Traumatic rupture of the ureter: 10 cases

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Ruptured ureters are a severe consequence of blunt trauma in animals.
• Diagnosis and treatment of ureteral trauma present unique challenges in veterinary patients.
• Understanding outcomes following ureteral trauma is crucial for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes for animals with ruptured ureters secondary to blunt trauma.
• To identify common physical examination and radiographic findings associated with ureteral trauma.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical management, specifically ureteronephrectomy, in these cases.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study design was employed.
• Data were collected from eight dogs, one cat, and one ferret diagnosed with ruptured ureters due to blunt trauma.
• Physical examination findings, radiographic results, surgical procedures, and follow-up data were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Abdominal distension/discomfort and gross hematuria were the most frequent physical findings.
• Radiographically, loss of retroperitoneal and peritoneal detail was commonly observed.
• Ureteronephrectomy was the most common surgical intervention performed.
• Multiple organ injury was noted in a significant number of cases.
• Follow-up in three cases showed no evidence of associated problems post-discharge.

Conclusions:

• Blunt trauma is a significant cause of ureteral rupture in companion animals.
• Clinical and radiographic signs can indicate ureteral injury, often alongside other organ damage.
• Ureteronephrectomy appears to be an effective treatment, with favorable short-term outcomes in this cohort.