Bilateral ectopic ureters in a male dog with unilateral renal agenesis

A 1-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog was evaluated because of signs of urinary incontinence. Retrograde positive contrast urethrocystography and excretory urography with pneumocystography revealed bilateral intramural ectopic ureters and absence of the right kidney. During abdominal exploratory surgery, only the left kidney was located. The left intramural ectopic ureter was repaired by neoureterostomy (creation of a new opening for the ureter to enable urine to empty into the bladder). The right ectopic ureter was ligated at its entrance into the urinary bladder serosa. Results of excretory urography (performed immediately after surgery and repeated 8 weeks later) revealed successful correction of the left intramural ectopic ureter. Twelve weeks after surgery, the dog remained continent. To the authors' knowledge, there are few reports of ectopic ureters in male dogs; furthermore, the urinary tract abnormalities detected concurrently in this dog are also unusual.     

Ectopic ureter in a dog: extension from the kidney to the urinary bladder and to the urethra

An ectopic ureter extending to the urinary bladder and to the proximal portion of the urethra was diagnosed in a 6-month-old dog with urinary incontinence. The diagnosis was made by use of excretory urography. The kidney and ureter were removed. When urinary incontinence continued, positive-contrast cystography was performed. The ectopic ureter was found to bypass the bladder via a submucosal extension that emptied into the urethra.     

Unilateral renal agenesis associated with additional congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract in a Pekingese bitch

An eight-month-old Pekingese bitch with urinary incontinence was found to have three congenital anomalies of the urinary tract: left renal agenesis, bilateral ectopic ureters with a left cranial blind-ending ureter, and urinary bladder hypoplasia. The diagnoses were made by retrograde vaginourethrography, excretory urography, ultrasonography and duplex Doppler ultrasonography. Although urological anomalies associated with renal agenesis have been frequently observed, a cranial blind-end ectopic ureter has not, to the authors' knowledge, been described in the bitch. The dog was managed medically with a restricted protein diet because of a compromised unilateral kidney with hydronephrosis and hydroureter.     

MULTIPLE CONGENITAL URINARY TRACT ABNORMALITIES IN A BITCH: A CASE HISTORY REPORT

A 2 1/2-month-old, female German Shepherd Dog was examined because of incontinence since birth. Multiple urinary anomalies which included left renal agenesis, right hydronephrosis and hydroureter and urinary bladder dysfunction were found by excretory urography. These abnormalities were confirmed at necropsy. In addition, vesicovaginal continuity with apparent absence of the urethra was also found     

Ventricular septal defects in two goats

Two young goats with loud, holosystolic heart murmurs heard best over the left and right heart base were suspected to have interventricular septal defects. Cardiac catheterization with angiocardiography supported the clinical diagnosis in both goats and the ventricular septal defects were confirmed at necropsy. In one goat a ventricular septal defect was associated with a hypoplastic aorta and in the other, an ectopic ureter opened into the vagina.     

URETERAL DUPLICATION IN A DOG

A male neutered dog of unknown age had recurrent urinary tract infection and caudal abdominal pain. Using sonography, large dilated tubular structure filled with echogenic fluid was seen extending from the left kidney to the level of the bladder neck. In an excretory urogram there was left hydronephrosis with a normal ureter. Computed tomographic evaluation of the abdomen confirmed a large tubular structure extending from the kidney with a blind ending caudally. The left kidney, ureter, and associated tubular structure were surgically removed. No connection was found between the tubular structure and the ureter. Gross evaluation and histopathologic evaluation confirmed the tubular structure to be a ureter, consistent with a diagnosis of ureteral duplication.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN 14 DOGS WITH ECTOPIC URETER

To evaluate ultrasonography as an alternative to contrast radiography for diagnosis of ectopic ureter in dogs, ultrasonography of the urinary tract was performed prospectively in a series of urinary incontinent dogs anesthetized for contrast radiography. Fourteen dogs had ectopic ureter based on surgical, necropsy or unequivocal contrast radiographic findings. There were eight females and six males of a variety of breeds; five were Labrador retrievers. Mean (range) age at the time of diagnosis was 1.2 (0.2–4) years for females and 3.5 (0.3–5) for males (p < 0.05). Ectopic ureters were unilateral in five dogs (2 left; 3 right) and bilateral in nine dogs. Both ultrasound images and contrast radiographs were positive for 21 (91%) ectopic ureters; the same two ectopic ureters were not detected using either modality. The termination of each of the five normal ureters was visible on ultrasound images; two (40%) were visible on radiographs. Other ultrasonographic findings included dilatation of the ectopic ureter and/or ipsilateral renal pelvis in ten (43%) instances, evidence of pyelonephritis in two dogs (with enlargement of the contralateral kidney in one dog), and urethral diverticuli in one dog. Ultrasonography is a practical diagnostic test for ectopic ureter in dogs. In this series there was close correlation between the ultrasonographic and contrast radiographic findings for each ectopic ureter, but ultrasonography enabled more accurate determination of normal ureteral anatomy.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—URINARY BLADDER DUPLICATION IN A CAT

