Ectopic ureters is a congenital defect involving the urinary system. The ureter is a tube that brings urine from the kidney to the bladder. Patients that have an ectopic ureter, this tube does not empty into the bladder but instead goes further out to the urethra or vagina. Pets with this condition are often incontinent (leak urine), have urine scald around their genitalia, and develop urinary tract infections. Your pet may have an ultrasound, cystoscopy, or special dye study (a urethrogram) to identify the abnormal ureter. Abdominal surgery is performed and the abnormal ureter is attached to its normal position in the bladder.

Some dogs with ectopic ureters also have sphincter incompetence and may require long term medication to reduce incontinence.