Feline urinary incontinence: a retrospective case series (2009–2019)

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the feline population presented for urinary incontinence at a veterinary teaching hospital between 2009 and 2019, with a particular focus on cats with a non-neurologic underlying cause. Methods The medical records of cats diagnosed with urinary incontinence were retrospectively evaluated. Signalment, clinical presentation, results of diagnostic tests, diagnosis of the underlying cause and treatments were recorded. When information was available, outcome was recorded and follow-ups divided into three time frames (0–1 week, 1 week to 3 months and >3 months). Results Thirty-five cats were presented with urinary incontinence. Of these, 18 cats with complete medical records presented urinary incontinence of non-neurologic origin. The most common clinical signs at presentation were urine leakage while resting (12/18), urine-soiled perineum (8/18), urine dribbling (8/18) and no spontaneous micturition (5/18). The most common underlying cause was urethral obstruction (67%; 12/18), with a majority due to urethral strictures (58%; 7/12). Other causes were suspected inflammation (2/12), neoplasia (1/12), urolithiasis (1/12) and foreign body (1/12). In 8/10 cats in which it was performed, cystoscopy and contrast cystourethrography were the methods that led to the diagnosis. Twelve cats with urethral obstruction underwent interventional procedures, resulting in complete resolution of incontinence in 7/12 and improvement in 1/12. Urinary tract infection was a common complication after 3 months (4/18). Conclusions and relevance When incontinence of non-neurologic origin is suspected in a cat, urethral obstruction should be considered. Advanced imaging studies (cystoscopy and contrast studies) are useful for diagnosis. A good prognosis was reported in cats undergoing interventional procedures with no long-term treatment.

Cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ectopic ureters in a female cat

“…Urinary incontinence (UI) is an uncommon clinical presentation in cats, accounting for less than 0.25% of hospital admissions and only 4% of cats that present to referral hospitals with a complaint of lower urinary tract signs. 1 – 3 The most common disease process leading to UI in cats is neurologic disease followed by urethral disease. 2 , 3 Congenital causes, including spinal cord malformations, congenital urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence and ectopic ureters (EUs), are uncommon.…”

“… 1 – 3 The most common disease process leading to UI in cats is neurologic disease followed by urethral disease. 2 , 3 Congenital causes, including spinal cord malformations, congenital urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence and ectopic ureters (EUs), are uncommon. 2 – 6 EUs account for 12.5–52.6% of cats with congenital etiologies of UI.…”

“…2,3 Congenital causes, including spinal cord malformations, congenital urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence and ectopic ureters (EUs), are uncommon. [2][3][4][5][6] EUs account for 12.5-52.6% of cats with congenital etiologies of UI. 2,4 EUs are classified as being intramural or extramural.…”