When Peeing Becomes a Problem: Understanding Ectopic Ureters in Pets

At ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital – Palm Beach County, we see a wide range of complex medical cases – and some of the most rewarding moments happen when we help pets regain their comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

One such condition we often treat is ectopic ureters, a congenital issue that can cause frustrating symptoms like constant urinary leaking, especially in young female dogs.

In the image above, our internist (a term used for an internal medicine specialist), Alisa Berg, DVM, DACVIM, assisted by Dr. Francesca Solari, a surgery resident from the University of Florida, is performing a minimally invasive procedure using advanced imaging and endoscopic tools to diagnose and correct the condition.

This advanced approach allows them to see exactly where the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder) is incorrectly positioned. Instead of attaching to the bladder as it should, the ureter empties into an abnormal location – leading to urine leakage and frequent infections.

What Pet Owners Shou­­ld Know:

  • Ectopic ureters are present at birth and more common in female dogs, especially breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Huskies.
  • Signs to watch for: Urinary incontinence (especially in young pets), chronic urinary tract infections, and skin irritation from constant dribbling.
  • While it might seem like a simple house-training issue at first, this condition requires medical imaging and expert care to properly diagnose and treat.

Thanks to our skilled specialists like Dr. Berg and state-of-the-art technology, we can often correct ectopic ureters with a minimally invasive laser procedure – avoiding traditional surgery and helping your pet recover more quickly and comfortably.

At ACCESS Palm Beach, we’re here not just to treat complex conditions – but to bring peace of mind to pet parents.

If your pet is having trouble holding their urine or suffers from recurrent urinary infections, don’t wait. Contact your primary veterinarian or reach out to us today for more information.

Our compassionate team is just a call away, ready to help you find answers and solutions.

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