Disease Ontology ID: DDTO:0000900
Disease Description: The ureters (tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder) do not empty into the bladder in the normal location.
Inherit Mode: -
Disease Symptom: Dogs with ectopic ureters have symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Males are often asymptomatic, which means that they do not display any outward signs of having the condition. Dogs with only one affected ureter may continue to pass urine normally. The process of urinating is called “micturition.” When clinical signs of ectopic ureters are present, owners might notice one or more of the following:Urinary incontinience (intermittent or continuous; usually suggests bilateral condition);Inappropriate elimination (urinating in unusual areas);Persistent urine dribbling (especially in juvenile animals);Dampness around the external genitalia;Cloudy urine (pyuria; from pus in the urine);Foul-smelling urine (from infection somewhere along the urinary tract);Redness, inflammation and irritation of the hair and skin around a female dog’s vulva and vagina (vulvitis and vaginitis due to urine scalding).
Disease Cause: Certain breeds seem to have a predisposition to being born with ectopic ureters. This is called a congenital defect. Because of the prevalence of the abnormality in those breeds, the defect also appears to have a genetic component, rather than just occurring randomly during prenatal development. Unfortunately, the mode of inheritance is not well-understood. The involvement of heredity also is not consistent. Bitches with ectopic ureters are known to have whelped litters in which none of their offspring is born with the condition – or at least none of them exhibit the intermittent or persistent incontinence so commonly associated with this conformational abnormality. Vitamin imbalances or deficiencies in female dogs during pregnancy have also been suggested as possible contributors to ecopic ureters in their puppies.
Disease Diagnose: More advanced testing may involve ultrasound examination to assess the anatomical integrity of urinary tract structures. This procedure, when performed by a person skilled in ultrasonography, is usually diagnostic of ectopic ureters. Contrast radiography can also be used, although it is more invasive. This involves inserting contrast media into the dog’s urinary tract and then taking films (radiographs; X-rays) as that material moves through and out of that tract. While standard radiographs without contrast media may be helpful, they are not as reliable as either ultrasound or contrast studies. Computed tomography (CT scan) may be available at some specialized veterinary clinics. CT scans are extremely accurate to diagnose this disorder. Other techniques, such as urethrocystoscopy, vaginal urethrography and excretory urography, can permit the veterinarian to visualize anatomical abnormalities and localize the terminal openings of ectopic ureters into the bladder, urethra, vagina or somewhere else.
Treat Method: Many veterinarians recommend that incontinent female puppies not be spayed before their first heat cycle; sometimes, their condition resolves on its own under that hormonal influence. There are no realistic medical (drug) therapies for ectopic ureters. Even with surgery, affected animals may remain incontinent, depending in large part upon the status of their urethral sphincter mechanism which plays a huge role in the voluntary withholding or passage of urine. There are a few medications that may help to reduce incontinence, depending on its cause. For example, antibiotics can help to clear up a urinary tract infection (UTI) which can contribute to incontinence. It is very important to treat UTIs before any surgical correction is contemplated. However, this will not “treat” or “cure” the ectopic ureter itself.
