Patrick Lennon

Queens Veterinary School Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Objectives

To describe oestrus-associated urinary complications in entire female dogs undergoing artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) placement for persistent urinary incontinence following cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ectopic ureters.

Methods

A retrospective case series was performed at a single referral institution. Medical records were reviewed to identify entire female dogs that underwent AUS placement after laser ablation of ectopic ureters and subsequently developed urinary complications temporally associated with oestrus. Signalment, surgical details, postoperative continence outcomes, timing and nature of urinary complications, interventions, and follow-up data were extracted. Oestrus-associated complications were defined as new or worsening lower urinary tract signs occurring concurrently with behavioural or physical signs of oestrus, in the absence of confirmed implant failure.

Results

Three dogs met inclusion criteria. All achieved satisfactory continence following staged cuff inflation. Subsequently, each developed urinary complications temporally associated with oestrus. Two dogs developed recurrent urinary incontinence requiring incremental cuff reinflation; both later underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy, after which no further cyclical urinary signs were reported. One dog developed acute stranguria 44 weeks after implantation, with urethral narrowing at the cuff level identified on contrast urethrography. Despite cuff deflation and medical management, euthanasia was elected.

Statement: Impact/ Clinical Significance

Cyclical hormonal variation may influence urethral dynamics in entire bitches with AUS implants, predisposing to recurrent incontinence or obstruction. Consideration of elective ovariectomy at the time of AUS placement should be discussed with owners.