Placement of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass in a Miniature Pinscher with presumed xanthine urolithiasis as a result of allopurinol treatment

This case report describes the long-term success of a subcutaneous
ureteral bypass device in a dog for treatment of
a ureteral obstruction. The suspected xanthine urolithiasis
was secondary to treatment with allopurinol for leishmaniasis.
The dog presented initially with lethargy, anuria and
abdominal pain. Mild azotemia was found on biochemical
analysis and abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral ureteral
obstruction. A subcutaneous ureteral bypass was subsequently
placed using a standard surgical technique. The dog
recovered uneventfully and the azotemia resolved within
days. Follow-up examinations were performed every trimester
for over three years and no complications like obstruction
of the bypass tubes, urinary tract infection or azotemia
were recognized during this follow-up period. Allopurinol
was replaced with domperidone as long-term treatment
against Leishmaniasis which resulted in a mild increase of
the leishmania serum antibody titer. The subcutaneous ureteral
bypass placement was successful and safe in this dog
and is a valuable alternative in cases of ureteral obstruction
also in dogs.