Use of laser lithotripsy for fragmentation of uroliths in dogs: 73 cases (2005-2006).

OBJECTIVE

To describe use of transurethral cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy for fragmentation of cystic and urethral uroliths and determine procedure duration and short-term and long-term outcome in dogs.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS: 73 dogs with naturally occurring uroliths in the urinary bladder, urethra, or both.

PROCEDURES: Transurethral cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy was performed in all dogs, and medical records were reviewed for short-term and long-term outcome and complications.

RESULTS

Laser lithotripsy resulted in complete fragmentation of all uroliths in all 28 female dogs and a majority of male dogs (39/45 [86.7%]). Dogs with urethroliths had shorter median laser time than dogs with cystic uroliths. Basket extraction and voiding urohydro-propulsion were successful for removal of the urolith fragments following laser lithotripsy. Complications related to cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy occurred in 5 of 28 (17.9%) female dogs and 6 of 45 (13.3%) male dogs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transurethral cystoscope-guided laser lithotripsy was successful in female dogs and most male dogs for fragmentation of cystic and urethral uroliths. Short-term complications were most commonly related to urethral swelling and resolved with placement of an indwelling urinary catheter. There were no long-term complications.