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Objective—To assess the diagnostic utility of transurethral cystoscopic biopsy in dogs with histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder and urethra. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—92 dogs with histologically confirmed TCC. Procedures—Information on sex, breed, neuter status, body weight, tumor location, biopsy method, number of biopsy procedures, experience level of clinician performing biopsy, and quality of biopsy sample was obtained from medical records. The association of variables with likelihood of achieving a diagnostic-quality biopsy sample was evaluated by use of logistic regression. Results—If used as the initial biopsy method, cystoscopic biopsy samples were of diagnostic quality in 65% of male dogs and 96% of female dogs with histologically confirmed TCC. Cystoscopic biopsy samples were significantly more likely to be of diagnostic quality in female dogs than in male dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cystoscopic biopsy is an effective method to obtain biopsy samples in dogs with TCC of the bladder and urethra. Cystoscopy is more likely to produce a diagnostic-quality biopsy sample in female dogs with TCC than in male dogs with ICC. Cystoscopy should be considered as a primary means of biopsy in male and female dogs with masses of the urinary bladder or urethra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective—To describe use of transurethral cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy for fragmentation of cystic and urethral uroliths and determine procedure duration and short-term and long-term outcome in dogs. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—73 dogs with naturally occurring uroliths in the urinary bladder, urethra, or both. Procedures—Transurethral cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy was performed in all dogs, and medical records were reviewed for short-term and long-term outcome and complications. Results—Laser lithotripsy resulted in complete fragmentation of all uroliths in all 28 female dogs and a majority of male dogs (39/45 [86.7%]). Dogs with urethroliths had shorter median laser time than dogs with cystic uroliths. Basket extraction and voiding urohydropropulsion were successful for removal of the urolith fragments following laser lithotripsy. Complications related to cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy occurred in 5 of 28 (17.9%l female dogs and 6 of 45 (13.3%) male dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Transurethral cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy was successful in female dogs and most male dogs for fragmentation of cystic and urethral uroliths. Short-term complications were most commonly related to urethral swelling and resolved with placement of an indwelling urinary catheter. There were no long-term complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: With conventional methodology, sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping of invasive urinary bladder cancer is technically challenging. This study was performed to determine the utility of invisible, near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) light for patient-specific SLN mapping, in real time under complete image guidance. Methods: Lymphatic tracers, injection volume, NIRF excitation fluence rate, light collection of emitted fluorescence, and degree of bladder distension were systematically optimized in normal dogs and pigs. SLN mapping was then performed in pet dogs with naturally occurring invasive transitional cell carcinoma (InvTCC) of the urinary bladder, which closely mimics the human disease. Results: NIRF albumin (hydrodynamic diameter [HD], 7.4nm) and NIRF quantum dots (15–20nm HD) injected into the bladder wall resulted in identification of draining lymph nodes (LNs) in under 3min. In both species, considerable variability in the lymphatic drainage was observed among individuals. Optimal SLN mapping was achieved with the use of superficial, serosal injection of NIRF tracer, with the bladder distended to an intraluminal pressure of 20–40cm H2O. In dogs with InvTCC, NIRF tracers identified SLNs that were confirmed histologically to harbor metastases. Conclusions: The use of invisible NIRF light permits real-time, patient-specific identification of SLNs that drain bladder cancer. Intraluminal bladder pressure is a key parameter that needs to be controlled for optimal results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Case Description—2 dogs and 5 cats were evaluated for treatment of ureteroliths. Clinical Findings—Spontaneous retrograde movement of 1 or more ureteroliths was detected by radiography, ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, and a combination of fluoroscopy and ultrasonography. The ureteroliths moved retrograde up to 4 centimeters. Retrograde movement of ureteroliths into the renal pelvis resulted in improved renal function in some patients but made complete surgical removal of all uroliths more difficult. Treatment and Outcome—Medical management was