Percutaneous laser disc decompression in the treatment of detrusor-urethral dyssynergia in a female German Shepherd: a case report

Abstract

A 7-year-old female, German Shepherd with urinary and faecal voiding difficulties was admitted to the clinic. The patient was subjected to neurological, ultrasonographic and radiological examinations as well as blood and urine tests. Based on clinical observations and test results, the dog was diagnosed with detrusor-urethral dyssynergia. The prescribed pharmacological treatment consisted of alpha adrenergic receptor antagonists and skeletal muscle relaxants. The patient was catheterised daily, and Foley’s catheter was temporarily inserted. Pharmacological treatment was not effective, however, and the patient was subjected to an MRI examination of the lumbosacral spine which revealed L6–L7 dyscopathy. The dog was then subjected to percutaneous laser disc decompression. Pharmacological treatment was continued, and the catheter was left in place after surgery. Active urination was restored four days after surgery despite the presence of the catheter. The catheter was subsequently removed, and pharmacological treatment was gradually discontinued. The symptoms of dyssynergia subsided completely.