Ureteral Ectopia in Dogs: Treatment Recommendations

Diagnostic Considerations

Complete assessment of the incontinent patient is critical to make an accurate diagnosis of ectopic ureters (EU) and the associated anatomical anomalies that are likely to impact treatment outcomes. The minimal database for incontinent dogs with suspicion of EU should include a complete urinalysis and urine culture obtained by cystocentesis. If indicated by other findings, a hemogram and serum biochemical profile should be performed to identify systemic disease related to the kidney. Empiric medical management of urinary incontinence using standard therapies such as alpha-adrenergic agonist, Phenylpropanolamine 1.5 mg/kg PO BID to TID or Estriol administered orally and titrated to the lowest possible effective dose, is considered appropriate. Medical therapy is generally not effective as a sole treatment modality in patients diagnosed with EU.

Specific diagnosis and staging of EU and associated anatomical anomalies is likely to involve more than one type of imaging modality. Survey abdominal radiographs should not be overlooked. Plain abdominal radiographs allow the clinician to determine the size, shape and position of the bladder (i.e., intrabdominal or intrapelvic), and presence or absence of a distinct vesicourethral junction. (VUJ). These findings may influence the diagnosis of pelvic bladder syndrome, which has been associated with EU, or other structural anomalies of the lower urinary system. [...]