Chromogenic assay for equine plasminogen.

A functional assay for equine plasminogen was established, using urokinase as the activator, a synthetic chromogenic substrate, a computer-assisted centrifugal analyzer, and acidified/neutralized plasma. One documented effect of plasma acidification appears to be inactivation of alpha-2-antiplasmin. Intra- and interassay precision testing yielded coefficients of variation of 4.1% (n = 10) and 5.6% (n = 26), respectively. Plasminogen was stable in equine plasma stored up to 1 week at 4 C and up to 5 months at -70 C. Plasminogen in nonacidified equine plasma was not activated by urokinase, streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, or tissue plasminogen activator plus soluble fibrin. Streptokinase also failed to activate plasminogen in acidified/neutralized equine plasma.     

Subtotal Canine Prostatectomy with the Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser

A technique was developed for subtotal prostatectomy in dogs with the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. In six normal dogs, full-thickness necrosis of the prostate occurred if the central-lateral region within 5 mm of the urethra was photoablated at 60 watts for 1 second. Moderate to superficial necrosis occurred when the prostate within 5 mm of the urethra was photoablated at 35 watts for 2 seconds or 60 watts for 0.5 second. At necropsy, leakage of the urethra occurred in two dogs at sites treated at 60 watts for 1 second. In a clinical study, complications associated with subtotal prostatectomy with the Nd:YAG laser (n = 6) were compared with complications associated with prostatic drainage (n = 6) in dogs with prostatic disease. Intraoperative death (2/6 dogs) and nocturnal incontinence (4/4 surviving dogs) occurred with subtotal prostatectomy. Uncontrolled prostatic infection (2/6 dogs) occurred with prostatic drainage and resulted in the death of one dog on day 11. Four of five dogs surviving prostatic drainage developed recurrent urinary tract infection.     

Applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic approach in urinary tract ailments in dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic method in urethra and bladder ailments in dogs. The experiment involved 60 dogs of different breeds and gender, weighing from 5 to 65 kg, aged between 7 months and 12 years. The dogs were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of clinically healthy animals on which all the lower urinary tract endoscopic examinations described in the literature as well as biopsies of mucosa were performed. Group II consisted of clinical patients, on which endoscopic diagnostic examination was conducted and, on some of them, biopsies for histopathologic examination were made. The results of the experiment suggest that the lower urinary track endoscopy is a suitable diagnostic technique for recognition and differentiation of mucosa inflammation, establishment of causes of haematuria, diagnostics of neoplasms and detection of the existence of an ectopic ureter. Biopsy and histopathologic examination improved the diagnostic value of endoscopy. The techniques tested in our study, inclusive of more invasive method like PPC and cystoscopy on males preceded by the perineal urethrotomy, enable doctors to perform the lower urinary tract endoscopic examination on dogs, especially up to 5 kg. regardless of their gender.     

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.     

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.     

Is the Male Dog Comparable to Human? A Histological Study of the Muscle Systems of the Lower Urinary Tract

Because of their superficial anatomical resemblance, the male dog seems to be suitable for studying the physiologic and pathological alterations of the bladder neck of human males. The present study was carried out to compare and contrast the muscular anatomy of the male dog lower urinary tract with that of humans. The complete lower urinary tract, including the surrounding organs (bulb of penis, prostate, rectum and musculature of the pelvic floor) were removed from adult and newborn male dogs and histologically processed using serial section technique. Based on our own histological investigations, three-dimensional (3D)-models of the anatomy of the lower urinary tract were constructed to depict the corresponding structures and the differences between the species. The results of this study confirm that the lower urinary tract of the male dog bears some anatomical resemblance (musculus detrusor vesicae, prostate, prostatic and membranous urethra) to man. As with human males, the two parts of the musculus sphincter urethrae (glaber and transversostriatus) are evident in the canine bladder neck. Nevertheless, considerable differences in formation of individual muscles should be noted. In male dogs, no separate anatomic entity can be identified as vesical or internal sphincter. The individual course of the ventral and lateral longitudinal musculature and of the circularly arranged smooth musculature of the urethra is different to that of humans. Differences in the anatomy of individual muscles of the bladder neck in the male dog and man suggest that physiological interpretations of urethral functions obtained in one species cannot be attributed without qualification to the other.     

