Uretrovaginal fistula as complication of a ovariohysterectomy: two cases

Two bitches showed urinary incontinence shortly after having been ovariohysterectomized. With abdominal ultrasound an anatomical defect of the right ureter was suspected in one case. Intravenous urography showed a hydroureter terminating in the direction of the uterine stump and retrograde vaginography was diagnostic in both cases for a uretrovaginal fistula. An adhesion between ureter and vagina was dissected during exploratory laparatomy and the ureter was re-implanted into the bladder. Both bitches are free of clinical signs thereafter. Uretrovaginal fistulas can be a complication of a routine ovariohysterectomy if one of the ureters is inadvertently enclosed into the ligature.