Ectopic Ureters and Ureteroceles in Dogs: Presentation, Cause, and Diagnosis*

CE Ectopic ureters are the most common congenital cause of urinary incontinence in dogs. Dogs with ectopic ureters usually present with urinary incontinence and are predominantly young females. Ectopic ureter is thought to occur because of disruption in normal embryogenesis and is commonly associated with other abnormalities of the urogenital tract. Diagnosis is usually made with contrast radiography and ultrasonography. nalysis and urine culture, plain and contrast radiography, ultrasonography, cystoscopy, urodynamic measurements, computed tomography (CT), surgical exploration, or a combination of these tests. Surgery is the treatment of choice for ectopic ureters and ectopic ureteroceles. Persistent urinary incontinence is a common complication in dogs after surgical repair. This article focuses on the presentation, cause, and diagnosis of ectopic ureters and ureteroceles in dogs. Ureteroceles are discussed because of their similarities to ectopic ureters in presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. SIGNALMENT, HISTORY,AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Ectopic ureters are typically diagnosed in young female dogs (median age: 10 months) but can present at any age and in males. Males tend to present later, with a median age of 24 months. Females make up 89% to 95% of dogs diagnosed with ectopic ureters. This may be attributable to the ability to more readily identify urinary incontinence in female dogs. It has Ectopic Ureters and Ureteroceles in Dogs: Presentation, Cause, and Diagnosis* James Sutherland-Smith, BVSc Richard M. Jerram, BVSc, DACVS Alexander M. Walker, BVSc, MACVSc Christopher G. A. Warman, BVSc, MVS, MACVSc Veterinary Specialist Group, UNITEC, Auckland, New Zealand *A companion article on treatment appears on p. 311. Email comments/questions to [email protected], fax 800-556-3288, or log on to