34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Urethral rupture (UR) is uncommon in cats and may be often unnoticed. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can be associated with high mortality, however no recommendations of timing for surgery are currently available. The aim of this study was to preliminary evaluate the impact of early urinary diversion followed by late surgical intervention on outcome, in cats with delayed diagnosis of UR.

Methods:

Medical records of cats with UR, occurred at least 24 hours before the diagnosis, were retrospectively reviewed (April 2017-September 2024). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistic and reported as median, range (min-max) and frequency (%).

Results:

Fifteen cats were included. UR was traumatic in 10/15 (66.7%) and iatrogenic in 5/15 (33.3%). At admission, 11/15 (73.3%) had perineal uremic cellulitis, 1/15 (6.7%) uroperitoneum, or both 1/15 (6.7%), and 2/15 (13.3%) had necrosis of the penis. Diagnosis of UR was confirmed in all cats with retrograde (14/15, 93.3%) or anterograde (1/15, 6.7%) contrast urethrocystography. Urinary diversion was achieved by cystostomy tube (15/15) within 6 hours (40 minutes-29 hours) from arrival. 4/15 (26.7%) cats died to multiple organ dysfunction while 11/15 (73.3%) cats underwent to perineal, transpelvic or prepubic urethrostomy in a median time of 7 days (2-34) after admission. Postoperative complication occurred in 2/11 cats (18.2%, 1/11 transient dysuria; 1/11 partial dehiscence). Median hospitalization time was 24 days (9-51).

Conclusions:

Delayed-diagnosed UR in cats may beneficiate of early urinary diversion and late surgical intervention, however further studies aimed at the comparison with other approaches are required to suggest appropriate recommendations.