not successful, and ureteroliths were surgically removed. Surgical management of ureteroliths was complicated by retrograde movement of ureteroliths in the perioperative period. Clinical Relevance—Ureteroliths can move retrograde within the ureter and even back into the renal pelvis. Retrograde movement of ureteroliths may make surgical planning more difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To test the hypothesis that feline calcium oxalate uroliths are intrinsically more resistant to comminution via shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) than canine calcium oxalate uroliths through comparison of the fragility of canine and feline uroliths in a quantitative in vitro test system. Sample Population--Calcium oxalate uroliths (previously obtained from dogs and cats) were matched by size and mineral composition to create 7 pairs of uroliths (1 canine and 1 feline urolith/pair). Procedure--Uroliths were treated in vitro with 100 shock waves (20 kV; 1 Hz) by use of an electrohydraulic lithotripter. Urolith fragmentation was quantitatively assessed via determination of the percentage increase in projected area (calculated from the digital image area of each urolith before and after SWL). Results--After SWL, canine uroliths (n = 7) fragmented to produce a mean ± SD increase in image area of 238 ± 104%, whereas feline uroliths (7) underwent significantly less fragmentation (mean image area increase of 78 ± 97%). The post-SWL increase in fragment image area in 4 of 7 feline uroliths was <50%, whereas it was > 150% in 6 of 7 canine uroliths. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Results indicate that feline calcium oxalate uroliths are less susceptible to fragmentation via SWL than canine calcium oxalate uroliths. In some cats, SWL may not be efficacious for fragmentation of calcium oxalate nephroliths or ureteroliths because the high numbers of shock waves required to adequately fragment the uroliths may cause renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a disorder of micturition that can occur in dogs of any age, sex, and breed depending on the underlying cause and time of onset. Diagnosis and treatment for various causes of UI in dogs have been described by multiple comprehensive single author review articles, but large prospective clinical trials comparing treatment outcomes in veterinary medicine are lacking. The objectives of this consensus statement therefore are to provide guidelines on both recommended diagnostic testing and treatment for various causes of UI in dogs. Specifically, pathophysiology directly related to the canine urinary system will be reviewed and diagnostic and therapeutic challenges will be addressed. A panel of 12 experts in the field (8 small animal internists [L. Adams, J. Bartges, A. Berent, J. Byron, J. Foster, A. Kendall, S. Vaden, J. Westropp], 2 neurologists [J. Coates, N. Olby], 1 radiologist [G. Oetelaar], and 1 surgeon [C. Adin]) was formed to assess and summarize evidence in the peer‐reviewed literature and to complement it with consensus recommendations using the Delphi method. Some statements were not voted on by all panelists. This consensus statement aims to provide guidance for management of both male and female dogs with underlying storage or voiding disorders resulting in UI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ureteroceles are a rare condition in dogs in which conventional treatments can result in substantial morbidity. Cystoscopic and fluoroscopic‐guided laser ablation (CLA) of ureteroceles can successfully relieve obstruction. Objectives: To describe the technique and outcomes of attempting CLA for treatment of ureteroceles in dogs. Animals: Thirteen client‐owned dogs that underwent CLA for treatment of ureteroceles. Methods: Retrospective multicentered study. Medical records were reviewed in all dogs that underwent CLA for ureterocele(s). A laser was used to extend the opening of the ureteral orifice (UO) unless surgical conversion was necessary. Data collected included signalment, clinicopathologic data, imaging, procedural findings, complications, and short‐ and long‐term outcome. Results: Thirteen dogs with 13 ureteroceles associated with 14 UOs resulting in ureteral obstruction were included. One ureterocele extended bilaterally. Treatment was initiated via retrograde cystoscopy (7 females), percutaneous perineal urethrocystoscopy (4 males), or percutaneous antegrade cystoscopy (2 males). Surgical conversion was necessary in 2 males. Ten of 14 (71%) UOs associated with the ureteroceles were ectopic. Thirteen of 14 had stenotic or imperforate UOs. No postoperative complications were noted. Preoperative incontinence or pollakiuria was present in 9 of 13 and 3 of 13 dogs and resolved in 8 of 9 and 3 of 3 dogs, respectively. Follow‐up imaging showed resolution of all ureteroceles and improved ureteral/renal pelvic dilatation. Median follow‐up time was 27 months (range, 3‐96 months). