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Study sheds light on feline perineal urethrostomy
Twenty-four male cats with lower urinary tract infections underwent the procedure.
Research suggests possibility of predicting the likelihood of re-obstruction. 

New research published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) suggests that it might be possible to predict the likelihood of re-obstruction following feline perineal urethrostomy.

Perineal urethrostomy is a procedure used to relieve urethral obstruction in male cats, in which medical management has failed. It involves creating a permanent new stoma in the pelvic urethra, situated close to the obstruction.

In the study, 24 male cats with lower urinary tract infections underwent the procedure. The urethral orifice cross-section was estimated by the largest urinary catheter that could be easily inserted through the stoma at three-time points: preoperatively, intra-operatively and 12 days postoperatively.

Cases of obstruction recurrence and structure were documented within the six months follow up period.

Corresponding author Uri Segal said: “The intraoperative stoma ranged from 1 to 10 (median 10) Fr and the 12-day postoperative stoma ranged from 4 to 10 (median 8) Fr. There was significant reduction of stoma size 12 days postoperatively, compared to the measurements taken intraoperatively. Postsurgical stricture formation and re-obstruction was documented in five of 24 (21%) of cats.

“Obstruction recurrence is probable if the intra-operative stoma size is 8 Fr or less. Furthermore, if the stoma size is 6 Fr or less, re-obstruction is almost certain (all of these cases in the study were re-obstructions). Conversely, an intra-operative stoma of more than 8Fr had a low risk of recurrence."

JSAP editor Nicola Di Girolamo concluded: “These findings may function as a guiding rule for surgeons performing perineal urethrostomy, by providing an intraoperative measure of how likely re-obstruction and stricture formation is to occur.

"It should be remembered, however, that the functional urethral stoma cross-section may vary during the urination cycle and the measurements in this study are likely to only represent a fraction of the functional urethral cross-section size.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.