Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Delayed urethral obstruction after uterine torsion in a pregnant dog.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Reynolds, Debbie & Campbell, Bonnie G
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old pregnant female shih tzu was brought in because she was uncomfortable and had bloody discharge from her vulva. During surgery, it was found that her non-pregnant uterine horn was causing a blockage in her urinary tract. After a cesarean section and removal of her uterus and ovaries, her initial symptoms improved. However, 17 days later, she developed a complete blockage in her urethra due to a mass, which was confirmed through various tests and required additional surgery. The final diagnosis showed severe inflammation and tissue damage in the urethra, likely caused by a lack of blood flow. This case highlights that a delayed urinary blockage can happen after a dog experiences uterine torsion (twisting of the uterus).
Abstract
A 4 yr old pregnant female shih tzu was presented with abdominal discomfort and bloody vulvar discharge. The nongravid uterine horn was reflected caudally over the trigone, obstructing urine outflow. A cesarian section and ovariohysterectomy were performed. Postoperatively, the hematuria and pollakiuria resolved. Seventeen days later, the pelvic urethra was completely obstructed by a soft tissue mass that was identified by rectal palpation, blocked catheterization attempts, contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and surgery. Management included temporary cystostomy tube and definitive prepubic urethrostomy. Histologic diagnosis was severe, multifocal, necrosuppurative urethritis with fibroplasia, fibrosis, and cellulitis, apparently secondary to ischemia. Delayed urethral obstruction is a potential complication of canine uterine torsion.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21896835/