Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of ectopic ureter and renal hypoplasia in two puppies: a case report

This study reports two cases of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of ectopic ureter and bilateral renal hypoplasia in two different canine fetuses. These developmental disorders were detected during a routine pregnancy ultrasound examination of a female Golden retriever and a female Old English bulldog. A suspected diagnosis of ectopic ureter was made based on the ultrasonographic detection of fetal kidney hydronephrosis and ureteral dilatation, along with consideration of breed predisposition. Bilateral fetal renal hypoplasia presented with ultrasonographic detection of reduced, hyperechogenic fetal kidneys without a distinguishable renal pelvis. Ultrasonographic findings were subsequently confirmed postnatally at surgery or autopsy and histopathology. Our findings highlight the potential for early detection of urogenital anomalies in canines and the importance of knowledge of normal fetal anatomy during ultrasound examination of pregnancy.