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Use of a Percutaneously Controlled Urethral Hydraulic Occluder for Treatment of Refractory Urinary Incontinence in 18 Female Dogs
Author(s) -
Currao Rachael L.,
Berent Allyson C.,
Weisse Chick,
Fox Philip
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2012.01040.x
Subject(s) - medicine , urinary incontinence , surgery , urinary continence , urethra , refractory (planetary science) , percutaneous , complication , urology , prostatectomy , prostate , astrobiology , physics , cancer
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a percutaneously controlled urethral hydraulic occluder (HO) device for the treatment of refractory urinary incontinence (RUI) in female dogs with various urogenital anomalies. Study Design Case series. Animals Female dogs with RUI (n = 18). Methods Retrospective evaluation of dogs after a silicone ring (HO) was surgically placed around the proximal urethra. The ring was connected to a subcutaneous injection port with actuating tubing. Residual incontinence was treated with percutaneous infusion of sterile saline into the device to provide extraluminal urethral compression. Dogs were assessed for continence (owner‐assessed 10‐point continence scale) and complications at standard time points. Results All 18 dogs had significantly improved continence scores ( P < .001) after HO placement (median and mean score pre‐HO = 2.8 and 3.3; post‐HO = 10 and 8.9, respectively) with a median follow‐up time of 32 months. “Functional” continence (score ≥ 9) was achieved in 67% of dogs after HO placement, though only 13/18 clients were compliant with inflations. Of dogs belonging to compliant owners, 12 (92%) had a functional continence score. Six dogs (33%) did not require inflation to achieve continence. Urethral obstruction occurred as a complication in 3 dogs. Conclusions Use of an HO device was an effective long‐term treatment for RUI when traditional options failed. The technique was associated with some complications, and these risks should be considered before use.