A feline case of suspected partial persistent urogenital sinus successfully managed by urethral plication alone

Abstract

Case summary A 5-month-old intact female Russian Blue cat presented with continuous urinary incontinence and intermittent haematuria. Retrograde vaginourethrography and contrast-enhanced CT revealed absence of distinct urethral and vaginal structures, with a single tubular lumen extending from the bladder to the vulva. Cystoscopy and exploratory laparotomy confirmed the absence of the uterine body and vagina, while bilateral uterine horns were present and both ureters inserted normally into the urinary bladder. These findings suggested partial persistent urogenital sinus (PPUS) rather than a complete form. Medical management failed to improve the incontinence, and urethral plication was performed without artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation. The cat regained voluntary urination immediately, and continence was maintained for 741 days without recurrence or complications. Relevance and novel information To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of long-term urinary continence achieved in a cat with PPUS using urethral plication alone, without AUS implantation. The case highlights the practicality and cost-effectiveness of urethral plication as a minimally invasive alternative surgical technique for young or small cats.