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.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


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


METHODS
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
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.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2026, USA.
Larry G
LG
Adams
Allyson C
AC
Berent
George E
GE
Moore
Demetrius H
DH
Bagley
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014524:Urethral Obstruction / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*