Levopositioned caudal vena cava and circumcaval left ureter with subsequent hydronephrosis and hydroureter in a dog

Abstract

The presentation and investigation of a levopositioned caudal vena cava, a rare congenital vascular abnormality seen mainly in Bernese Mountain Dogs, which resulted in ureteral compression, hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Surgical transection, transposition and anastomosis were performed to reposition the circumcaval ureter. A 19-month-old male neutered Bernese Mountain Dog was presented with a 13-month history of vague signs including intermittent abdominal pain, inappetence and diarrhoea, which were poorly responsive to medical management. Abdominal ultrasound revealed left-sided hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Further investigation included abdominal computed tomography and pre- and post-intravenous iodinated contrast, which revealed a levopositioned caudal vena cava with associated ureteral displacement to a circumcaval position, resulting in ureteral compression and proximal dilation affecting both the proximal ureter and the left kidney. The patient was also found to have concomitant gall bladder agenesis. Surgery was performed to transect, transpose and anastomose the ureter in a normal anatomical position, and the patient made an excellent clinical recovery. All gastrointestinal signs resolved within 2 weeks of surgery and remained resolved 12 months later. Follow-up ultrasound and pyelography were performed at 4-month post-surgery, revealing a mild improvement in the hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Although rare, circumcaval ureter should be considered a differential in dogs presenting with hydroureter and hydronephrosis, especially Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Keywords: circumcaval; dog; hydronephrosis; hydroureter; levopositioned; retrocaval.