Clinicopathologic analysis of herpesvirus-induced urinary tract infection in specific-pathogen-free cats given methylprednisolone

The clinicopathologic manifestations of bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4; FCAHV strain)-induced infection of the lower portion of the urinary tract were characterized in 12 adult neutered male and 6 female specific-pathogen-free cats, and were compared with those in 12 neutered male control cats. Six neutered male and 6 female cats were given immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation of their urinary bladders with BHV-4. Six neutered male control cats were given immunosuppressive doses of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation of their urinary bladders with uninfected tissue culture control inoculum. Six additional neutered male control cats were exposed only to uninfected tissue culture control inoculum. All cats were observed for 90 days following inoculation. Dysuria and gross hematuria were observed in only 1 BHV-4-exposed cat. Radiographic abnormalities of the lower portion of the urinary tract were not observed. Microscopic hematuria, crystalluria, and lipiduria were identified with similar frequency in BHV-4-exposed and control cats. Results of urine culturing for bacteria, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, and viruses were negative. Viruses were not isolated from blood leukocytes collected from exposed or control cats. Three to 6 weeks after inoculation, high concentrations of BHV-4 serum antibodies were detected in all exposed cats by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Light microscopic examination of the urinary tract revealed multifocal lymphoid cystitis in 2 BHV-4-exposed cats. Except for suppurative bronchitis in 1 BHV-4-exposed cat given glucocorticoids, morphologic differences in urinary and extraurinary tissues were not observed. In urinary bladder tissue collected 90 days after inoculation, BHV-4 was reisolated from urinary bladder explants of all but 1 exposed cat. Virus was also isolated from a kidney explant of 1 exposed male cat, and spleen cell co-cultures of 1 exposed female cat given glucocorticoids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Genetic and serologic analysis of feline cell-associated herpesvirus-induced infection of the urinary tract in conventionally reared cats

The genetic and antigenic nature of feline cell-associated herpesvirus (FeCAHV) was characterized by use of DNA restriction endonuclease analysis, and direct and indirect fluorescent antibody (FA) techniques. Serologic responses of 6 conventionally reared cats with induced FeCAHV urinary tract infection were retrospectively evaluated, using an indirect FA test. The EcoRI, HindIII, and Pst I restriction endonuclease cleavage patterns of FeCAHV DNA were similar to those of bovid herpesvirus 4 (BHV-4; DN599 strain) DNA. Specific fluorescence was observed when FeCAHV-inoculated cell monolayers were reacted with fluorescein-conjugated BHV-4 (DN599 strain) antiserum. Conversely, specific fluorescence was also observed when feline anti-FeCAHV serum and fluorescein-conjugated caprine anti-feline IgG was reacted with BHV-4 (DN599 strain)-infected cell monolayers. At postinoculation week 10, serum antibody titer in cats with FeCAHV-induced urinary tract infection ranged from 1:2,560 to 1:10,240, as measured by use of indirect FA testing. It was concluded that FeCAHV is a member of the BHV-4 group. In addition, the FeCAHV indirect FA test provides a sensitive and specific means of evaluating FeCAHV antibody concentration in exposed cats.     

Clinical evaluation of cats with lower urinary tract disease.

In a prospective study, 141 cats with hematuria, dysuria, urethral obstruction, or combinations of these signs were evaluated by contemporary diagnostic methods and compared with 26 clinically normal cats (controls). Specific diagnosis was established in 45% (64/141) of cats affected with lower urinary tract disease (LUTD). Crystalline matrix plug-induced urethral obstruction was diagnosed in 21% (30/141) of affected cats, uroliths were identified in 21% (30/141) of affected cats, uroliths with concomitant bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) were identified in less than 2% (2/141) of affected cats, and bacterial UTI alone was identified in less than 2% (2/141) of cats with LUTD. Viruses, mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas were not isolated from urine samples collected from affected or control cats. Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV-4)-neutralizing antibodies were not detected in any serum sample obtained from cats with LUTD or from control cats. In contrast, BHV-4 antibodies were detected by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test in sera obtained from 31% (44/141) of cats with LUTD and 23% (6/26) of control cats. The prevalence of positive BHV-4 IFA test results in affected cats was not significantly different from that observed in control cats. Significant association was not apparent between positive BHV-4 IFA test results and clinical diagnosis, abnormal laboratory findings, or cat age. However, the number of male cats with BHV-4 IFA titer was significantly (P less than 0.02, chi 2 test) greater than that of female cats. Detection of BHV-4 antibodies in approximately 30% of affected and control cats indicates prior virus exposure. Further investigations are warranted to clarify the specific role of BHV-4 in cats with naturally acquired LUTD.     

