Feline Ureterolithiasis: Comparison Between Double Pigtail Ureteral Stent and Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass Device in 50 Cats

Introduction:
The uses of ureteral stent or subcutaneous ureteral bypass device (SUB) have been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional techniques for ureteral obstruction in cats. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of cats with ureteral obstruction managed with ureteral stents or SUBs.

Material and Methods:
Medical records of cats diagnosed with ureteral obstruction undergoing placement of stents (group 1) and SUBs (group 2) between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed. Signalment, clinical signs, biochemical data, procedural information, length of hospitalisation, complications and a minimum of 6 months follow-up were analysed.

Results:
Thirty stents and 30 SUBs were implanted in 27 and 23 cats, respectively. The median operating time and length of hospitalisation were longer in group 1 (p<0.0001). Ureteral stent and SUB were associated with 18% and 13% perioperative mortality rate, respectively. Stent placement was associated with increased lower urinary tract diseases, such as hematuria (p=0.047), pollakiuria/ stranguria (p=0.029) and occlusion (p=0.047). The number of additional procedures was higher in group 1 (44% including uroabdomen, stent occlusion, refractory cystitis) compared with group 2 (8% including SUB occlusion and urethral obstruction) (p=0.012). Cats treated with stent had shorter median survival time (p=0.043).

Discussion/conclusion:
SUB is a safe alternative of stent for treatment of ureteral obstruction that improves outcomes and reduces complications.