Use of bilateral temporary nephrostomy catheters for emergency treatment of bilateral ureter transection in a cat.

A 2-year-old Himalayan cat was examined because of 4 days of vomiting, lethargy; and anorexia. The cat had undergone hysterectomy and removal of left ovarian remnants 5 days earlier. Results of laboratory testing and excretory urography were consistent with uremia and bilateral ureteral obstruction. Nephrostomy catheters were placed to drain urine and allow time for physiologic diuresis prior to definitive repair. During the next 2 days, the cat's physiologic status improved greatly. The cat underwent exploratory surgery, and both ureters were found to be ligated. The healthy proximal portions of the ureters were implanted into the bladder. Six months after surgery, the cat was doing well, and excretory urography demonstrated that both ureters were patent. Bilateral obstruction of the ureters is a life-threatening condition that can be difficult to correct in cats. Placement of nephrostomy catheters allows time for improvement in the cat's physiologic status prior to the protracted anesthesia time needed for surgical repair of the ureters.