Results of analyses and bacterial cultures of urine specimens obtained from clinically normal cats by three methods

Six urine specimens were obtained from each of 6 male and 6 female cats in a 3-week period. The first and last specimens from each cat were obtained by cystocentesis, 2 were obtained by urethral catheterization, and 2 were caught during voiding stimulated by manual bladder compression. Quantitative urine cultures did not reveal bacteriuria in specimens obtained by cystocentesis, and urinary tract infection did not develop during the study. Bacteria were found in 3 (25%) of 12 urine specimens obtained by catheterization of males and in 1 (8%) of 12 specimens obtained by catheterization of females. Magnitude of bacteriuria in specimens obtained by catheterization was 10 to 1,000 organisms/ml. Bacteria also were found in specimens obtained during voiding. Each of 11 (100%) cleanly caught specimens obtained from males and 7 (58%) of 12 voided specimens from females contained bacteria. Magnitude of bacteriuria in voided specimens was usually 100 to 10,000 organisms/ml, but 3 voided specimens contained greater than 10,000 organisms/ml. Many bacteriuric specimens contained more than 1 type of organism; however, bacteria that might be suspected of causing urinary tract infections in cats were found frequently. Urinalyses were performed on 66 specimens. Completeness of urinalyses depended on the volume of specimens available, but results were normal except for evidence of hematuria in a few specimens obtained by cystocentesis or catheterization. Hematuria was usually mild and was attributed to hemorrhage caused by minor urinary tract trauma during urine collection.     

Frequency and risk factors for urinary tract infection in cats with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Identification and control of infections are important in the management of diabetic cats. Urinary tract infections have not been well characterized in diabetic cats. This retrospective study was performed to review and characterize urinary tract infections in diabetic cats. HYPOTHESIS: Urinary tract infections are common in diabetic cats. ANIMALS: A review was made of the medical records of 141 diabetic cats that had had urine obtained for culture by antepubic cystocentesis and that had not been treated with antibiotics, undergone urinary tract catheterization or urinary tract surgery within 2 weeks of urine collection or had urethral obstruction at the time of urine collection. METHODS: A review of medical records. RESULTS: Urinary tract infection was identified in 18 of 141 diabetic cats. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate (67%). Female cats were at increased risk (prevalence odds ratios [POR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 10.2; P = .013). Clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease and findings on urine sediment examination were good predictors of positive urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Urinary tract infections are common in diabetic cats regardless of status of diabetic control, suggesting routine monitoring with urine sediment exams or urine culture is warranted.     

Corynebacterium urealyticum urinary tract infection in dogs and cats: 7 cases (1996-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical features of Corynebacterium urealyticum urinary tract infection in dogs and cats and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of C urealyticum isolates. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 5 dogs and 2 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs and cats for which C urealyticum was isolated from urine samples were reviewed. Isolates from clinical cases, along with previously lyophilized unsubtyped isolates of Corynebacterium spp collected between 1977 and 1995, were examined and, if subtyped as C urealyticum, tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: Signalment of infected animals was variable. Prior micturition disorders were common, and all animals had signs of lower urinary tract disease at the time C urealyticum infection was diagnosed. Median urine pH was 8.0; WBCs and bacteria were variably seen in urine sediment. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 14 C urealyticum isolates revealed that all were susceptible or had intermediate susceptibility to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and vancomycin and most were susceptible to enrofloxacin. Thickening of the bladder wall and accumulation of sediment were common ultrasonographic findings. Contrast radiography or cystoscopy revealed findings consistent with encrusting cystitis in 3 dogs. Infection resolved in 2 dogs following surgical debridement of bladder plaques and antimicrobial administration. In 2 other dogs and 1 cat treated with antimicrobials, infection with C urealyticum resolved, but urinary tract infection with a different bacterial species developed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that preexisting urinary tract disorders are common in dogs and cats with C urealyticum infection. Treatment with appropriate antimicrobials in combination with surgical debridement might eliminate C urealyticum infection.     

