Treatment and outcomes of ureter injuries due to ovariohysterectomy complications in cats and dogs

Plater, B L; Lipscomb, V J

Abstract

Objectives

To describe the presentation, treatment and outcome of unilateral and bilateral ureter injuries resulting from ovariohysterectomy complications in cats and dogs.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective case series of cats and dogs with ureteric injuries resulting from an ovariohysterectomy complication. Patient signalment, history, presenting clinical signs, clinical pathology, imaging, diagnosis, treatment and outcome were obtained from the medical records and telephone contact with the owners.

Results

Fourteen female cats and five female dogs were included. Eleven (58%) exhibited clinical signs immediately after recovery from ovariohysterectomy, six (32%) had a median onset of clinical signs of 3 days (range 1 to 16 days), and two (10%) were referred immediately because of a known complication during surgery. Five of seven animals with bilateral ureter injury presented with anuria. Three animals died or were euthanased without definitive surgery. Surgical repair included ureteroneocystostomy (eight cats, one dog), ureteronephrectomy (four cats, two dogs), subcutaneous ureteral bypass placement (three cats) and ureteral stent (one cat). Of the 16 operated animals, seven (44%) that were discharged from the hospital experienced major complications requiring one or more additional surgeries. Overall outcome was excellent in 13 (68%), good in one (5%), fair in one (5%) and poor in four (22%) animals.

Clinical Significance

A key indicator of a ureteric injury is an animal failing to recover normally or becoming unwell shortly after ovariohysterectomy. Anuria is likely in animals with bilateral ureter injury. Excellent outcomes are possible following surgical treatment.

Citation

Plater, B. L., & Lipscomb, V. J. (2020). Treatment and outcomes of ureter injuries due to ovariohysterectomy complications in cats and dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 61(3), 170-176

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 27, 2018
• Publication Date: Jan 20, 2020
• Deposit Date: Sep 16, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 21, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Print ISSN: 0022-4510
• Electronic ISSN: 1748-5827
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 61
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 170-176
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1378894
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13100