34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Urethral rupture (UR) is uncommon in cats and may often remain unnoticed. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of UR can be associated with high rates of mortality. However, no recommendations of timing for surgery are currently available. This study aimed to perform a preliminary evaluation of the impact of early urinary diversion followed by late surgical intervention on the outcome of cats with delayed diagnosis of UR.

Methods:

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

Results:

Fifteen cats were included. UR was traumatic in 10/15 cats (66.7%) and iatrogenic in 5/15 cats (33.3%). At admission, 11/15 cats (73.3%) had perineal uremic cellulitis, 1/15 (6.7%) showed uroperitoneum, 1/15 (6.7%) showed both, 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 using a cystostomy tube (15/15) within 6 h (40 min to 29 h) from arrival. Four cats (26.7%) died due to multiple organ dysfunction while 11/15 (73.3%) cats underwent perineal, transpelvic, or prepubic urethrostomy in a median time of 7 days (2-34) after admission. Postoperative complications occurred in two cats (18.2%); one showed transient dysuria and the other showed partial dehiscence. Median hospitalisation time was 24 days (9-51).

Conclusions:

In cats with a delayed diagnosis of UR, early urinary diversion and late surgical intervention may be beneficial. However, additional studies comparing this approach with other approaches are required to suggest appropriate recommendations.