Overview

A ureteral stent is a flexible plastic stent that is placed in patients that have blockages between the kidney and bladder. The blockages are usually due to stones, but can also be due to tumors or narrowing of the ureter (stricture). Traditional surgical treatments have involved a surgical approach and removal of the kidney. Stents are a minimally invasive way to re-establish flow of urine between the kidney and bladder. Not every patient is an appropriate candidate for this procedure and careful selection is required.

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Why it’s done

Your veterinarian may recommend ureteral stenting if your pet has:

  • A known history of kidney stones
  • A ureteral blockage due to a stone, scarring, or tumor of the ureter
  • A painful and enlarged kidney

How to prepare for your pet’s procedure

Before your pet’s procedure, you will meet with one of our specialists to talk about the procedure and what to expect.

When you meet with our team, please bring a list of all medications that your pet is currently taking, including over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Before your pet’s procedure, you may be asked to discontinue giving certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding.

This is a good time to ask questions about the procedure and make sure you understand the risks and benefits.

Preoperative diagnostics and tests

Before your pet’s ureteral stent procedure the following may be indicated:

  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Comprehensive blood tests
  • Urinalysis and urine culture

General Instructions for the Day of Surgery

  • Give your pet nothing by mouth after midnight the night before. This means that all food and water should be withheld.
  • Please arrive for pet’s admission promptly at your scheduled arrival time.
  • You will be asked to sign both a Surgical Consent Form as well as an Estimate, indicating your understanding of the procedure, risks, and associated costs.

What happens during a ureteral stent procedure?

Your pet will be given a general anesthetic. A lighted instrument with a camera on the end, called a cystoscope, is used to help locate the opening of the ureter within the bladder. A small wire is passed through the scope up the ureter and into the kidney using direct visualization and a moving x-ray, called fluoroscopy. A dye study is performed to characterize the nature of the blockage and an appropriate sized stent is selected. The stent is gradually passed over the wire and around the area that is narrowed or blocked using fluoroscopy. One end of the stent curls in the kidney and the other in the bladder holding it in place. Depending on the nature of the blockage, the stent may need to be removed at a later date.

Risks

Complications associated with ureteral stenting can include the following:

  • Bloody urine
  • Discomfort or straining while urinating
  • Infection

After the procedure

  • Following the procedure, you will be given a phone call with an update on your pet’s recovery. A scheduled discharge will be coordinated at that time.
  • Please remove the bandage from your pet’s intravenous catheter site 10 to 15 minutes after arriving home.
  • Some abdominal tenderness is common for 3-5 days following placement of a ureteral stent.
  • It is important to restrict your pet’s activity for the next 3-5 days while your pet is healing. Walks should be short and your pet should always be on a leash. Please do not let your pet rough house with other animals during this time.
  • Many patients will not eat the night following anesthesia. If your pet has not eaten after 24 hours of returning home, please call Salt River.
  • Some patients will vomit or have diarrhea following anesthesia. If the vomiting or diarrhea persists more than 24 hours, please call Salt River. In contrast, some patients may be constipated or may not have a bowel movement for up to 72 hours following anesthesia. If your pet is straining to defecate after 72 hours, please call Salt River.
  • Suture removal is not necessary since no incisions are made.
  • Scooting and more frequent urinations are common for 1-3 days following the procedure, but generally improve with each passing day. If the issues continue beyond 3 days, please call Salt River.
  • An e-collar may be necessary if your pet is licking at its penis or vulva excessively.

Results

Samples may be submitted to a number of specialized laboratories for evaluation including the following tests:

  • Bacterial cultures

The final culture results can take up to 7-10 days. Once the final results have returned and a treatment plan has been devised, our specialists will call you to discuss the findings and recommendations.

Follow up

A recheck appointment is required 7-10 days following the procedure.