Breeder Advice: -
Disease Description Source: Link
Disease Name | Other Name | Mode of inheritance | Link ID | Possible OMIM ID | Gene |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ectopic ureter | - | Multifactorial | - | - |
2018 |
Gallana,M.,Utsunomiya,Y.T.,Dolf,G.,PintorTorrecilha,R.B.,Falbo,A.K.,Jagannathan,V.,Leeb,T.,Reichler,I.,Sölkner,J.,Schelling,C.: :
Genome-wide association study and heritability estimate for ectopic ureters in Entlebucher mountain dogs. Anim Genet :, 2018. Pubmed reference: 30276844 . DOI: 10.1111/age.12728 . |
2014 |
Fritsche,R.,Dolf,G.,Schelling,C.,Hungerbuehler,S.O.,Hagen,R.,Reichler,I.M.: :
Inheritance of ectopic ureters in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. J Anim Breed Genet 131:146-52, 2014. Pubmed reference: 24628724 . DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12055 . |
2014 |
Newman,M.,Landon,B.: :
Surgical treatment of a duplicated and ectopic ureter in a dog. J Small Anim Pract 55:475-8, 2014. Pubmed reference: 25168741 . DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12227 . |
2013 |
Fritsche,R.,Dolf,G.,Schelling,C.,Hungerbuehler,S.O.,Hagen,R.,Reichler,I.M.: :
Inheritance of ectopic ureters in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics :, 2013. DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12055 . |
2013 |
Novellas,R.,Stone,J.,Pratschke,K.,Hammond,G.: :
Duplicated ectopic ureter in a nine-year-old Labrador. J Small Anim Pract 54:386-9, 2013. Pubmed reference: 23551207 . DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12056 . |
2012 |
Reichler,I.M.,EckrichSpecker,C.,Hubler,M.,Boos,A.,Haessig,M.,Arnold,S.: :
Ectopic ureters in dogs: clinical features, surgical techniques and outcome. Vet Surg 41:515-22, 2012. Pubmed reference: 22486391 . DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2012.00952.x . |
2011 |
Bitterli,F.: :
Prävalenz und klinische Relevanz ektopischer Ureteren beim Entlebucher und Appenzeller Sennenhund. Dissertation, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich :, 2011. |
2010 |
North,C.,Kruger,J.M.,Venta,P.J.,Miller,J.M.,Rosenstein,D.S.,Randall,E.K.,White,B.,Fitzgerald,S.D.: :
Congenital ureteral ectopia in continent and incontinent-related Entlebucher mountain dogs: 13 cases (2006-2009). J Vet Intern Med 24:1055-62, 2010. Pubmed reference: 20666980 . DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0562.x . |
2010 |
Smith,A.L.,Radlinsky,M.G.,Rawlings,C.A.: :
Cystoscopic diagnosis and treatment of ectopic ureters in female dogs: 16 cases (2005-2008). J Am Vet Med Assoc 237:191-5, 2010. Pubmed reference: 20632793 . DOI: 10.2460/javma.237.2.191 . |
2010 |
Thomas,P.C.,Yool,D.A.: :
Delayed-onset urinary incontinence in five female dogs with ectopic ureters. J Small Anim Pract 51:224-6, 2010. Pubmed reference: 20214729 . DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00893.x . |
2010 |
Yoon,H.Y.,Mann,F.A.,Punke,J.P.,Jeong,S.W.: :
Bilateral ureteral ectopia with renal dysplasia and urolithiasis in a dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 46:209-14, 2010. Pubmed reference: 20439946 . |
2006 |
EckrichSpecker,C.: :
Ektopische Ureteren beim Hund: Eine retrospektive Analyse von 30 Fällen. Dissertation, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich :, 2006. |
2004 |
Samii,V.F.,McLoughlin,M.A.,Mattoon,J.S.,Drost,W.T.,Chew,D.J.,DiBartola,S.P.,Hoshaw-Woodard,S.: :
Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography, digital fluoroscopic urethrography, helical computed tomography, and cystoscopy in 24 dogs with suspected ureteral ectopia. J Vet Intern Med 18:271-81, 2004. Pubmed reference: 15188811 . |
2003 |
