Long-term outcome of the transobturator vaginal tape inside out for the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of the transobturator vaginal tape inside out (TVT-O) in female dogs with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

Incontinent spayed female dogs (n = 12).

METHODS

TVT-O tape was inserted in 12 incontinent bitches diagnosed with USMI. Follow-up information was evaluated by a telephone questionnaire, and a continence score was attributed.

RESULTS

One year after surgery, 7 of 12 (58%) dogs were completely continent. Two dogs were removed from the long-term analysis (1 dead and 1 lost). At a median follow-up time of 85 months (range, 28-95), 4 of 10 dogs were completely continent without medical treatment. Incontinence recurred in 6 dogs at a median time of 2 months after surgery (range 1-20). Among these 6 dogs, 4 regained continence, and 2 had sporadic episodes of incontinence with additional medical treatment. No postoperative complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION

TVT-O alone was successful in maintaining long-term continence in 40% of the dogs. Additional postoperative medical treatment was effective in restoring continence in another 40% of the dogs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

TVT-O provides an alternative treatment of USMI in female dogs that is safe and less invasive than standard surgical techniques.