Ectopic Ureter

An ectopic ureter is a congenital abnormality of the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder) in which the ureter does not enter the bladder at the normal anatomic site. Dogs and cats are born with this condition, and it can involve one ureter or both.

Clinical signs of an ectopic ureter may appear in a young puppy or kitten, or sometimes in a young adult. Signs may include urinary incontinence, difficulty with housetraining, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Diagnosis typically requires advanced imaging such as CT scan, intravenous contrast radiographs, or cystoscopy.

Management depends on the ectopic ureter type. Surgical correction or minimally invasive laser procedures are the main options.

Post-treatment care varies with technique. Activity restriction and serial urinalyses are recommended.