Cannizzo,K.L.,McLoughlin,M.A.,Mattoon,J.S.,Samii,V.F.,Chew,D.J.,DiBartola,S.P.: :
Evaluation of transurethral cystoscopy and excretory urography for diagnosis of ectopic ureters in female dogs: 25 cases (1992-2000). J Am Vet Med Assoc 223:475-81, 2003. Pubmed reference: 12930085 . |
2003 |
Oglesby,P.A.,Carter,A.: :
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of unilateral ectopic ureter in a Labrador dog. J S Afr Vet Assoc 74:84-6, 2003. Pubmed reference: 15029953 . |
2003 |
Taney,K.G.,Moore,K.W.,Carro,T.,Spencer,C.: :
Bilateral ectopic ureters in a male dog with unilateral renal agenesis. J Am Vet Med Assoc 223:817-20, 810, 2003. Pubmed reference: 14507098 . |
2002 |
Lautzenhiser,S.J.,Bjorling,D.E.: :
Urinary incontinence in a dog with an ectopic ureterocele. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 38:29-32, 2002. Pubmed reference: 11804312 . |
2000 |
Holt,P.E.,Thrusfield,M.V.,HotstonMoore,A.: :
Breed predisposition to ureteral ectopia in bitches in the UK. Veterinary Record 146:561 only, 2000. |
2000 |
Koie,H.,Yamaya,Y.,Sakai,T.: :
Four cases of lowered urethral pressure in canine ectopic ureter. J Vet Med Sci 62:1221-2, 2000. Pubmed reference: 11129871 . |
1999 |
Anderson,C.C.,Cook,C.R.,Pope,E.R.: :
What is your diagnosis? Ectopic ureter. J Am Vet Med Assoc 214:1321-2, 1999. Pubmed reference: 10319171 . |
1998 |
Lamb,C.R.,Gregory,S.P.: :
Ultrasonographic findings in 14 dogs with ectopic ureter. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 39:218-23, 1998. Pubmed reference: 9634190 . |
1995 |
Holt,P.E.,Moore,A.H.: :
Canine ureteral ectopia: an analysis of 175 cases and comparison of surgical treatments. Veterinary Record 136:345 only, 1995. |
1988 |
Dean,P.W.,Bojrab,M.J.,Constantinescu,G.M.: :
Canine ectopic ureter. Compend. Contin. Educ. Vet. 10:146-162, 1988. |
1986 |
Hager,D.A.,Blevins,W.E.: :
Ectopic ureter in a dog: extension from the kidney to the urinary bladder and to the urethra. J Am Vet Med Assoc 189:309-10, 1986. Pubmed reference: 3744991 . |
1984 |
Hayes,H.M.: :
Breed associations of canine ectopic ureter: a study of 217 female cases. J. Small Anim. Pract. 25:501–504, 1984. |
1982 |
Holt,P.E.,Gibbs,C.,Pearson,H.: :
Canine ectopic ureter – a review of twenty-nine cases. J. Small Anim. Pract. 23:195–208, 1982. |
1981 |
Smith,C.W.,Stowater,J.L.,Kneller,S.K.: :
Ectopic ureter in the dog: a review of cases. J. Am. Anim. Hosp. Assoc. 17:245-248, 1981. |
1980 |
Smith,C.W.,Stowater,J.L.,Kneller,S.K.: :
Bilateral ectopic ureter in a male dog with urinary incontinence. J Am Vet Med Assoc 177:1022-4, 1980. Pubmed reference: 7462081 . |
1977 |
Johnston,G.R.,Osbourne,C.A.,Wilson,J.W.,Yano,B.L.: :
Familial ureteral ectopia in the dog. J. Am. Anim. Hosp. Assoc. 13:168–170, 1977. |
1976 |
Holt,P.E.: :
Ectopic ureter in the bitch. Vet Rec 98:299-300, 1976. Pubmed reference: 1274140 . |
1975 |
Osborne,C.A.,Dieterich,H.F.,Hanlon,G.F.,Anderson,L.D.: :
Urinary incontinence due to ectopic ureter in a male dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc 166:911-4, 1975. Pubmed reference: 1168184 . |
1974 |
Hayes,H.M.: :
Ectopic ureter in dogs: epidemiologic features. Teratology 10:129-32, 1974. Pubmed reference: 4428421 . DOI: 10.1002/tera.1420100206 . |
1973 |
Lane,J.G.: :
Canine ectopic ureter--two further case reports. J Small Anim Pract 14:555-60, 1973. Pubmed reference: 4789312 . |
1971 |
Seidenberg,L.,Knecht,C.D.: :
Ectopic ureter in the dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc 159:876-7, 1971. Pubmed reference: 5106547 . |
1969 |
Osborne,C.A.,Perman,V.: :
Ectopic ureter in a male dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc 154:273-8, 1969. Pubmed reference: 5812515 . |