A female kitten presented for chronic, intermittent, antibiotic‐responsive urinary incontinence and chronic kidney disease. Abdominal ultrasound identified bilateral pelvic/ureteral dilation and three closely apposed thin‐walled fluid‐filled structures in the caudal abdomen, extending toward the pelvic inlet. Excretory urography and negative contrast cystography identified contrast medium accumulation from the dilated ureters into two tubular soft tissue masses of the caudal abdomen, with subsequent gradual filling of a more cranially located urinary bladder. A retrograde vaginocystourethrogram identified a normal uterus, normal vagina, and a single urethra continuous with the cranially located urinary bladder. Antemortem diagnosis was suspicious for bilateral ectopic ureteroceles. Postmortem diagnosis, 35 months following initial presentation, determined the fluid‐filled masses to have abundant smooth muscle in the wall, including a muscularis mucosa connected by a common ostium, consistent with urinary bladder duplication. Urinary bladder duplication should be included as a differential diagnosis in cats with these clinical and imaging characteristics. In this case, differentiation of ectopic ureterocele from urinary bladder duplication required histological confirmation.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—BILATERAL ORTHOTOPIC URETEROCELES IN A DOG

A 5‐year‐old neutered male Akita had a 5‐month history of hematuria. Bilateral orthotopic ureteroceles were diagnosed using a combination of sonography, computed tomography (CT), and radiography. With CT excretory urography, the ureteroceles appeared as two intraluminal cystic structures in the vesicoureteral region of the urinary bladder, which directly communicated with dilated ureters. Unlike the other imaging modalities CT excretory urography provided a definitive diagnosis by confirming the communication between the hydroureters and the cystic dilations in the caudodorsal aspect of the urinary bladder.     

ACQUIRED URETEROVAGINAL FISTULA SECONDARY TO OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN A DOG: DIAGNOSIS USING ULTRASOUND-GUIDED NEPHROPYELOCENTESIS AND ANTEGRADE URETEROGRAPHY

A one year old Jack Russel terrier became urinary incontinent one week after elective ovariohysterectomy. Intravenous urography and cystourethrography showed right hydronephrosis but failed to demonstrate the cause of incontinence. Nephropyelocentesis under ultrasound guidance produced exudate and subsequent antegrade ureterography demonstrated a ureterovaginal fistula. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed this diagnosis and indicated that the ureter had been included in a ligature around the vaginal stump. This is an uncommon complication of ovariohysterectomy.     

Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography, digital fluoroscopic urethrography, helical computed tomography, and cystoscopy in 24 dogs with suspected ureteral ectopia

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of helical computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of ectopic ureters in the dog and to compare these findings with those of digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and digital fluoroscopic urethrography. Ureteral ectopia was confirmed or disproved based on findings from cystoscopy and exploratory surgery or postmortem examination. Of 24 dogs (20 female, 4 male) evaluated, 17 had ureteral ectopia. Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and CT correctly identified ureteral ectopic status and site of ureteral ectopia (P < .05). Urethrography did not reliably detect ureteral ectopia. No false-positive diagnoses of ureteral ectopia were made in any of the imaging studies. Cystoscopic findings significantly agreed with findings during surgery in determining ureteral ectopic status and ectopic ureter site. One false-positive cystoscopic diagnosis of unilateral ureteral ectopia was made in a male dog. Kappa statistics showed better agreement between CT and both cystoscopy and surgical or postmortem examination findings with regard to presence and site of ureteral ectopia compared with other imaging techniques. CT was more useful than other established diagnostic imaging techniques for diagnosing canine ureteral ectopia.     

Ectopic ureter in a male cat

A male cat with persistent urinary incontinence is described. Definitive diagnosis of unilateral ectopic ureter was obtained by intravenous urography, after which surgical re-implantation of the ureter into the bladder was performed. The literature on ureteral ectopia in cats is discussed.     

Ectopic ureter in a male cat

A male cat with persistent urinary incontinence is described. Definitive diagnosis of unilateral ectopic ureter was obtained by intravenous urography, after which surgical re-implantation of the ureter into the bladder was performed. The literature on ureteral ectopia in cats is discussed.     

