10/14/2026
⚠️ Content Warning: This post contains images of blood and a surgical case. Viewer discretion is advised.
Meet Ozzie, an 8-month-old Labrador Retriever who came to Animal Medical Center with a complicated urinary issue that required advanced diagnostics and surgery.
On August 25, Ozzie presented to Dr. Jace Belcher with vomiting and difficulty urinating. After an exam, radiographs, and lab work, Dr. Belcher discovered that Ozzie had a severely distended bladder, significant blood in his urine, and bladder inflammation. Ozzie was hospitalized for several days for IV fluids, pain management, antibiotics, and urinary catheterization to allow his bladder to rest and his urine to return to a more normal appearance.
Unfortunately, Ozzie’s urinary issues returned after he went home. Further investigation was needed, so Dr. Belcher recommended an abdominal CT scan to get a closer look at Ozzie’s urinary tract. The CT revealed a congenital condition called an ectopic ureter, meaning his left ureter was entering the bladder in an abnormal location. This caused urine to back up into his left kidney and ureter, a condition known as hydronephrosis and hydroureter.
After discussing the findings and treatment options with Ozzie’s family, Dr. Belcher and Dr. Mayfield III worked together on September 11 to perform surgery to repair Ozzie’s left ectopic ureter. The procedure involved carefully repositioning the ureter so it could enter the bladder at the correct anatomical location.
Following surgery, Ozzie remained hospitalized for monitoring and recovery before finally heading home on September 21. At his September 26 recheck, he was doing much better! Although he is still experiencing some urinary incontinence, this can persist after ectopic ureter repair, and we are hopeful that his symptoms will continue to improve.
Ozzie’s case is a great example of how advanced imaging, careful surgical planning, and teamwork can help us identify and treat complex conditions in our patients. We’re so glad Ozzie is recovering and wish him continued progress! 🐾
If your pet is experiencing difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or repeated urinary issues, don’t ignore those signs. Difficulty urinating can be an emergency, so seek veterinary care promptly.
