Page 210 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

202 PART 4 CAT WITH URINARY TRACT SIGNS

Typically there is urinary incontinence (dribbling
COLO-UROCYSTIC FISTULA
urine) with a distended urinary bladder that is eas-
ily expressed.
Classical signs
Perivulvar or periprepucial dermatitis.
● Dribbling urine in young cat.
Secondary urinary tract infections are common.
Other signs commonly seen include fecal inconti-
Clinical signs
nence, constipation, locomotor disturbances of the
hindlimbs (plantigrade stance, hopping gait) and Colorocystic fistula has been reported in a male domes-
abnormal hindquarter conformation. tic shorthaired kitten.

This anomaly may result from incomplete division of
the cloaca during embryogenesis.
Diagnosis
Signs were of persistent urine dribbling and cystitis in
Diagnosis is based on age, breed and clinical signs.
a young cat.
Survey radiographs may confirm vertebral abnormal-
ities of the caudal spine.
Diagnosis
Contrast myelography may demonstrate the presence
of meningoceles. The abnormality predisposes to urinary incontinence
and urinary tract infection.
Urodynamic procedures.
● Cystometrography may show large filling volumes Diagnosis can be established by contrast urography.
and lack of a sustained contractile peak, consistent
with detrussor atony.
● Urethral pressure profilometry can identify urethral Treatment
incompetence.
Treatment is surgical correction of the fistula while pre-
serving the colonic and urinary bladder function.
Differential diagnosis
Most other congenital abnormalities do not produce the
classical combination of dribbling urine from the ECTOPIC UTERINE HORNS
penis/vulva and distended easily expressible bladder in
a young cat. Classical signs
● Urinary incontinence.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the clinical signs. Clinical signs

Therapy should be directed at minimizing or overcoming Ectopic uterine horns terminating into the urinary blad-
overflow incontinence by manual bladder compression der have been reported in a young female domestic
(provided there is not excessive urethral sphincter tone) shorthaired cat showing signs of persistent urinary
and appropriate treatment of urinary tract infections. incontinence and cystitis.

Prognosis Diagnosis

Poor in severe cases. Diagnosis based on contrast cystography.