Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Conservative treatment for urinary tract rupture in dogs and cats
By Toh, C S L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2025·Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful conservative management of urinary tract rupture in dogs and cats: 52 cases (2003-2024).
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male cat was brought in with a urinary tract rupture after an injury. The vet managed the situation conservatively, using urethral catheters and peritoneal drains to help divert urine without directly repairing the rupture. The cat's urine leakage resolved in about 3 days, and while there was some concern about potential complications like strictures or infections, the cat ultimately recovered well. This approach can be effective for both traumatic and iatrogenic (caused by medical procedures) urinary tract ruptures.
People also search for: cat urinary tract rupture treatment · why is my cat leaking urine · cat bladder injury recovery time
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the successful conservative management of urinary tract ruptures in dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of a hospital between 2003 and 2024 were reviewed to identify dogs and cats with urinary tract rupture. Cases were included if they were successfully managed conservatively (including only procedures that did not directly address the site of rupture). Data recorded included signalment, cause and location of rupture, method and duration of urinary diversion, outcome and complications. RESULTS: Fifty-two cases (40 cats and 12 dogs) were included. The most common causes of rupture were trauma associated with urethral obstruction and catheterisation (18), cystocentesis (17) and external trauma (8). The most common sites of rupture were the urethra (20 cats and five dogs) and urinary bladder (15 cats and four dogs). Bladder ruptures were most commonly managed with urethral catheters and/or peritoneal drains, while urethral ruptures were most commonly managed with urethral catheters and/or cystostomy tubes. The median (range) time to resolution of urine leakage documented on imaging was 3 (1 to 6) days for bladder ruptures and 6.5 (3 to 28) days for urethral ruptures. Radiographic evidence of urethral narrowing was documented in 11/25 cases with urethral tears at a median (range) of 12 (4 to 28) days post-rupture. Urine culture was performed in 22/52 cases with urinary tract ruptures and was positive in 14 cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conservative management can be considered in both iatrogenic and traumatic urinary tract ruptures. The risk of urethral strictures and urinary tract infections should be considered when electing for conservative management of urinary tract ruptures.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40451264/