Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Laser treatment safely breaks bladder and urethra stones in dogs
By Lulich, Jody P et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2009·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Efficacy and safety of laser lithotripsy in fragmentation of urocystoliths and urethroliths for removal in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 100 dogs with bladder stones (urocystoliths) and urethral stones (urethroliths) underwent a procedure called laser lithotripsy to break up the stones for easier removal. The treatment was successful in removing stones completely in 82% of the dogs, with female dogs showing better outcomes. While some dogs experienced temporary bleeding and inflammation, the procedure was generally safe and effective, offering a good alternative to traditional surgery. Most dogs recovered well, with significant improvement noted within days after the treatment.
People also search for: dog bladder stones treatment · laser lithotripsy for dogs · dog urinary tract obstruction symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the efficacy and safety of laser lithotripsy in the fragmentation of urocystoliths and urethroliths for removal in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 100 dogs with naturally occurring urocystoliths and urethroliths. PROCEDURES: Via cystoscopy, laser lithotripsy was performed to fragment uroliths. Basket retrieval and voiding urohydropropulsion were used to remove fragments. Postprocedural contrast cystography was performed to assess efficacy and safety. In 40 dogs, midstream urine samples were collected just prior to laser lithotripsy (day 0) and on days 1, 3, and 11 after laser lithotripsy to assess inflammation. RESULTS: Urolith removal was complete in 82% of dogs (52/66 with only urocystoliths, 17/17 with only urethroliths, and 13/17 with urocystoliths and urethroliths). Urolith removal was incomplete in 18 dogs; of these dogs, 9, 6, and 3 had urolith fragments >or= 3 mm, 1 to < 3 mm, and < 1 mm in diameter, respectively. Sex (female) was the most significant predictor for success. Median procedure time was 72 minutes. Two dogs developed urinary tract obstruction following laser lithotripsy. Hematuria was detected in 53% of dogs on day 0 and in 84%, 13%, and 3% of dogs on days 1, 3, and 11, respectively. Leukocyturia was detected in 13% of dogs on day 0 and in 47%, 0%, and 3% of dogs on days 1, 3, and 11, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that use of laser lithotripsy was a safe and effective alternative to surgical removal of urocystoliths and urethroliths in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19442022/