Idiopathic functional urinary outflow tract obstruction in dogs, a retrospective case series (2010‐2021): 31 cases

Abstract

BackgroundIdiopathic functional urinary outflow tract obstruction (iFUOTO) is an uncommon but life‐limiting disease whose etiology and clinical course of disease remain poorly understood.ObjectiveCharacterize signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, treatments, and propose a standardized response score for dogs with iFUOTO.AnimalsThirty‐one client‐owned dogs diagnosed with iFUOTO.MethodsRetrospective case series. Medical records from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed and findings recorded. Dogs were categorized based on the presence or absence of overt signs of neurological disease. Response to treatment was scored.ResultsThirty‐one dogs were included. All dogs had stranguria and 14 (45%) had overflow urinary incontinence. Mean age of onset for signs was 6.9 years±8 months. Twenty‐four dogs (77%) were castrated males, 5 (16%) intact males, and 2 (6%) spayed females. Eight (26%) of dogs had overt neurological deficits. Follow‐up data were available for 29 dogs (median 38 days, range: 2‐1277). Final outcome scores were not significantly different among dogs with overt signs of neurological disease (median score 2.5; range: 0‐3) and those without (median score 1; range; 0‐3; P = .35). Treatments included alpha antagonists, skeletal muscle relaxants, parasympathomimetics, anti‐inflammatories, castration, temporary placement of a urethral catheter, or a combination of these.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceMultimodal treatment was frequently prescribed, but a standard outcome score is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies. Serial neurological examinations and monitoring of the dogs' dysuria are warranted.

ACVIM consensus statement on diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence in dogs

“…In a retrospective study, bacteriuria was observed in several dogs with FOO but none of the dogs had resolution of their stranguria after appropriate antimicrobial treatment. 131 Antimicrobials could be considered at the initial presentation if bacteriuria is noted and suspected to be contributing to clinical signs, and the clinician should monitor for clinical improvement of the voiding disorder. If no improvement is observed, long‐term antimicrobials likely is not warranted.…”