Nonneurogenic urinary incontinence in a canine female pseudohermaphrodite

Nonneurogenic incontinence was observed in a 1-year-old Pekingese X Poodle with female pseudohermaphroditism. The dog had male external genitalia as well as a well-developed vagina, uterus, and ovaries. Urinary incontinence was caused by an anomalous communication of the prostatic urethra with the vagina. Ovariohysterectomy and surgical correction of the urethrovaginal fistula was followed by remission of urinary incontinence. Subsequently, the dog developed estrogen responsive urinary incontinence. Nonneurogenic incontinence to be a common finding in canine pseudohermaphroditism associated with abnormalities of the vagina or urethra (or both). Surgical correction should be considered to correct anomalous communications between the genital and lower urinary tracts.     

Urinary incontinence secondary to idiopathic detrusor instability: cystometrographic diagnosis and pharmacologic management in two dogs and a cat

Idiopathic detrusor instability was diagnosed as the cause of urinary incontinence in 2 dogs and a cat. The diagnosis was based on abnormal cystometrographic findings and by exclusion of other causes of detrusor hyperactivity. Anticholinergic or combined anticholinergic, antispasmodic, and local anesthetic treatment resolved the clinical signs in all 3 animals. Increased threshold volumes after treatment were documented by cystometrography in one dog and in the cat.     

A syndrome resembling feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell syndrome) in a dog.

Dysautonomia, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction, was diagnosed in a 1-year-old dog. Clinical signs of disease included diarrhea, vomiting, prolapse of nictitating membranes, and urinary incontinence. Bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xerostomia, and decreased anal sphincter tone were also observed. On the basis of response to atropine, results of intradermal histamine testing and gastric motility studies, and ocular response to parasympathomimetics and sympathomimetics (direct and indirect acting), autonomic nervous system function was determined to be abnormal. Treatment with metoclopramide hydrochloride and bethanechol chloride resulted in improved attitude, appetite, Schirmer tear test response, and decrease in frequency of vomiting within 24 hours. Bladder function and anal tone improved within 3 weeks.     

Urinary incontinence due to ectopic ureter in a male dog.

Urinary incontinence was associated with an ectopic ureter in a 5-month-old, male Wire Fox Terrier. The dog regained urinary continence after transplantation of the ureter from the urethra into the urinary bladder. Of the 3 reported cases of extopic ureters in male dogs, 2 have been associated with urinary incontinence. These observations do not support the hypothesis that ectopic ureters are more frequently recognized in female than in male dogs because urinary incontinence is more commonly associated with the disorder in female dogs.     

Urinary incontinence in a dog with an ectopic ureterocele.

A 7-month-old, female English cocker spaniel was examined because of a complaint of urinary incontinence. Excretory urography revealed a small right kidney and right-sided hydroureter, ectopic ureter, and ureterocele. Ureteronephrectomy and ovariohysterectomy were performed, but the distal ureter and ureterocele were left in situ. Recurrent urinary tract infections and intermittent urinary incontinence persisted after surgery. Vaginourethrography demonstrated the presence of a urethral diverticulum associated with the ureterocele. Ureterocelectomy was performed, and the dog remains continent 4 years after ureterocelectomy. Persistent urinary incontinence and urinary tract infection were attributed to failure to resect the ureterocele.     

An unusual case of urinary incontinence in an intersex West Highland white terrier

A 5-year-old neutered female West Highland white terrier dog was presented with a history of congenital urinary incontinence that had become refractory to medical management. Complex urogenital anomalies including urethrovestibular and vestibuloperineal fistulae with low vulvar position along with a penoclitoris were present. Vaginectomy with perineal urethral reconstruction resolved the incontinence.     

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.     

