Feline Ureteral Strictures: 10 Cases (2007-2009)

Background Feline ureteral obstructions have emerged as a common problem. Ureteral strictures rarely are reported as a cause and the predisposing factors and clinical course of this condition have not been described. Objectives Evaluate cases of feline ureteral strictures and characterize historical features, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, surgical and endoscopic findings, histopathology, treatment modalities, and short- and long-term outcomes. Animals Ten cats diagnosed with ureteral strictures based on compatible findings from at least 2 of the following: ultrasonography, ureteropyelography, surgical exploration, or histopathology. Methods Retrospective study. Results Median age, serum creatinine concentration, and size of the renal pelvis were 12 years, 3.7 mg/dL, and 11.75 mm, respectively. Six of 10 cats had hyperechoic periureteral tissue on ultrasound examination at the stricture site. Four cats had evidence of a circumcaval ureter at surgery. Eight cats had an intervention including ureteral stent placement (n = 6) and traditional surgery (n = 2). Seven of 8 cats had decreases in serum creatinine concentration and renal pelvic parameters preceding discharge and 6 had persistently improved results at their last examination. All patients survived to discharge. Median survival time was > 294 days (range, 14 to > 858 days) with 6/10 cats still alive. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Ureteral strictures may occur in cats secondary to ureteral surgery, inflammation, a circumcaval ureter, impacted ureterolithiasis, or for unknown causes. With appropriate and timely intervention, the prognosis for long-term survival is good. In addition to ureteral reimplantation or ureteronephrectomy, ureteral stenting or SC ureteral bypass may be considered as future therapeutic options.