Use of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation for treatment of intramural ureteral ectopia in male dogs: four cases (2006-2007)

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the outcome of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ureteral ectopia in male dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 4 incontinent male dogs with intramural ureteral ectopia. PROCEDURES: Intramural ectopic ureters were diagnosed via preoperative computed tomography-IV urography and subsequent cystoscopy. Transurethral cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (diode laser [n = 3 dogs] and holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser [1]) was performed to proximally relocate the ectopic ureteral orifice to the urinary bladder. Fluoroscopy was used during the procedures to confirm that the ureteral tract was intramural and the ureteral orifice was intravesicular after the procedure. In 1 dog with bilateral ureteral ectopia, staged laser ablation was performed at 6-week intervals because of difficulty viewing the second ureter on the first attempt. All ureteral orifices were initially located in the middle to proximal portion of the prostatic portion of the urethra. Six weeks after surgery, imaging was repeated in 3 of 4 dogs. RESULTS: Postoperative dysuria or hematuria did not develop. All dogs were immediately continent after laser treatment and remained so at a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 15 to 20 months) without medical management. Conclusions and CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ureteral ectopia can cause urinary incontinence in male dogs and is usually associated with other urinary tract abnormalities. Cystoscopic-guided laser ablation provided an effective and minimally invasive alternative to surgical management of intramural ureteral ectopia.     

Intrapelvic Urethral Anastomosis A Comparison of Three Techniques

Three intrapelvic urethral anastomosis techniques were performed on 12 mature male dogs to compare the degree of stricture. The intrapelvic urethra was transected 1 cm caudal to the prostate, and anastomosis was performed using either suturing of the urethra over an indwelling catheter, suturing of the urethra without an indwelling catheter, or apposition of the urethra without sutures over an indwelling catheter. Postoperatively, the dogs were evaluated using clinical urination patterns, biochemical tests, radiography, and pathology. Three of four suture-catheter dogs and one of four catheter-only dogs had normal urinary patterns. Stricture (25-84%) with urethral dilation or fistulas tracts was visible on retrograde, positive contrast urethrograms of 3 of 12 intact dogs 20 weeks after surgery, and on all 12 excised lower urinary tracts. Suture-catheter dogs subjectively had the least amount of stricture. All eight dogs (1 suture-catheter dog, 4 suture-only dogs, and 3 catheter-only dogs) with severe stricture (greater than 60% lumen diameter reduction) had histopathologic signs of chronic, inflammatory urinary tract disease, including four with chronic, ascending lymphocytic pyelonephritis. Hydroureter and hydronephrosis developed in two catheter-only dogs. Complete urethral transection resulted in some degree of stricture, regardless of technique used for anastomosis. Urethral anastomosis over an indwelling catheter appeared to result in a lesser degree of stricture and clinical and histopathologic derangement.     

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.     

NEEDLE-TRACT IMPLANTATION FOLLOWING US-GUIDED FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER, URETHRA, AND PROSTATE

Localized tumor implantation of the ventral abdominal wall was found at 2, 5, and 8 months following percutaneous ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of transitional carcinoma of the bladder, urethra, or prostate in 3 dogs. To our knowledge this complication has not been reported in dogs following FNAB. Despite the rarity of needle-tract implantation, the potential for this complication with transitional cell carcinomas is apparently not negligible and warrants consideration. We recommend traumatic urethral catheterization to obtain a cytologic diagnosis of potential transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract or prostate whenever possible until more information becomes available. However, needle-track implantation is so rare that it should not influence the decision to perform a percutaneous FNAB if the urethra cannot be catheterized.     

Differences in urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) and its receptor (u-PAR) genes expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue between sheep and goats

The genes of urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) and its receptor (u-PAR) are part of the fibrinolytic system which plays an important role in white adipose tissue remodeling. The nucleotides sequences of these genes have not been characterized in goats, in contrast to other ruminants (sheep and cow) and were partly isolated in this study. Further to that, taking into account that gene expression is strongly affected by dietary and genetic factors, an experiment was conducted with lactating dairy ewes (n=12) and goats (n=12) with the objective to determine if there are differences between them in u-PA and u-PAR gene activity in their subcutaneous adipose tissue (SUBQ) under the same dietary treatments.     

Canine Bladder and Urethral Tumors: A Retrospective Study of 115 Cases (1980–1985)

One hundred and fifteen dogs with neoplasms of the lower urinary tract (bladder and/or urethra) were retrospectively evaluated at five referral institutions participating in ongoing studies by the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group. Most tumors were malignant (97%) and of epithelial origin (97%). Lower urinary tract tumors were more common in older dogs weighing greater than 10 kg. The following significant (P less than 0.05) statistical associations were found using the University of Guelph hospital population as control; there was no sex predisposition although the female:male ratio was 1.95:1. Neutered dogs were predisposed as were Airedale Terriers, Beagles, and Scottish Terriers, whereas German Shepherds were significantly under-represented among dogs with lower urinary tract tumors. These statistical associations should be interpreted cautiously because of possible demographic differences in hospital populations among the University of Guelph and other cooperating institutions. There were no significant correlations between age, gender, weight, breed, response to therapy, and survival time. Clinical signs were indicative of lower urinary tract disease and included hematuria, stranguria, and pollakiuria. The laboratory data were nonspecific except for urinalysis test results. Hematuria and inflammatory urinary sediments were most commonly reported; neoplastic cells were identified in the urine sediment of 30% of dogs with lower urinary tract tumors. Contrast cystography was a useful noninvasive diagnostic method since 96% of the dogs had a mass or filling defect in the lower urinary tract demonstrated by this technique.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