Effect of Therapy on Susceptibility to Urinary Tract Infection in Male Cats with Indwelling Urethral Catheters

Indwelling urinary catheters with a closed urine collection system were maintained in 30 male cats for 3 days after induction of irritant cystitis. All cats received subcutaneous fluids during the 3 days the catheters were in place. The effects of four different treatment regimens on urinary tract infection rates, incidence of urethral obstruction, and development of urinary tract lesions over a 10-day period were compared with results in a nontreated group. Treatments were 1) amoxicillin for 5 days PO; 2) prednisolone for 5 days PO; 3) both amoxicillin and prednisolone for 5 days PO; and 4) dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 3 days intravesicularly. Euthanasia was done before the end of the 10-day experimental period if the cats had two bouts of urethral obstruction or if the cats became uremic for causes unrelated to urethral obstruction. Seven cats were euthanatized before the conclusion of the experiment. These cats had been treated with prednisolone, prednisolone and amoxicillin, or DMSO. All cats that received amoxicillin alone or no therapy survived the 10-day period. Mortality was due to repeated urethral obstruction or to uremia associated with pyelonephritis or papillitis. Urinary tract infection rate was similar in all groups. The group treated with prednisolone alone had the highest incidence of renal infection. Inflammatory lesions in the lower urinary tract were similar in all groups. In conclusion, persistent urinary tract infection often develops in cats with cystitis after indwelling urethral catheterization even when closed systems of urine drainage are used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cystocentesis is essential for reliable diagnosis of urinary tract infections in cats

Urine samples were taken from 79 cats with clinical signs of acute feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) by means of cystocenthesis, catheterization, or at voiding and were cultured. No bacteria were cultured from 79% of the samples taken by cystocenthesis, 55% of the samples obtained by catheterization, and 17% of the samples obtained at voiding. Samples obtained by cystocenthesis most often yielded pure cultures, whereas the voided samples were often contaminated, yielding mixed cultures. Therefore, it is difficult to interpret culture results for voided or catheterized urine samples, which may lead to overdiagnosis of urinary tract infections. E. coli was the most prevalent bacterial species. Numbers of bacteria were low (10(2) to 10(3)/ml) in three out of eight culture-positive samples taken by cystocenthesis, indicating that the number of bacteria present in the bladder of cats with urinary tract infections may be low. This may lead to underdiagnosis of urinary tract infections when interpreting culture results for voided and catheterized samples, because bacterial counts lower than 10(3) colony-forming units/ml of urine are generally considered not clinically relevant. In conclusion, cystocenthesis is the preferred method of sampling for the evaluation of cats with suspected urinary tract infection.     

Prevalence of bovine herpesvirus-4 infection in cats in Central Michigan

The gammaherpesvirus bovine herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) has been isolated from a wide variety of animals, including lions and domestic cats. Although BHV-4 antibodies have been detected in normal cats and cats with urinary disorders, the epidemiology and pathogenic role of BHV-4 in cats is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of BHV-4 antibodies and viral nucleic acid in a population of free-roaming cats. Plasma and peripheral blood leukocyte samples were collected from 52 male and 52 female free-roaming cats impounded at a regional animal control facility in Central Michigan. Plasma concentrations of BHV-4 antibodies were measured with an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Peripheral blood leukocyte DNA was isolated, and a 2-stage polymerase chain reaction with heminested primers delineating a conserved portion of the BHV-4 glycoprotein B gene homologue was used to amplify BHV-4-specific DNA sequences. BHV-4 antibodies were detected in 38 (73%) male and 23 (44%) female cats. Seropositive cats were significantly more likely to be male than female (odds ratio = 3.22; P = .007). Cell-associated viremia was detected in 17 (33%) male and 11 (21%) female cats. Of the 61 seropositive cats, 23 (38%) had a detectable viremia; only 5 (12%) seronegative cats had detectable viremia. Seropositive cats were significantly more likely to be viremic than seronegative cats (OR = 4.30: P = .009). Our results suggest that BHV-4 infection may be more widespread in certain cat populations than previously reported. Furthermore, many cats seropositive for BHV-4 antibodies have a concurrent cell-associated viremia.     

