OBJECTIVE To determine frequency of postoperative complications in cats undergoing perineal urethrostomy (PU) in which poliglecaprone 25 was used for closure and identify possible predisposing factors for development of complications. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 61 cats that underwent PU. PROCEDURES Medical records for cats that underwent PU at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists between 2007 and 2012 were reviewed. Information regarding signalment, perioperative conditions, surgical procedures, treatments, and postoperative complications were obtained from medical records and by telephone follow-up. RESULTS 11 of 61 (18%) cats developed minor short-term (ie, ≤ 2 months after surgery) complications, 1 of 61 (1.6%) cats developed a major short-term complication requiring surgical revision, and 16 of 38 (42%) cats developed minor long-term complications. No major long-term complications were identified. Preoperative urinary tract infection was significantly associated with development of minor short-term complications, but use of an indwelling urinary catheter after surgery was not significantly associated with development of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that poliglecaprone 25 may be an acceptable suture for apposition of mucosa to skin in cats undergoing PU. Short- and long-term complication rates and percentage of cats requiring revision surgery were comparable to values reported in previous studies in which slowly absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures were used.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat with a history of urethral obstruction was evaluated at a veterinary referral center for acute onset of hunched posture and signs of discomfort on being handled. No evidence of urethral obstruction was found; signs initially responded to medical management, but the cat was presented to the primary care veterinarian < 48 hours after the initial examination with signs suggesting urethral obstruction. CLINICAL FINDINGS No urinary calculi were detected radiographically. Attempted urinary catheter placement was unsuccessful, and the cat was returned to the referral center for evaluation and treatment of suspected urethral obstruction. Hematologic evaluation revealed hyperglobulinemia and leukocytosis; the cat was febrile, its prepuce was swollen, and its urinary bladder was soft but could not be manually expressed. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A urinary catheter was placed; urinalysis revealed hematuria, leukocyturia, and bacteriuria. Medical management included analgesic, antimicrobial, urethral antispasmodic, and IV fluid treatment. Positive-contrast cystourethrography results were equivocal for a congenital anomaly versus urethral rupture. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a sinus communicating with the dorsal aspect of the urethra, and urethral rupture was ruled out. Partial urethral duplication was confirmed surgically; perineal urethrostomy was performed, creating an opening to the accessory urethra, and the strictured orthotopic urethra was ligated. Four weeks after surgery, the cat was doing well. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This case highlighted the importance of advanced imaging to distinguish between urethral rupture and a congenital malformation in a cat with signs of lower urinary tract disease. This approach was pivotal to appropriate diagnosis and management and a favorable outcome for the patient.