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrioventricular Accessory Pathways in 3 Dogs with Subsequent Resolution of Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Incessant supraventricular tachyarrhythmias are known to result in myocardial dysfunction indistinguishable from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy by current testing methods. This tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TICM), however, is uniquely reversible with adequate rhythm control. Two dogs were presented to The Ohio State University for incessant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and echocardiographic signs of dilated cardiomyopathy, later proven to be TICM. A 3rd dog presented for frequent paroxysms of SVT and syncope had echocardiographic signs of mild myocardial systolic dysfunction. All 3 dogs had inadequate rhythm control with multiple antiarrhythmic agents, and 1 dog suffered from recurrent left-sided congestive heart failure. Generalized cardiomegaly was found in 1 dog and left-sided dilatation without concurrent right-sided enlargement in 1 dog. Mild-to-severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was confirmed echocardiographically in all dogs. A total of 4 atrioventricular accessory pathways (APs) were found during invasive electrophysiologic studies in these 3 dogs. All APs were successfully ablated with radiofrequency energy delivered through a thermistor-tipped catheter. Elimination of AP conduction, and thus orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, resulted in resolution of all clinical and echocardiographic evidence of TICM in these dogs. This result confirms that the cardiomyopathy was, in fact, reversible TICM. All cardiovascular medications were discontinued, and no complications occurred during a 15-25-month follow-up period.     

Agenesis of the vulva in a Maltese dog

Vulvar agenesis in a four-month-old Maltese dog is described. Urinary incontinence and dysuria were the main clinical signs. The morphology of the urogenital system was assessed with contrast radiography. Through episiostomy a perineal stoma, resembling a vulva, was created, resulting in complete resolution of the clinical signs.     

Proliferative glomerulonephritis and chronic active hepatitis with cirrhosis associated with Corynebacterium parvum immunotherapy in a dog

Ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent, was believed responsible for signs of CNS dysfunction in a dog. Within 2 hours of oral administration of ivermectin, the dog had hind limb ataxia. Neurologic signs progressed rapidly until the dog was in a semicomatose state at admission 20 hours later. The dog improved gradually under supportive care. The ivermectin had been given for suspected endoparasitism. Clinical signs were similar to those reported in dogs with clinical and experimental exposure to ivermectin.     

Vaginal resection and anastomosis for treatment of vestibulovaginal stenosis in 4 dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections

CASE DESCRIPTION-4 dogs were evaluated because of recurrent urinary tract infections. CLINICAL FINDINGS-All dogs had recurrent urinary tract infections and similar clinical signs; 3 dogs had urinary incontinence. Digital vaginal examination revealed vestibulovaginal stenosis in all dogs, which was confirmed by results of contrast vaginourethrography. From image measurements, the vestibulovaginal ratio (ratio of the height of the vestibulovaginal junction to the maximum height of the vagina on a lateral vaginourethrogram) was calculated for each dog. Three dogs had severe stenosis (vestibulovaginal ratio, < 0.20; severe stenosis is defined as a vestibulovaginal ratio < 0.20), whereas the fourth dog had moderate stenosis (vestibulovaginal ratio, 0.24; ratio range for moderate stenosis is 0.20 to 0.25). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-All dogs were anesthetized for surgical correction of the vestibulovaginal stenosis. Vaginal resection and anastomosis of the stenosis was performed in all 4 dogs, with 1 dog also undergoing episioplasty. Complete resolution of clinical signs was apparent in 3 dogs; 1 dog had postoperative complications including pollakiuria and stranguria, which resulted in rectal and vaginal prolapse. This dog underwent ovariohysterectomy, after which clinical signs resolved. All dogs had resolution of urinary tract infections at the time of follow-up (6 to 8 months after surgery). CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Resection and anastomosis may resolve recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs with severe or moderate vestibulovaginal stenosis. Episiotomy was not necessary for success of surgical treatment, and overall, that procedure increased morbidity, the severity of intraoperative hemorrhage, and duration of surgery.     

