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Study highlights risks of subcutaneous ureteral bypass placement
Major complications from SUB occurred in 48 per cent of the cats studied.

Researchers analyse the medical records of 95 cats fitted with SUB devices.

Subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) placement is associated with a high complication rate, according to new research.

The study, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), found that most of these complications are manageable, resulting in an average survival time of over two years. It also suggests that imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy, are useful in identifying complications. 

In the study, researchers analysed the medical record of  95 cats fitted with SUBs between April 2012 and June 2017. The information recorded included imaging modality used for diagnosis, whether urethral catheterisation was performed and whether obstruction was uni- or bilateral. 

They found that minor complications - defined as infection or technical problem which resolved with none or minor treatment - occurred in 19 per cent of the cats. Major complications - defined as infection or technical problem resulting in revision surgery, removal of the SUBs or death/euthanasia – occurred in 48 per cent of the cats. Eleven per cent of cats analysed in the study did not survive to discharge. 

Dr Nicola Kulendra, lead author for the paper said: “A significant association between long-term survival and creatinine at presentation was identified. The median survival time for cats presenting with creatinine concentration ≥440 μmol/L (International Renal Interest Society stage acute kidney injury (AKI) 4 and 5) was 530 days, compared to a median survival time of 949 days for those cats presenting with creatinine <440 μmol/L (International Renal Interest Society stage AKI 1–3).”

JSAP editor Nicola Di Girolamo, concluded: “Veterinary medicine is advancing fast and it is exciting to see treatment options that just a decade ago were rarely considered are now accessible to many of our patients. Furthermore, it is excellent to see the veterinary sector is publishing articles of this nature, demonstrating the risks and complications of a procedure, to support proper discussion with owners and referring veterinarians.”

Image © BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Abdominal Surgery 2nd Ed.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.