Trigonal-colonic anastomosis: a urinary diversion procedure in dogs.

Trigonal-colonic anastomosis for diversion of urine into the colon was performed in 12 clinically normal dogs and in 10 incontinent dogs with diseases of the urinary bladder or urethra. Dogs were studied from 1 to 30 months after surgery. The surgical procedure was technically satisfactory. Fifteen of 22 dogs were studied with intravenous urography, and only 1 case of hydronephrosis was found. Pyelitis was a common histopathologic finding in both groups of dogs. Pyelonephritis developed in 30% of dogs, regardless of duration of anastomosis. Glomerular filtration rate was reduced in all dogs studied, but renal failure was infrequent. Values for blood urea nitrogen and serum inorganic phosphorus were elevated due to intestinal recycling of nitrogenous products and phosphate. Electrolyte imbalances were not a problem, but gastrointestinal disturbances developed in 3 of the 10 diseased dogs. Six of 10 diseased dogs survived from 9 months to more than 3 years. Trigonal-colonic anastomosis appears to be a satisfactory salvage procedure for incontinent dogs with diseases of the urinary bladder or urethra that do not respond to other forms of therapy.