Complications and survival after subcutaneous ureteral bypass device placement in 24 cats: a retrospective study (2016-2019).

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to document survival, complications and risk factors for the development of complications and mortality prior to discharge after placement of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device in cats. METHODS: The medical records of cats with SUB placement between January 2016 and August 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The development of complications (overall, intraoperative, perioperative, short- and long-term complications) and risk factors for mortality prior to discharge were statistically assessed with univariate binary logistic regression. All variables with avalue &#x2a7d;0.10 in the univariate analysis were assessed in a multivariate model. Variables were significant if<0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-four cats were included; 12 (50.0%) received a unilateral SUB, 11 (45.8%) a bilateral nephrostomy tube with single cystostomy catheter and the remaining cat (4.2%) two unilateral SUBs. Nearly 80% of the cats developed complications, ranging from mild to fatal, including (partial) SUB obstruction (33.3% of complications), lower urinary tract infection (20.8%), pyelonephritis (20.8%) and sterile cystitis (12.5%). Five cats (20.8%) died prior to discharge. Six cats (25.0%) underwent revision surgery. The overall median survival time (MST) was 274 days (range 1-311 days). Complications were most common in the long-term period (14/16 cats), followed by the short-term (9/18 cats), perioperative (10/23 cats) and intraoperative (4/24 cats) periods. Older cats had an increased risk for developing perioperative complications (&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.045) and were less likely to survive to discharge (&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.033). An increased haematocrit at presentation was a risk factor for the occurrence of short-term complications (&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Although complications similar to those previously described were observed, the complication rate was higher and the MST shorter than previously reported in cats undergoing SUB placement. Despite good short-term survival, the development of complications may necessitate regular and intensive control visits. Owners that consider SUB placement should be informed that follow-up can be strenuous and expensive.