Postoperative Incontinence Rates and Possible Prognostic Factors in Dogs with Ectopic Ureters

Introduction and study Aims
Ectopic ureters are the most common cause of urinary incontinence in young dogs. postoperative incontinence rates of 44-67% have been reported(1). previous studies were performed in groups of dogs ranging from 9-43 individuals using various surgical techniques, thus making it difficult to deduce a specific operative success rate.
This study aims to clarify postoperative incontinence rates after neostomia and re-im- plantation of ectopic ureters and in a large group of dogs. possible prognostic factors for a successful outcome are also evaluated.

Materials and Methods
All dogs diagnosed with ureteral ectopia from 2002 to 2013 at two referral centers in the netherlands were identified in computerized databases. the type and location of the ectopic ureter, age of onset of symptoms, gender, breed and additional defects of the urogenital system were obtained from clinical files.
A structured questionnaire, aiming to define clinical outcome, was sent to owners of all identified dogs, including deceased animals.

Results and conclusions
Sixty dogs (17 males and 43 females) were identified, including Labrador- (n=26) and Golden retrievers (n=10). Mean age at onset of symptoms was 10 months (range 0-95 months). thirty-three dogs were affected unilaterally (18 left and 15 right), and 27 dogs bilaterally. intramural lesions were present in 50 dogs and extramural lesions in 8 dogs. two cases were bilateral and presented with both an intra- and extramural lesion. the majority of animals presented with dilation of the affected ureter and associated pyelum.
Initial results of 15 questionnaires suggest a postoperative incontinence rate of 35%, suggesting the outcome of surgery may be better with the surgical methods under study, than those reported previously. the identification of possible prognostic factors for successful outcome may contribute to a better management of dogs with ectopic ureters in the future.