Use of electrohydraulic lithotripsy in 28 dogs with bladder and urethral calculi.

BACKGROUND Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) has been used as an alternative to cystotomy in human medicine to remove urinary calculi. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of EHL to remove urinary calculi in dogs. HYPOTHESIS EHL is an efficient and safe method of treatment of bladder and urethral calculi in dogs. METHODS Dogs presented between January 1, 2005 and June 1, 2007 with lower urinary tract calculi diagnosed by radiographs or ultrasound examination were included in the study. Physical examination, CBC, biochemistry, urinalysis, and urine culture were performed at presentation. EHL and voiding urohydropulsion were performed under general anesthesia. Patients received IV fluids for 12 hours after which they were rechecked by ultrasound examination and discharged with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs for 5 days. All patients were reevaluated 1, 3, and 6 months after presentation by physical examination, urinalysis, and ultrasonography. RESULTS Twenty-eight dogs (19 males, 9 females) presented with bladder or urethral calculi or both underwent lithotripsy. Their median weight was 8.3 kg. Calcium oxalate calculi were present in 22 dogs, struvite in 4, and mixed calculi in 2. Fragmentation was done in the bladder (23 dogs) and in the urethra (12 dogs). Calculus-free rate was higher for urethral than for bladder calculi in males and higher for bladder calculi in females than in males. No major complications were reported. Twelve dogs relapsed within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study support the use of EHL as a minimally invasive treatment for bladder calculi in females and for urethral calculi in male dogs.