🔍 Key Findings
- CT correctly identified ectopic ureters in 91% of dogs, but missed 50% of normal ureters, limiting its negative predictive value.
- Sensitivity for intramural ectopic ureters was 65%, while specificity was 71%, indicating moderate diagnostic performance.
- Sensitivity for extramural ectopic ureters was only 29%, despite a high specificity of 97%.
- CT was inaccurate in predicting ureteral orifice location, with sensitivity ranging from 0% to 76% depending on the site.
- 26% of dogs were misclassified for cystoscopic laser ablation (CLA) eligibility based on CT findings alone.
- Overall CT accuracy for CLA candidacy was 74%, but a significant minority would have been inappropriately treated.
- Multivariate analysis found no predictive factors (e.g., colon distension, body weight) for when CT would be incorrect.
- Authors recommend confirmatory cystoscopy to verify CT findings prior to treatment planning.