A technique for resection of invasive tumors involving the trigone area of the bladder in dogs: preliminary results in two dogs

Objective— To describe a surgical technique for resection of the entire bladder neck, including the trigone and proximal urethra in dogs with invasive tumors causing life-threatening urinary tract obstruction.
Study Design— Clinical case reports.
Animals— Dogs (n=2) with bladder tumors.
Methods— Circumferential excision of the bladder neck and proximal urethra with preservation of the neurovascular pedicles was performed to remove a rhabdomyosarcoma (dog 1) and a transitional cell carcinoma (dog 2) involving the trigone and bladder neck that were causing urinary tract obstruction. Reconstruction of the bladder and proximal urethra included bilateral ureteroneocystostomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered postoperatively to both dogs.
Results— Postoperatively, dogs 1 and 2 were continent after 7 and 17 days, respectively, and regained normal urinary function after resolution of a transient pollakiuria. Dog 1 had no evidence of local or regional recurrence; however, a large solitary pulmonary metastatic lesion was diagnosed 8 months later. The dog was euthanatized despite a lack of clinical signs. Dog 2 had at least 1 metastatic lesion in the abdominal wall 6 months later and was euthanatized at 580 days because of renal failure.
Conclusion— En-bloc removal of the bladder neck and proximal urethra with preservation of the dorsal vascular and nervous pedicles, although a technically challenging procedure, can be performed without associated urinary incontinence or bladder wall necrosis.
Clinical Relevance— In dogs with invasive bladder tumors causing life-threatening urinary tract obstruction, resection of the bladder neck and proximal urethra should be considered as a promising surgical alternative to urinary diversion.     

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.     

Contrast‐enhanced voiding urosonography: A new,radiation‐free,alternative method for imaging of urinary bladder and urethra in healthy dogs

Contrast‐enhanced voiding urosonography (CE‐VUS) has been generally considered as a promising tool to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux and abnormalities in lower urinary tract in human patients, especially in children. The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the quality of images of the urinary bladder and urethra obtained by CE‐VUS using a second‐generation ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue®) in healthy dogs and to investigate the safety profile of SonoVue® after intravesical administration. Eighty‐four CE‐VUS examinations with SonoVue® were successfully performed in both unsedated (39/84) and sedated (45/84) dogs. Contrast‐enhanced voiding urosonography examination of urinary bladder was technically successful in all (84/84) dogs. The image quality was not considered adequate in five (5/84) dogs including three dogs in whom layering of contrast media during filling phase was observed and two dogs with premature destruction of microbubbles. In these five dogs, the problem was readily recognized and corrected such that the procedure was still successfully undertaken. The assessment of the urethra during spontaneous micturition was successfully performed in all (84/84) dogs in whom voiding was elicited during the examination. No side effects were observed after intravesical application of SonoVue®. This study demonstrates that CE‐VUS is a feasible and valuable technique to evaluate low urinary tract morphology and function in dogs. Based on our review of the literature, there are no published reports about the use of this method in dogs.     

Vestibular, vaginal, and urethral relations in spayed dogs with and without lower urinary tract signs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in female spayed dogs with and without signs of lower urinary tract disease by using conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography, and uroendoscopy. Nineteen dogs with lower urinary tract disease and 12 normal dogs were evaluated prospectively. Measurements made included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, vestibulovaginal ratios, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule, and angle of vaginal to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. Comparisons between conventional vaginourethrography and CT vaginourethrography were made when the same anatomical measurement was made by the 2 imaging modalities. There was no significant difference in all of the measurements (P > .01), including vestibulovaginal ratios and cingulum areas, between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. There was a larger proportion of dogs with a vestibulovaginal ratio <0.33 in normal dogs (8 of 12) compared with the clinical dogs (8 of 16). A significant difference between vestibulovaginal ratios or cingulum areas between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease could not be identified. This suggests that a vestibulovaginal ratio of <0.33 may only be an incidental finding and the term "vestibulovaginal stenosis" may need to be redefined.     

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.