Surgical management of ectopic ureters in dogs: Clinical outcome and prognostic factors for long-term continence*

ObjectiveTo determine outcomes after surgical correction of ectopic ureters (EU) and identify prognostic factors for long-term continence. Study designRetrospective study. AnimalsForty-seven dogs (36 females and 11 males). MethodsMedical records (1999-2016) of dogs with surgical correction of EU were reviewed. A continence score (1=incontinent, 2=sporadic incontinence, 3=continent) was attributed preoperatively, at discharge, 1 month postoperatively, and at long-term evaluation. ResultsTwenty-eight dogs had unilateral and 19 dogs had bilateral EU (57 intramural and 9 extramural). Nineteen dogs had a pelvic bladder. Neoureterostomy with dissection (n=50), ureteroneocystotomy (n=9), or nephroureterectomy (n=7) were performed. Thirty-three dogs were neutered: 32 before or during the surgery and 1 after surgery. Colposuspension was performed during surgical correction in 15 dogs. Adjuvant medical treatment improved postoperative continence scores. Median continence scores were greater at discharge (3), at 1 month postoperatively (3), and at long-term evaluation (3) than before surgery (1). At long-term evaluation (mean 46.1 months), a score of 1 was observed in 19%, a score of 2 in 7%, and a score of 3 in 74% of the dogs. ConclusionOverall, good (score 2) to excellent (score 3) long-term outcome was achieved in 81% of dogs. Long-term continence was improved with medical treatment and neutering was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence of incontinence in this population of dogs.