Evaluation of prognostic factors for return of urinary and defecatory function in cats with sacrocaudal luxation

Postoperative outcome of ambulatory dogs with intervertebral disc extrusion causing incontinence and/or tail dysfunction: 18 cases (2010-2020)

Objectives

To assess the recovery of urinary continence, faecal continence and tail function in ambulatory dogs with caudal lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion and to explore clinical factors that may be associated with recovery.

Materials and Methods

Medical records from January 2010 to December 2020 were searched to identify ambulatory dogs undergoing surgical treatment for a caudal lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion causing urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and/or tail dysfunction. Signalment, history, presenting clinical signs, neurological examination findings, diagnostic test results, treatment and outcome were recorded for all dogs.

Results

Eighteen dogs with caudal lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion causing tail dysfunction, urinary and/or faecal incontinence were included. Urinary continence was recovered in 12 (86%) of 14 affected dogs, faecal continence recovered in nine (90%) of 10 affected dogs and tail function recovered in 13 (87%) of 15 affected dogs. Loss of tail nociception was recorded in three dogs on presentation; two made a full recovery and one showed mild persistent tail paresis.

Clinical Significance

The prognosis for functional recovery of urinary continence, faecal continence and tail function in ambulatory dogs with caudal lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion following surgical treatment is good. Larger studies are needed to identify prognostic factors associated with failure of recovery.

Outcomes of nine cats with urinary retention after sacrocaudal luxation managed with long-term urinary diversion

OBJECTIVE

To document the outcomes of cats with urinary retention (UR) after sacrocaudal luxation (SCL) and managed with a long-term cystostomy (LTC).

STUDY DESIGN

Short case series.

ANIMALS

Nine client-owned cats with SCL and subsequent UR.

METHODS

Nine cats suffering from non-relievable UR secondary to SCL, between March 2013 and December 2020, had a LTC placed 4.5 days post-SCL (mean, range 3.5-6.0), until clinical evidence of normal urination recovery. The bladder was emptied at least twice daily. No antimicrobial was given during LTC. Indication for tube removal was voluntary micturition with complete emptying for a minimum of three consecutive days. Recheck examinations were scheduled for post-SCL days 7 and 14, as well as for LTC tube removal. Minor and major complications and length of LTC use were recorded.

RESULTS

The LTC was removed 11-42 days (mean 26 days) after placement. All cats recovered normal micturition spontaneously within 17-47 days post-SCL (mean 30.7 days): 1 cat between the 2nd and 3rd weeks, 5 cats between the 3rd and 4th weeks, and 3 cats >30 days after the trauma. Major complications, such tube dislodgement, occurred in two cats, whereas complications resolving after tube removal were recorded in 6 cats.

CONCLUSION

LTC was effective at managing UR post-SCL in 9 cats. All cats recovered normal urinary function within 7 weeks.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

LTC can be an alternative to manual expression or bladder catheterization in cats with temporary UR after SCL.