Laser treatment for ectopic ureters in male dogs and outcomes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There are limited studies on cystoscopic-guided laser ablation for treating ectopic ureters in male dogs. Further investigation is needed to assess its safety and efficacy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: Retrospectively describe long-term outcomes in male dogs treated using cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of ectopic ureters (CLA-EU). ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned male dogs. METHODS: Medical records of male dogs that had CLA-EU performed were retrospectively reviewed. Continence scores were assigned before and after the procedure. Data collected included signalment, neuter status, age of onset of urinary incontinence, pre- and post-operative continence scores, CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, microbiological urine culture, pre- and post-operative abdominal imaging, EU laterality, concurrent anatomic anomalies, laser type and size used, procedure time, complications, and follow-up. RESULTS: The procedure was performed successfully in all 28 ureters in the 18 dogs. Post-operative continence scores were significantly improved from pre-operative scores (p = 0.001). Four (22%) dogs were continent at the time of diagnosis. Of the 14 dogs initially incontinent, 11/14 (79%) became continent after CLA-EU without additional treatments, and an additional dog became continent with the addition of medications. Preoperatively, 14/28 kidneys and 17/28 ureters had evidence of hydronephrosis and hydroureter, respectively. Of the dogs, 10/14 with hydronephrosis and 12/17 with hydroureter showed improvement on post-operative ultrasonography. The median follow-up time was 1789 days (range, 98-3560). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In male dogs, CLA-EU was a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure with good to excellent short- and long-term outcomes, achieving continence in most dogs and improvement or stabilization of associated hydronephrosis and hydroureter.