in the use of a modified "drop-in" technique that had proved effective in the prevention of obstruction in five normal cats. When applied to renal transplant recipients, ureteral obstruction was reduced, but continued to occur. The modified "drop-in" technique was abandoned and replaced with a technique that apposed the cut edge of the ureteral mucosa to the torn edge of the bladder mucosa. This technique is recommended as it has prevented ureteral obstruction in six successive cases. Prevention of ureteral obstruction, and the required corrective surgery, markedly reduces patient morbidity and mortality, length of hospitalization, and expense to the client.

Evaluation of results of preoperative urodynamic measurements in nine dogs with ectopic ureters.

Cytometrographic studies and urethral pressure profiles were performed to objectively assess the functional status of the urinary bladder and urethra in 9 dogs with congenital ectopic ureters. Functional abnormalities of the urinary bladder or urethra were detected in 8 of 9 (89%) dogs. Cystometrographic evidence of reduced bladder capacity was detected in 4 (44%) dogs, and abnormalities in urethral pressure profiles were consistent with urethral incompetence in 6 (67%) dogs. Dogs with urethral pressure profile abnormalities were treated with phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, and the urethral pressure profile was reevaluated. Urethral pressure measurements obtained before surgery (3 dogs) and after phenylpropanolamine (6 dogs) were used to predict the likelihood of continence after surgery. Predicted outcomes included continence maintained without medication (3 dogs), continence maintained with phenylpropanolamine (2 dogs), and persistent incontinence despite phenylpropanolamine administration (4 dogs). After surgical repair of ectopic ureters, 2 of 9 (22%) dogs were continent without medication, and 2 (22%) maintained continence with phenylpropanolamine treatment. Various degrees of incontinence persisted in 5 of 9 (56%) dogs, 4 of which had urethral incompetence that had been documented as poorly responsive to phenylpropanolamine administration prior to surgery. Predicted outcomes were consistent with actual outcomes in 8 of 9 (89%) dogs, with predictions of incontinence proving accurate in 4 of 4 (100%) dogs and predictions of continence proving accurate in 4 of 5 (80%) dogs. Urodynamic assessment of dogs with ectopic ureters appears to be valuable for identifying concurrent functional abnormalities of the urinary bladder and urethra and for predicting postoperative outcome.

Urethral defects in geldings with hematuria and stallions with hemospermia.

A urethral defect, presumed to communicate with the corpus spongiosum penis, caused hematuria in seven geldings and hemospermia in three stallions. Hematuria in geldings occurred at the end of urination. Hematuria was not observed in stallions with hemospermia. A linear urethral defect was identified, by endoscopic examination, on the convex surface the urethra at the level of the ischial arch of each horse. Cause of the defect was not determined. Two stallions were successfully treated for hemospermia, one by temporary subischial urethrostomy combined with sexual rest for 10 weeks, and the other by sexual rest alone for 6 months. The third stallion had hemospermia 6 weeks after urethrostomy. The geldings were successfully treated for hematuria, six by temporary subischial urethrostomy, and one by a subischial incision that extended into the corpus spongiosum penis but did not enter the lumen of the urethra. Efficacy of subischial urethrostomy for treatment of hemospermia was difficult to assess because of the small number of surgically treated stallions. In geldings, surgery eliminated hematuria, presumably by reducing vascular pressure in the corpus spongiosum penis during urination, thus allowing the urethral defect to heal.