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Cystoscopic‐guided laser ablation was effective for the treatment of ureteroceles(s) in 11 of 13 dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of iohexol on standardized quantitative urine culture results in dogs. The authors hypothesized that the presence of iohexol in inoculated urine samples would result in lower bacterial concentrations (CFU/mL) and, therefore, decrease culture sensitivity. SAMPLE Urine samples were aseptically collected during cystoscopy from a single client-owned dog untreated with antimicrobials. PROCEDURES An experimental controlled study. The urine sample was divided into 38 aliquots (0.5 mL each) that were used as negative controls or inoculated with an equal amount of Escherichia coli (105 CFU/mL). Different volumes (0.1 and 0.5 mL) of contrast or saline were added to the aliquots and quantitative culture results were compared. Two different incubation times between the preparation of aliquots and culture were evaluated (15 minutes and 24 hours). RESULTS All aliquots from samples inoculated with E. coli (positive controls and iohexol-group) had the same reported quantitative result (104 CFU/mL). No growth was reported for the negative controls. Iohexol did not show any anti-E. coli properties in canine urine cultures for dilutions up to 1:2 contrast:urine and concentrations up to 120 mgI/mL. No difference was reported when iohexol was incubated with inoculated urine for 15 minutes or 24 hours. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Based on the experimental in vitro conditions described, administration of iohexol before the collection of urine during urologic procedures does not negatively impact the isolation and growth of E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the ultrasonography of the urinary tract in small animals. Usefulness of ultrasonography for evaluating the presence of lower and upper urinary tract disease; Characteristics of normal anatomy in animals; Information regarding internal architecture of diseases in the urinary tract.

Objective--To describe the use of sclerotherapy for the renal-sparing treatment of idio-pathic renal hematuria (IRH) in dogs and report clinical outcomes. Design--Retrospective case series. Animals--6 dogs (8 renal pelvises) with IRH. Procedures--Medical records of dogs that underwent sclerotherapy were reviewed. Each ureterovesicular junction was identified cystoscopically to determine the side of bleeding, and a retrograde ureteropyelogram was performed with endoscopic and fluoroscopic guid-ance. A ureteropelvic junction balloon was used for ureteral occlusion, and pelvis filling volumes were recorded. A povidone iodine mixture, followed by a sterile silver nitrate solu-tion, was infused into the renal pelvis. A double-pigtail ureteral stent was placed after the procedure. Information on preprocedure and postprocedure biochemical changes, imaging parameters, and clinical outcomes was obtained. Results--6 dogs (5 males and 1 female) had sclerotherapy for unilateral (4) or bilateral (2) bleeding. Five were right-sided and 3 were left-sided. The median age and weight of dogs were 3 years and 42.4 kg (93.28 lb), respectively. Median procedure time was 150 minutes. One dog that did not have a ureteral stent placed following the procedure developed short-term signs of renal pain and pyelectasis. Cessation of macroscopic hematuria occurred in 4 of 6 dogs (median, 6 hours). Two additional dogs improved moderately. Median follow-up time was 8 months (range, 3.5 to 20.5 months). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Topical sclerotherapy for IRH was safe and effective. Local sclerotherapy for IRH in dogs could be considered a valuable and minimally invasive re-nal-sparing treatment over ureteronephrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To determine the outcome in dogs undergoing urethral stent placement for management of urethral obstruction secondary to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Design--Retrospective case series. Animals--19 dogs with histopathologically confirmed TCC. Procedures--Information regarding urethral stent placement and follow-up treatment was obtained from review of medical records. Quality of life assessment was performed with an owner questionnaire. Results--Self-expanding nitinol stents were successfully placed in 17 of 19 dogs; stent placement was not possible in one dog, and another dog was euthanatized 2 days after stent placement, but before discharge from the hospital. Median survival time in 17 dogs following successful long-term stent placement was 78 days (range, 2 to 366 days). Com-plications following stent placement in 18 dogs included incontinence (n = 7), reobstruction from continued growth of urethral TCC (3), acute reobstruction shortly after the procedure (1), and stent migration (2). Of the 17 owners surveyed, 16 were satisfied with the outcome and would recommend urethral stent placement. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--The placement of self-expanding nitinol urethral stents was successful in alleviating TCC-induced urethral obstruction and providing good quality of life for most dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]