USE OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVE LITHOTRIPSY FOR TREATMENT OF NEPHROLITHIASIS AND URETEROLITHIASIS IN 5 DOGS

The safety and efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in 5 dogs with nephrolithiasis and ureterolithiasis was assessed. Three dog s had bilateral nephrolithiasis, 1 had bilateral nephrolithiasis and u nilateral ureterolithiasis, and 1 had unilateral nephrolithiasis and u nilateral ureterolithiasis. A first-generation lithotriptor was used f or all treatments. None of the dogs developed clinically important com plications during or after treatment, except for 1 dog treated for bil ateral nephrolithiasis that developed transient ureterolithiasis. Rena l function was unchanged in all dogs following treatment. Clinical sig ns resolved in all dogs. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy appears to be a safe and effective means of treating nephrolithiasis and uret erolithiasis in dogs and appears to cause less renal parenchymal damag e and renal function loss than does nephrotomy.