Clinical effects of bovine lactoferrin on two canine cases with familial neutrophil dysfunction

This study reported detailed clinical effects of bovine lactoferrin on 2 canine littermates (1 female and 1 male) with familial neutrophil dysfunction and an investigation of their genetic background. Clinical signs caused by severe upper respiratory bacterial infections were observed in these dogs. Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin for a long duration improved their clinical signs (severe uveitis in the female dog and coughing from pneumonia in the male dog). Their backcross dogs that have the same father didn't show clinical signs of bacterial infection. Neutrophil function tests revealed that the backcross dogs didn't have any disorders. It is likely that abnormal clinical signs are associated with neutrophil dysfunction in the colony, and the mother dog of these cases might be the genetic carrier of this dysfunction.     

Management of incontinence following pre-pubic urethrostomy in a cat using an artificial urethral sphincter

A 14-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented with a 4-year history of urinary incontinence following prepubic urethrostomy. Physical examination confirmed peristomal dermatitis, urine scalding and constant urine leakage. Haematology, serum biochemistry and urinalysis were unremarkable. Ultrasonography revealed a non-distended urinary bladder. An artificial urethral sphincter mechanism, with subsequent incremental inflation of the cuff 6 weeks later, resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs, return to normal urinary function and excellent quality of life. The cat was still continent at 5-year follow-up. Further studies including additional cases are required to highlight effectiveness and harms of the procedure.     

Extramural Ectopic Ureter in a Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Ectopic ureter is the most common cause of congenital urinary incontinence in the dog and cat. The occurrence of ectopic ureter in the dog has been estimated to be 0.016%. A 6-month-old ferret was evaluated for urinary incontinence and urine scalding around the perineal and inguinal areas. Ultrasonography showed a nondistended urinary bladder that contained a possible intraluminal blood clot. Excretory urography revealed a left ectopic ureter. The ferret was initially treated with oral amoxicillin-clavulanate and topical silver sulfadiazine ointment for the perineal and inguinal dermatitis associated with the incontinence. Because of the potential for complications and additional surgery with ureteral transplantation, a left nephroureterectomy was performed. Surgical recovery was uneventful and the incontinence improved, although a small amount of incontinence-associated dermatitis was still present 24 days after discharge. Phenylpropanolamine therapy was initiated to address a suspected dysfunction of the urethral sphincter. Urinary incontinence improved with the phenylpropanolamine therapy; however, a small amount of incontinence persisted throughout the 3 months in which the ferret was evaluated. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an ectopic ureter in a domestic ferret.     

Treatment of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in five dogs

Sterile hemorrhagic cystitis developed in 5 dogs after treatment with cyclophosphamide. Four dogs were being treated with various antineoplastic protocols, and the fifth dog had recurrent immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. In all instances, clinical signs of hematuria and stranguria persisted after cyclophosphamide administration was discontinued. Three dogs required cystotomy to remove necrotic mucosa and calculi. The other 2 dogs were treated with intravesicularly administered dimethyl sulfoxide to decrease inflammation and to inhibit fibroplasia of the bladder wall. In 4 dogs, clinical signs resolved after treatment. The fifth dog, treated surgically, continued to have intermittent urinary incontinence attributable to residual bladder wall fibrosis.     

Fecal incontinence and spinal cord abnormalities in seven dogs

Seven dogs with fecal incontinence and abnormal gaits were evaluated. Fecal incontinence was characterized as defecation of normal stools without posturing. Duration of clinical signs prior to evaluation ranged from 5 months to 3 years. Five dogs had upper motor neuron (UMN) paraparesis, and 2 dogs had UMN tetraparesis. With magnetic resonance imaging, spinal cord abnormalities primarily involving the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord were identified in all dogs. Five dogs had focal abnormalities, and 2 dogs had diffuse abnormalities of the spinal cord. Of the dogs with focal spinal cord lesions, 4 had cystic spinal cord abnormalities and 1 had a meningioma. Surgery was performed on all dogs with focal lesions; 4 of the 5 dogs had resolution of fecal incontinence after surgery. Results in these dogs suggest that fecal incontinence can be associated with spinal cord abnormalities and, depending on the characteristics of the lesion, can resolve after surgical treatment of the abnormality.     

