Ectopic ureters in dogs: clinical features, surgical techniques and outcome

To compare clinical features of ectopic ureter (EU) in male and female dogs and outcome after neoureterostomy with resection restricted to the intravesical part of the ureter for intramural ectopic ureter (iEU) or of ureteroneocystostomy for extramural ectopic ureter (eEU).

Retrospective case series.

Female dogs (n = 26) with 32 iEU and 8 eEU; male dogs (n = 24) with 25 iEU and 18 eEU.

Data were collected from medical records (1992-2008). Long-term follow-up information after surgical correction by modified neoureterostomy or ureteroneocystostomy was gathered by owner questionnaire.

Median age at first occurrence of UI was significantly lower in females (<2 months) than in males with EU (8 months; P = 0.0015). Bilateral occurrence and an extramural course of the ureter were more common in males (n = 19 and n = 20, respectively) compared with females (14 and 12, respectively), but the outcome of surgical treatment was comparable in both genders.

The prognosis after surgery is fair with a success rate of 72% and a complication rate of 26%. Resection of only the intravesicular ectopic ureter resulted in resolution of incontinence in a high percentage of dogs and thus is an acceptable alternative to removal of the entire ureteral remnant.