Presentation, diagnosis, mineral findings, and management of ureteral calculi in 14 dogs (2010-21)

Authors: Kaufmann H, Benchekroun G, Manassero M, Maurey C
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume Ahead of Print, Issue Ahead of Print, Dec 2025
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Dog
Article class: Research Article

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Abstract:

Case history: Medical records of a university-based veterinary referral hospital (Maisons-Alfort, France) were reviewed to identify dogs presenting with ureteral stones between 2010 and 2021. Fourteen dogs were included that had a median age of 8.5 (min 2, max 13) years and a median body weight of 6.4 (min 2.5, max 11) kg. Yorkshire Terrier (n = 5) and Shih Tzu (n = 4) breeds predominated.

Clinical findings: The clinical and biological findings included lethargy (n = 10), dysorexia (n = 9), vomiting (n = 8), abdominal pain (n = 6), pyrexia (n = 4), and azotaemia (n = 4). Ureteral stones were located in the right ureter (n = 4), left ureter (n = 6), and bilaterally (n = 4). Dogs had a median of 2.5 (min 1, max > 5) ureteral stones, with 10 dogs having ≥ 2 stones. Twelve dogs had pyelectasis, indicating partial to complete obstruction of urinary flow, but there was no evidence of a difference in renal pelvis dilation between dogs that did or did not have abdominal pain (p = 0.060) or azotaemia (p = 0.024). Calcium oxalate was the most common ureterolith composition, confirmed in five dogs and suspected in five dogs.

Treatment and outcome: Six dogs were managed medically, none of which developed azotaemia or worsening renal pelvic dilation; two dogs experienced spontaneous expulsion of the ureteral calculi. Eight dogs were managed surgically, including five by ureterotomy (temporary stents were placed in four dogs and successfully removed endoscopically 34-75 days after placement), one by placement of a SC ureteral bypass device, and two by nephroureterectomy. Short-term post-operative follow-up revealed that all dogs experienced rapid and complete resolution of clinical signs. Regardless of the treatment modality, the long-term outcome (median follow-up duration 353 days) appeared to be excellent.

Clinical relevance: Ureteral calculi were less commonly associated with azotaemia in dogs, but abdominal pain and pyrexia were relevant clinical findings. Ureterotomy with temporary ureteral stenting was an effective treatment option for ureteral obstruction in dogs, although spontaneous passage of the incidentally identified ureteral calculi was reported.

KEYWORDS: Ureteral stones, canine, ureteral stent, calcium oxalate, abdominal pain

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