Ectopic Ureter

This condition is a congenital (present at birth) abnormality that can happen in both dogs and cats. A ureter (the conduit that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder) is considered ectopic if it bypasses the bladder and dumps urine in the urethra or vagina. This condition is mostly present in female dogs.

As noted above, this condition is congenital. It is not known how it is inherited.

Most animals with this condition will leak urine. This can occur intermittently or be continuous. Some dogs will have a rash on their vulva or inner thighs from urine scalding. This condition needs to be differentiated from urinary incontinence in older female dogs. Ectopic ureters are usually diagnosed in younger, non-spayed females while urinary incontinence is diagnosed in older, spayed females.

Surgical correction to create a new opening into the bladder is the only treatment. Some animals need to be on incontinence medications long-term even after surgery. If the pet has not been spayed before the diagnosis of ectopic ureter is obtained, they should be allowed to have their first heat cycle.