2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Cohort study: Sixty-two client-owned cats that underwent ureteral stenting (n = 26) or ureterotomy (36) for treatment of benign ureteral obstruction. Cats diagnosed with benign ureteral obstruction were treated with ureteral stenting. A historical group of cats with benign ureteral obstruction treated with ureterotomy was identified for comparison. Data was recorded prospectively (ureteral stent cases) or collected retrospectively from the medical records (ureterotomy cases) and variables were statistically compared. Cats treated with ureteral stent(s) had a significantly greater decrease in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine 1-day postoperatively and at discharge, as compared to cats that underwent ureterotomy. Cats developing abdominal effusion postoperatively were significantly less likely to be discharged from the hospital. Cats in the ureteral stent group were significantly more likely to develop an abdominal effusion when a ureterotomy was performed in conjunction with stent placement. Cats with ureteral stents were significantly more likely to have resolution of azotemia in-hospital, and cats with resolution of azotemia while hospitalized were significantly more likely to be discharged from the hospital. Cats undergoing ureteral stent placement demonstrated early postoperative improvement in azotemia and a greater chance of resolution of azotemia, as compared to cats undergoing ureterotomy only. The early postoperative results of ureteral stenting are encouraging. Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the most common cause of acquired urinary incontinence in neutered female dogs. Several factors may impact the risk of USMI including weight, body condition score (BCS), and age at neuter.