What Dog Owners Need To Know About Ectopic Ureters
Ectopic ureter (EU) in dogs is a condition that affects the urinary system. It’s caused by an abnormal connection between the bladder and the ureter, leading to frequent urinary tract infections and other serious health problems. Here’s what dog owners need to know about ectopic ureters in their canine companions.
What Is An Ectopic Ureter?
An ectopic ureter, or EU, is a congenital defect that occurs when one or both of the ureters that travel from a pet’s kidneys to its bladder become abnormally connected somewhere along its route. When this happens, urine produced in the kidneys spills directly into the abdomen instead of flowing into the bladder.
Symptoms Of Ectopic Ureter In Dogs
The most common symptom of EU in dogs is recurrent urinary tract infections and/or incontinence. Other symptoms may include frequent urination, increased thirst, difficulty urinating or discolouration or bad odour in urine. Depending on severity, your pet may experience discomfort when playing or running. If your pup displays these symptoms for more than a few days, it’s best to visit your veterinarian for a complete examination and diagnosis.
Diagnosing Ectopic Ureters In Dogs
Your vet will likely use ultrasound imaging techniques to diagnose EU in dogs. He might also take x-rays, use an endoscope (which requires placing a camera inside the body), collect urine samples and perform blood tests if necessary. All these tests accurately depict your pup’s health so that he/she can receive appropriate treatment quickly and safely.
Treating Ectopic Ureters In Dogs
Fortunately, surgery is typically successful at treating EE completely in most cases. Your vet may recommend open surgery (in which he/she will surgically remove portions of tissue) or laparoscopic surgery. Depending on how severe or complex your pup’s case is, you may need additional treatments, including antibiotics or even chemotherapy, before receiving surgical intervention if needed.
Tips For Managing An Ectopic Ureter In Dogs:
- Keep your pup from straining too much during elimination – try using an elevated litterbox for smaller breeds
- Have fresh water readily available at all times – it’ll help keep him hydrated without putting too much strain on his body.
- Provide lots of exercises – maintain an active lifestyle for maximum comfort throughout the day
- Monitor food intake – ensure he gets enough nourishment while limiting unhealthy snacks like table scraps.
- Establish regular potty times – create consistent toilet habits eliminating accidents
- Visit your vet regularly – checkups every six months are recommended, especially after any surgeries.
Things To Avoid When Managing An EU Dog:
- Don’t let him jump too high – jumping can be difficult with extra weight from excess liquid
- Don’t give sugary treats before bedtime – sugar spikes can further complicate EU issues
- Don’t feed near bedtime – eating close to bedtime can cause digestion issues which disturb sleep patterns
- Don’t let multiple pets share one sleeping space, as this can increase competition, causing stress
Wrap Up
Overall, ectopic ureters are serious conditions that require careful management. Still, with proper care, they are manageable!
Developing good habits such as providing adequate nutrition and regular potty breaks can go a long way towards keeping your pup healthy while avoiding potential complications associated with this condition. So don’t hesitate to talk more with your vet if you have questions!
Don’t forget to get your pet insured with furrr.co.uk! Furrr is designed to provide comprehensive coverage for dogs or cats of any age and breed, giving you peace of mind knowing that if your pet suffers from conditions such as ectopic ureters, they’ll be covered in case of unforeseeable medical bills.
