Uretero-Cutaneous Fistula and Renal Abscessation as a Complication of Ureteral Stenting in a Dog

An 11 yr old female spayed shih tzu was referred for treatment of left ureterolithiasis with complete obstruction of the left ureter and pyonephrosis. A ureteral stent was placed surgically to relieve the obstruction and pyonephrosis was treated with antibiotics. Three and a half years following stent placement, the patient developed an abscess on the left flank with chronic purulent discharge. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the presence of a left uretero-cutaneous fistula and renal abscess. A left ureteronephrectomy was performed. The dog was euthanatized 4 mo later for cardiac insufficiency unresponsive to medical treatment. This is the first report of a uretero-cutaneous fistula and renal abscessation as a complication of ureteral stenting in a dog.