Ectopic Ureter in Dogs

Breeds documented
17
Published sources
8

Overview

Urine normally travels from each kidney to the bladder through a tube called a ureter. An ectopic ureter opens in the wrong place, and the abnormal connection is present from birth. One or both sides may be affected, allowing urine to leak without the dog choosing to urinate. Some dogs also have other urinary tract abnormalities or repeated urinary infections.

Signs to watch for

  • Urine dribbling between normal trips outside
  • Wet bedding after sleeping
  • Difficulty becoming reliably house-trained

Signs may begin in puppyhood, although some dogs first show them as young adults.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon for repeated urine leakage or persistent house-training difficulties.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet reviews the leakage pattern and checks blood and urine, including testing urine for infection. Ultrasound can screen the kidneys and bladder, but a normal scan does not rule out an ectopic ureter. Cystoscopy, a camera examination inside the urinary tract, is preferred for confirming where the ureter opens.

Breeds with documented risk

17 breeds

By breed size
  • 1 Toy
  • 5 Small
  • 7 Medium
  • 3 Large
  • 1 Giant

Most popular breeds on this list

All 17 breeds, A to Z

Inheritance

  • Not yet known

    None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.

Sources

  1. acvs.org
  2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Appenzell Cattle Dog: aramis.admin.ch
  4. Appenzell Cattle Dog: aramis.admin.ch
  5. Border Terrier: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. Bulldog: onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  7. Entlebucher Mountain Dog: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  8. Wire Fox Terrier: andersonmoores.com