Ureteral diverticula as incidental findings in a 14-year-old dachshund

Ureteral diverticula are a rare ureteral abnormality, that may be con-
genital or acquired. They are rarely described in human patients and
anecdotally reported in dogs and cats. A 14-year-old, male neutered
dachshund underwent computed tomography of the spine because of
suspicion of medullary compression localised in the T3-L3 spinal cord
segment. Pre-anaesthetic biochemistry, blood gas analysis and haema-
tology were within normal limits. No urinary sign has been reported by
the owners. CT scan showed a compressive L1-L2 discal hernia. Both
ureters were tortuous with multiple focal dilations filled with contrast
medium. A lateral radiography of the spine was performed. Ureters
appeared tortuous in their caudal part, with multifocal outpouchings.
The proximal two-thirds of the ureters showed heterogeneous filling,
and the contrast medium seemed to accumulate only in outpouch-
ings. On ultrasonography, the ureters were visible at their departure,
the wall was mildly thickened, and the ureters were tortuous. No out-
pouching was observed. Right L2-L3 hemilaminectomy was performed.
The dog went home 48 h post-surgery. Ureteral diverticula are charac-
terized by multifocal, small outpouchings of the ureters. They are due
to protrusion of the mucosa through the muscularis because of urothe-
lial hyperplasia. In human patients, diagnostic is often made based on
intravenous urography, antegrade urography, or retrograde pyelogra-
phy. Patients are usually asymptomatic. It is important to recognise
ureteral diverticula because they are suspected to be a potential risk
factor for urothelial carcinoma