Tube cystostomy is effective for urinary outflow management in dogs with intervertebral disk extrusion and ischemic myelopathy cranial to the L3 spinal cord segment: 61 dogs (2018-2022).

Objective: To describe the application and owner experience of tube cystostomy for management of upper motor neuron urinary bladder dysfunction secondary to intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE) or ischemic myelopathy, and to report complications associated with cystostomy tube management.

Animals: 61 dogs.

Clinical Presentation: Medical records of dogs with IVDE or ischemic myelopathy cranial to the L3 spinal cord segment that underwent tube cystostomy placement via a short, caudal ventral midline celiotomy were reviewed. Days from tube placement to hospital discharge, days from placement to tube removal, and complications were recorded. An owner questionnaire was distributed to ascertain ease of use and perceived time commitment.

Results: 58 dogs were diagnosed with IVDE, and 3 dogs were diagnosed with ischemic myelopathy. The modal neurologic grade at cystostomy tube placement was 4 (range, 3 to 5). The median number of days from cystostomy tube placement to hospital discharge was 1 (range, 0 to 3). Follow-up data was available for 56 dogs. The median number of days from cystostomy tube placement until removal was 19 (range, 3 to 74). Fifteen minor and 6 severe postoperative complications were reported, mainly inadvertent removal (n = 11) and peristomal urine leakage (6). Twenty-seven owners responded to the questionnaire and primarily reported that cystostomy tube use was easy (22/27) and perceived time commitment was low or minimal (20/27).

Clinical Relevance: Tube cystostomy facilitates early hospital discharge and allows at-home, extended urinary management in dogs recovering from upper motor neuron urinary bladder dysfunction secondary to IVDE or ischemic myelopathy. This technique is simple for owners to use.