Relationship of upper and lower urinary tract infection and bacterial invasion of uroepithelium to antibody-coated bacteria test results in female dogs

Urinary tract infection was demonstrated in 12 female dogs via bacteriologic culture of a specimen of bladder urine collected by antepubic cystocentesis. Escherichia coli was isolated in pure culture from the urine of 9 dogs. Urine specimens from 2 dogs contained E coli and alpha-streptococci and from 1 dog contained Streptococcus zymogenes in pure culture. In 6 dogs, urinary tract infection was limited to the urinary bladder, whereas 6 dogs had unilateral or bilateral culture-positive renal pelvic urine as well (specimens collected by percutaneous nephropyelostomy). An antibody-coated bacteria (ACB) test was conducted on a portion of the bladder urine specimen from each dog, and the urinary tissues from these 12 dogs and from 6 healthy, noninfected female dogs were examined at necropsy. Tissues were given a subjective score based on the severity of the lesions seen microscopically. Histologic scores, bacterial cultural results, and ACB test results were examined for significance. A significant difference was found in the histologic scores between infected and noninfected dogs (P less than 0.025), but comparisons among histologic scores, cultural results, and ACB test results were not significant among infected dogs. The ACB test could neither be used to localize bacterial infection within the urinary tract nor could it be used to indicate the presence of bacterial invasion of the uroepithelium in dogs.     

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ULTRASOUND AND CLINICAL FINDINGS IN 87 CATS WITH URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION

Urethral obstruction is a life‐threatening form of feline lower urinary tract disease. Ultrasonographic risk factors for reobstruction have not been previously reported. Purposes of this retrospective cross‐sectional study were to describe urinary tract ultrasound findings in cats following acute urethral obstruction and determine whether ultrasound findings were associated with reobstruction. Inclusion criteria were a physical examination and history consistent with urethral obstruction, an abdominal ultrasound including a full evaluation of the urinary system within 24 h of hospitalization, and no cystocentesis prior to ultrasound examination. Medical records for included cats were reviewed and presence of azotemia, hyperkalemia, positive urine culture, and duration of hospitalization were recorded. For medically treated cats with available outcome data, presence of reobstruction was also recorded. Ultrasound images were reviewed and urinary tract characteristics were recorded. A total of 87 cats met inclusion criteria. Common ultrasound findings for the bladder included echogenic urine sediment, bladder wall thickening, pericystic effusion, hyperechoic pericystic fat, and increased urinary echoes; and for the kidneys/ureters included pyelectasia, renomegaly, perirenal effusion, hyperechoic perirenal fat, and ureteral dilation. Six‐month postdischarge outcomes were available for 61 medically treated cats and 21 of these cats had reobstruction. No findings were associated with an increased risk of reobstruction. Ultrasonographic perirenal effusion was associated with severe hyperkalemia (P = 0.009, relative risk 5.75, 95% confidence interval [1.54–21.51]). Findings supported the use of ultrasound as an adjunct for treatment planning in cats presented with urethral obstruction but not as a method for predicting risk of reobstruction.     

Pathophysiology,Clinical Importance,and Management of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Caused by Suprasacral Spinal Cord Injury

Management of persistent lower urinary tract dysfunction resulting from severe thoracolumbar spinal cord injury can be challenging. Severe suprasacral spinal cord injury releases the spinal cord segmental micturition reflex from supraspinal modulation and increases nerve growth factor concentration in the bladder wall, lumbosacral spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglion, which subsequently activates hypermechanosensitive C‐fiber bladder wall afferents. Hyperexcitability of bladder afferents and detrusor overactivity can cause urine leaking during the storage phase. During urine voiding, the loss of supraspinal control that normally coordinates detrusor contraction with sphincter relaxation can lead to spinal cord segmental reflex‐mediated simultaneous detrusor and sphincter contractions or detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia, resulting in inefficient urine voiding and high residual volume. These disease‐associated changes can impact on the quality of life and life expectancy of spinal‐injured animals. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology and management considerations of lower urinary tract dysfunction as the result of severe, acute, suprasacral spinal cord injury. In addition, drawing from experimental, preclinical, and clinical medicine, we introduce some treatment options for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction that are designed to: (1) prevent urine leakage arising because of detrusor overactivity during bladder filling, (2) preserve upper urinary tract integrity and function by reducing intravesical pressure and subsequent vesicoureteral reflux, and (3) prevent urinary tract and systemic complications by treating and preventing urinary tract infections.     

