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.

Treatment of proteinuria in dogs with telmisartan: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Use of telmisartan for the treatment of proteinuria in dogs has not been thoroughly investigated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Telmisartan can be effective for the treatment of proteinuria in dogs. ANIMALS: Forty-four client-owned dogs with proteinuria. METHODS: Retrospective study. Dogs diagnosed with clinically relevant proteinuria (nonazotemic dogs with a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio [UPC] ≥2 and azotemic dogs with UPC ≥0.5) were separated into 3 groups: telmisartan alone, with benazepril, or with mycophenolate. The UPC was recorded before treatment and at subsequent follow-ups (1, 3, 6, and 12 months, as available). Response to treatment was categorized as complete (UPC ˂0.5), partial (UPC decreased by ≥50% but still ≥0.5), or no response (UPC decreased by <50%). Serum creatinine and potassium concentrations and arterial pressure also were recorded. RESULTS: In the telmisartan group, treatment response (UPC ˂0.5 or decreased by ≥50%) was observed in 70%, 68%, 80%, and 60% of dogs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up, respectively. No significant changes were noted in serum creatinine or potassium concentrations, or in arterial blood pressure at all follow-up times. Adverse effects consisted of mild self-limiting gastrointestinal signs in 5 dogs. Two dogs developed clinically relevant azotemia that required discontinuation of the treatment before the first follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Telmisartan can be considered for treatment of proteinuria in dogs, alone or in combination with other treatments for proteinuria.