Urinary Tract Infections after Ureteral Stent or Subcutaneous Ureteral Bypass (SUB)  Placement in Three Cats

Abstract

Ureteral stenting and subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device placement are considered effective therapeutic strategies for feline ureteral obstruction as traditional surgical approaches are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although many reports have demonstrated short- or medium-term success with ureteral stent and SUB placement, there are only a few reports on the minor complications associated with the procedures. Thus far, we have experienced complications — mainly infection-related — after ureteral stent or SUB placement in three cats. Urinary tract infection, without significant symptoms after SUB and stent placement, was observed in two cats. In one cat, chronic infectious ureteritis on the side of stent placement did not resolve, although several clinical signs disappeared after SUB placement. Based on urine culture results, targeted antibiotic treatment was initiated in all three cats. The antibiotics were effective in treating the urinary tract infections in all but one cat, which experienced recurrent urinary tract infection caused by the same bacterial species. Stent or SUB placement are effective surgical strategies for the treatment of feline ureteral obstruction, but emphasis should be placed on the long-term complications of these procedures.