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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.