Bacterial species isolated from cats with lower urinary tract infection and their susceptibilities to cefovecin

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial species recovered from 61 cats with lower urinary tract infection (LUTI), and their susceptibility to cefovecin in vitro.

Results

The clinical signs and final clinical diagnosis for cats with confirmed LUTI were also reported. After physical examination of the cats, urine samples including ≥5-6 leucocytes in microscopic evaluation were cultured using bacteriological techniques. The isolates were identified by conventional microbiological methods and tested for in vitro susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. Bacterial growth was observed in 16 of 61 urine samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that 13 of 16 (81%) isolates were susceptible to cefovecin. The most frequently isolated bacterium from cats with signs of lower urinary tract infection, was Escherichia coli.

Conclusion

Cefovecin was found to be effective in cats with LUTI. Because cefovecin is a new antimicrobial agent in veterinary medicine, there are only few studies about urine culture of cats with LUTI. It is the first study on in vitro activity of cefovecin against bacterial isolates from cats with lower urinary infections in Istanbul, Turkey.     

Relationship of Lower Urinary Tract Signs to Seropositivity for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in Cats

A group of 41 cats with signs of lower urinary tract disease was compared to a group of 41 cats without any history of disease for prevalence of seropositivity for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The group of healthy cats was similar in age and gender to the group of cats with signs of lower urinary tract disease. Three of the cats with lower urinary tract disease and one control cat were seropositive for FIV.
This difference was not statistically significant. The most common cause of lower urinary tract signs was idiopathic. Only 7 cats had urinary tract infection, most associated with perineal urethrostomy or catheterization. Six of the cats with bacterial urinary tract infections were FIV negative. J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:34–38. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine .     

Urinary acidification in the prevention and treatment of feline struvite urolithiasis

Two groups of 12 cats were fed ad libitum an experimental dry expanded ration high in magnesium (0.37%, dry matter basis) and similar to most commercial dry cat foods in all other nutrients. The diet of one of the groups contained 1.5% ammonium chloride, which was added to the diet before processing. Urethral obstruction developed twice in 7 of the 12 cats fed the ration without ammonium chloride. Of the 5 remaining cats in that group, 2 had calculi in the urinary bladder and urethra at necropsy. In contrast, only 2 of the 12 cats fed the ration containing ammonium chloride had urethral blockage once; neither cat had another blockage. Both cats had been catheterized twice as paired controls before urethral obstruction. One of these 2 cats died from a urinary tract infection apparently introduced through the indwelling catheter, and at necropsy there were 2 small calculi in the urethra. At the end of the study, only 1 other cat fed the ammonium chloride diet had a calculus in the urinary bladder at necropsy; this cat had not had a urethral obstruction throughout the study. After each cat had 2 urethral blockages, its diet was changed. Four cats were fed the ration containing ammonium chloride and 3, a dry, commercial ration. Of the 4 cats fed the diet containing ammonium chloride, none developed another urethral obstruction within 6 months, and at necropsy, no calculi were in the urinary bladder or urethra. Two of the 3 cats fed the commercial ration experienced urethral blockage within 3 months. These 2 cats were then fed the diet containing ammonium chloride.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Canine bacteruria

Urine from 237 dogs submitted for euthanasia was collected directly by needle aspiration from the urinary bladder. The bacteriological findings were correlated with the sex and age of the dogs. E. coli was the most frequent species found. The overall incidence of bladder infection was 6–2% for males and 26–6% for females. Bladder infection can be categorized on the basis of occurrence in either very young or in older dogs. The infection incidence increased linearly in bitches older than 4 years, ending at a 50% frequency in those more than 10 years old. Pyometra frequency also increased after 4 years of age and this pattern may indicate a common causative factor for urinary tract infection and pyometra. This investigation shows that subclinical urinary tract infection is common in dogs and is related to age in bitches.     

