Comparison of percutaneous cystolithotomy and open cystotomy for removal of urethral and bladder uroliths in dogs: Retrospective study of 81 cases (2014-2018).

OBJECTIVE: Compare percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) and open cystotomy (OC) for removal of bladder and urethral uroliths. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs and cats that underwent PCCL (n = 41) or OC (n = 40) between January 1, 2014 and February 28, 2018 at a referral center. METHODS: Medical records of dogs and cats that underwent a PCCL or an OC were reviewed. History, signalment, physical examination, diagnostic tests, length of the procedure and anesthesia, complications, and duration of hospitalization were recorded. RESULTS: A total 17 cats (PCCL = 10; OC = 7) and 64 dogs (PCCL = 31; OC = 33) were included. There was no significant difference, regardless of species, in the mean surgical time (45 min [24-160 min] and 48.5 min [15-122 min] with P = .54 in dogs, P = .65 in cats) nor mean duration of anesthesia (90 min [50-120 min] and 98 min [54-223 min] with P = .87 in dogs, P = .08 in cats) in the PCCL and OC groups respectively. Number of uroliths did not affect duration of surgery in either group. Complete urolith removal was achieved in 98% of dogs and cats in both groups. The median hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the PCCL group for dogs (11.3 hours [range 4 to 51.3] in the PCCL vs 56.6 hours [range 7.3 to 96] in the OC group; P < .001) but did not differ for cats (24.5 hours [range 8.3 to 30] in the PCCL vs 56.6 hours [range 10.1 to 193.2] in the OC group; P = .08). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bladder urolith removal by PCCL procedure is no longer than OC. Further studies are needed to compare the pain related to procedure between PCCL and OC.

Multicenter retrospective evaluation of transmural migration of subcutaneous ureteral bypass devices within the digestive tract in cats.

BACKGROUND: Placement of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device is an effective method to relieve all causes of ureteral obstruction in cats. Complications involving migration within the gastrointestinal tract have been seldomly described. OBJECTIVES: To characterize transmural migration of SUB devices within the digestive tract in cats. ANIMALS: Eleven migrated SUB catheters identified in 8 cats between 2017 and 2021. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of cats with a SUB device in which migration into the gastrointestinal tract was identified. RESULTS: The median time from SUB device placement to implant migration was 928 days (201-2298 days). Seven cats had obstruction of the SUB device and a positive urine culture at diagnosis. The migration was identified by ultrasound in 6/11, pre-operative contrast radiography in 2/2, and only at time of surgery in 3 SUB devices. All cats underwent surgical correction. Four nephrostomy and 7 cystotomy catheters migrated. Migration occurred into the duodenum (3/11), jejunum (7/11), and colon (1/11). SUB devices were removed in 7 cats and replaced in 2 cats, with 1 cat diagnosed with 2 migration events. Gastrointestinal resection and anastomosis were performed in 7/8 cats and an enterotomy in 2 cats. Six cats survived to discharge. The median follow-up time after migration diagnosis was 365 days (range, 0-1114 days) and 2 cats are still alive. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although a rare complication, migration of SUB device should be considered in cats with SUB device obstruction and a positive urine culture.

Cryptococcal nasopharyngeal polypoid mass in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: An indoor 9-year-old castrated male domestic cat was referred with a 4 month history of increased upper airway noise. Computed tomography revealed a nasopharyngeal polypoid mass, which was removed endoscopically with basket forceps. Histopathology was compatible with a polypoid granulomatous pharyngitis with Cryptococcus-like organisms. This was supported by a positive serum latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test (LCAT). Minimal inflammation of the nasal tissue was noted on histopathology, with no evidence of fungus. Following endoscopic removal of the mass, the patient was treated with systemic antifungal medication (itraconazole). One year after diagnosis, the LCAT titer was negative and the cat remained free of clinical signs. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This case report emphasizes the importance of considering Cryptococcus species as a potential etiology in cats presented with signs of nasopharyngeal obstruction with an isolated nasopharyngeal polypoid mass, even if kept indoors.