Evaluation of transurethral cystoscopy and excretory urography for diagnosis of ectopic ureters in female dogs: 25 cases (1992-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate transurethral cystoscopy and excretory urography for diagnosis of ectopic ureter in female dogs and identify concurrent urogenital abnormalities. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 25 female dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of female dogs that underwent transurethral cystoscopy, excretory urography, and ventral cystotomy were reviewed for signalment, history, physical examination findings, results of bacteriologic culture of urine, and surgical findings. Videotapes of transurethral cystoscopy and radiographic studies were reviewed systematically without knowledge of surgical findings. RESULTS: Ectopic ureters were diagnosed in 24 of 25 (96%) of the dogs, bilaterally in 22 of 24 (91.6%) dogs. Cystoscopic evaluation yielded a correct diagnosis in all dogs when results of ventral cystotomy were used as the diagnostic standard. Cystoscopic evaluation identified a terminal ureteral opening for all ureters. Urethral fenestrations, troughs, striping, and tenting were identified. Abnormalities of the vestibule were identified in all examinations available for review (24/25). The paramesonephric septal remnant and its association with ectopic ureters were identified and characterized by cystoscopy. Radiographic findings were discordant with surgical findings and correctly identified 36 of 46 (78.2%) ectopic ureters and 2 of 4 normal ureters. Hydroureter and renal abnormalities were associated with distal urethral ectopic ureters on radiographic evaluations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transurethral cystoscopy was accurate and minimally invasive for identification and classification of ectopic ureters in dogs. Contrast radiography had limitations in diagnosis of ectopic ureters. Cystoscopic findings and associated vaginal and vestibular abnormalities support abnormal embryologic development in the pathogenesis of ectopic ureters.     

Congenital ectopic ureters in a continent male dog and cat

A male dog and cat were evaluated because of clinical signs associated with hydronephrosis. Both animals had ectopic ureters, but neither had urinary incontinence. The diagnoses were made by use of ultrasonography, excretory urography, retrograde urethrocystography, and surgery. In both animals, hydronephrosis was bilateral but of unequal severity, such that unilateral ureteronephrectomy could be performed. Both animals underwent ureteroneocystostomy of the remaining ureter. This treatment resulted in good clinical outcome during follow-up periods of 18 months and 3 years.     

Endoscopic diagnosis of unilateral ectopic ureter in a yearling filly

Unilateral ectopic ureter was diagnosed by endoscopic examination in an 18-month-old filly examined because of chronic urine dribbling. Intramuscular administration of azosulfamide discolored the urine and enhanced visualization of the ectopic ureter. Endoscopy proved valuable in determining that only one ureter entered the urinary bladder and in locating the ectopic ureter in the ventral portion of the vagina.     

Segmental aplasia of the uterine horn with ipsilateral renal agenesis in a cat

A nine-month-old domestic short haired cat was admitted with the history of acute vomiting, depression and shivering. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed minimum enlargement of the right uterine horn filled with anechoic fluid. On excretory urography, functionally and anatomically normal, enlarged left kidney was found, but right kidney was absent. It was preliminary diagnosed as hydrometra with right renal agenesis. Aiming at the correction of hydrometra, we performed ovariohysterectomy. During spaying, we found a missing segment of distal part of the right uterine horn and absence of ipsilateral kidney and ureter. Compressed uterine structure and segmental aplasia of right uterine horn were found in histopathological investigation. Taken together, it was diagnosed as a segmental aplasia of uterine horn with ipsilateral renal agenesis.     

PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROPYELOCENTESIS AND ANTEGRADE URETEROGRAPHY: A FLUOROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIC IN CANINE UROLOGY

Fluoroscopically assisted percutaneous nephropyelocentesis and/or antegrade ureterography was performed on six dogs. These technics were useful for obtaining renal pelvic urine specimens for culture. Percutaneous nephropyelocentesis confirmed diagnoses of pyelonephritis. Injection of a radiopaque contrast medium into the ureter or renal pelvis was useful in evaluating the ureter in those dogs in which excretory urography provided insufficient detail. No complication was associated with the technics.     

SONOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE URINARY BLADDER IN SMALL ANIMALS

This report compares results from imaging of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in 15 dogs using intravenous urography, double-contrast cystography, and ultrasonography. Intravenous urography demonstrated filling defects in the urinary bladder in 3 of the 5 cases examined with this modality. Double-contrast cystography identified bladder masses in 8 of 10 animals. Ultrasonography was the only imaging modality which detected bladder masses in all patients.