Transpelvic urethrostomy in 11 cats using an ischial ostectomy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and long-term outcome of a modified subpubic urethrostomy technique termed transpelvic urethrostomy (TPU) in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Eleven male cats with obstructive lower urinary tract disease that could not be relieved, and requiring a surgical urinary diversion, were selected for TPU. METHODS: With the cat in dorsal recumbency, the penis was exposed and the ventral pelvis was denuded by median adductor muscle elevation. An approximately 12 mm x 15 mm area of ischium was removed. The pelvic urethra, 8-20 mm cranial to the bulbourethral glands, was incised longitudinally and sutured to the skin to create a urethrostomy. RESULTS: All cats were neutered males (2-9 years); none were uremic or hyperkalemic at admission. Urine was cultured if there was leukocyturia, nitrituria, and/or bacteriua. Bacteria were isolated from 2 specimens. A patent urethrostomy was created in all cats without operative complications. Except for 1 cat without associated clinical signs, stricture was not evident between 9 and 42 months after urethrostomy. One cat had postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) that resolved within 4 weeks. Two cats each had 1 episode of idiopathic lower urinary tract disease after 6-month follow-up; both responded to medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: TPU was used as a successful urinary diversion procedure relieving signs of urinary tract obstruction and preventing further obstruction, with few complications. The incidence of UI after TPU remains minimal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TPU should be considered as a salvage urinary diversion procedure in cats (as an alternative to prepubic and subpubic techniques). TPU may also be considered as a possible primary urinary diversion solution (an alternative to perineal urethrostomy) for obstructive lower urinary tract disease in cats.     

Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the veterinary version of the bladder tumor antigen (V-BTA) test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract of dogs. ANIMALS: 229 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Urine samples from dogs were shipped overnight to a single laboratory to facilitate testing within 48 hours of collection by use of the V-BTA rapid latex agglutination urine dipstick test. Groups of dogs included the following: 1) dogs with TCC of the lower urinary tract, 2) healthy control dogs, 3) unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and 4) unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease. Test sensitivity and specificity were calculated by use of standard methods. Logistic models were developed to assess the effect of disease status, test conditions, urine composition, and signalment on the performance of the V-BTA test. RESULTS: A total of 229 urine samples were analyzed, including 48 from dogs with suspected (n = 3) or confirmed (45) TCC. Test sensitivities were 88, 87, and 85% for all dogs with (suspected and confirmed) TCC, dogs with confirmed TCC at any site, and dogs with confirmed TCC of the urinary bladder, respectively. Test specificities were 84, 41, and 86% for healthy control dogs, unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease, respectively. The test performed slightly better on centrifuged urine samples than on uncentrifuged urine samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that the V-BTA test is useful in screening for urinary tract TCC in dogs.     

Medical management of vesicourachal diverticula in 15 cats with lower urinary tract disease

The biological behaviour of radiographically detectable vesicourachal diverticula in 13 male and two female cats with haematuria, dysuria, and, or, urethral obstruction was evaluated following spontaneous or treatment-induced remission of lower urinary tract disease. The observation that diverticula are larger in obstructed than non-obstructed cats supports the hypothesis that the higher prevalence of diverticula in males is associated with a higher prevalence of urethral obstruction in males. Complete resolution of vesicourachal diverticula occurred in all 15 patients. Regression of diverticula following eradication of bacterial urinary tract infections with antimicrobial agents and, or, medical dissolution of urocystoliths indicates that diverticulectomy is not always warranted. It is probable that diverticula heal within two to three weeks following elimination of increased intraluminal bladder pressure.     

Outcome of and complications associated with tube cystostomy in dogs and cats: 76 cases (1995-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine indications for cystostomy tube use in dogs and cats, complications associated with their use, and outcome of dogs and cats in which cystostomy tubes had been inserted. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 37 dogs and 39 cats. PROCEDURES: Information was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by use of a client questionnaire. RESULTS: Indications for cystostomy tube placement were bladder dysfunction, urinary tract rupture, obstructive urinary tract neoplasia, urinary diversion following urogenital surgery, obstructive urolithiasis, and feline lower urinary tract disease. Median time tubes were in place was 11 days, but duration of tube use was significantly longer for animals with bladder dysfunction than for animals with urinary tract trauma, urinary diversion, or urinary tract obstruction. Thirty-seven (49%) animals had tube complications. Development of complications was not significantly associated with species, age, body weight, duration of tube use, or tube type, except that animals were significantly more likely to develop complications following long-rather than short-term use. In 42 animals, the underlying condition resolved and the tube was removed; 22 animals died or were euthanatized with the tube in place. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that cystostomy tubes may be used for animals with various conditions related to problems with urine outflow. Nearly half the animals in the study developed complications related to the cystostomy tube, suggesting that potential complications should be discussed with owners prior to tube placement. However, most complications were easily resolved.