Use of the subcutaneous ureteral bypass system (SIDUS) in dogs and cats: a case series study

Subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SIDUS) has become an established surgical alternative for the management of ureteral obstruction in cats and dogs, providing urinary diversion and facilitating renal decompression. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical, biochemical, and microbiological outcomes of 17 animals that underwent SIDUS implantation and were followed for up to 90 days. Data were retrospectively obtained from medical records, including clinical assessments, laboratory tests, and urine cultures. Serum creatinine concentrations decreased significantly from a preoperative median of 10.0 to 6.0 mg/dL at 24 h after surgery (p < 0.001) and remained at a median of 1.8 mg/dL at 60 and 90 days. Urea and phosphorus concentrations showed similar reductions following implantation. Leukocyte counts exhibited mild postoperative variation, consistent with a possible inflammatory response. Urine cultures were predominantly negative throughout follow-up, and positive cultures were sporadic and not accompanied by reported clinical signs or deterioration of laboratory parameters. Despite the small sample size and limited follow-up period, these findings indicate substantial improvement in renal biochemical parameters following SIDUS implantation, with few clinically relevant urinary tract infections observed during the study period.