Evaluation of a selective neurectomy model for low urethral pressure incontinence in female dogs

OBJECTIVE: To develop a model of low urethral pressure incontinence and compare the relative contributions of the pudendal and hypogastric nerves with urethral function by performing selective neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy in dogs. ANIMALS: 19 healthy Foxhounds. PROCEDURE: Dogs were allocated into 2 groups. The first group (10 dogs) underwent bilateral hypogastric neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy and subsequent bilateral pudendal neurectomy. The second group (9 dogs) underwent bilateral pudendal neurectomy and subsequent hypogastric neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy. Urethral pressure profilometry and leak point pressure (LPP) tests were performed before and after each neurectomy. RESULTS: Before surgery, mean +/- SD LPP and maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) in all dogs were 169.3 +/- 24.9 cm H2O and 108.3 +/- 19.3 cm H2O, respectively; these values decreased to 92.3 +/- 27 cm H2O and 60.7 +/- 20.0 cm H2O, respectively, after both selective neurectomy surgeries. There was a progressive decline of LPP after each neurectomy; however, MUCP decreased only after pudendal neurectomy. Fifteen dogs had mild clinical signs of urinary incontinence. All dogs appeared to have normal bladder function as indicated by posturing to void and consciously voiding a full stream of urine. Urinary tract infection did not develop in any dog. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypogastric and pudendal neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy caused a maximum decrease in LPP whereas pudendal neurectomy caused a maximum decrease in MUCP. IMPACT ON HUMAN MEDICINE: This model may be useful for evaluation of treatments for improving urinary control in postmenopausal women.     

GM1 gangliosidosis in shiba dogs

A six-month-old shiba dog with a one-month history of progressive motor dysfunction showed clinical signs of a cerebellar disorder, including ataxia, dysmetria and intention tremor of the head. Histopathological and ultrastructural studies revealed distended neurons packed with membranous cytoplasmic bodies throughout the central nervous system. The activities of lysosomal acid beta-galactosidase in its leucocytes and liver were less than 2 per cent of the control levels, and the compound accumulated in the brain was identified as GM1 ganglioside. A sibling which died immediately after birth was shown to have a beta-galactosidase deficiency in the brain and visceral organs. A family study revealed that the sire and dam of the probands were heterozygotes with approximately half of the normal level of beta-galactosidase activity, suggesting an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.     

INTRACRANIAL INTRA-ARACHNOID CYST WITH INTRACYSTIC HEMORRHAGE IN TWO DOGS

Clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, treatment, and outcome of two adult dogs with neurologic dysfunction resulting from hemorrhage into a quadrigeminal intracranial intra-arachnoid cyst are described. In dog 1, the cyst was hyperintense to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on T1-weighted MRI and hypointense to CSF on T2-weighted images. In dog 2, the cyst was isointense to CSF on T1- and T2-weighted images. Both dogs were treated with craniotomy and cyst fenestration. A large blood clot was removed from the lumen of the cyst in each dog. Dog 1 is clinically normal 3.5 years post-surgery and has a persistent cyst. Dog 2 had a good initial response to therapy but was euthanized 2.5 years post-operatively due to generalized seizures. The late onset of clinical signs in these dogs most likely resulted from hemorrhage into the cyst. Surgical fenestration and hematoma removal appear to provide a satisfactory treatment for adult dogs with an intracranial intra-arachnoid cyst and intracystic hemorrhage. Persistence of the cyst may occur in some dogs.     

Surgical manipulation of portosystemic shunts in dogs.

Surgical manipulation to achieve stenosis or occlusion of portocaval shunts in 7 dogs resulted in disappearance of signs of central nervous, gastrointestinal, or urinary dysfunction. Results of blood chemical analyses and hepatic function studies as well as hepatic cellular architecture returned to normal or near normal within several months. Cranial mesenteric angiography was done on 4 dogs following corrective surgery; there was evidence of improved hepatic-portal circulation in 3 of the dogs and complete shunt obstruction in 1 dog.