Ectopic ureter is a congenital abnormality causing urinary incontinence in young dogs, with surgical or laser treatment providing good outcomes when diagnosed appropriately.
Ectopic ureter causes lifelong urinary incontinence from birth - affected puppies and young dogs are constantly wet, develop urine scalding, and are at high risk of ascending urinary tract infections. The welfare impact extends beyond the physical effects to social and relationship consequences as owners struggle with constant wetness. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical or laser correction offers the best welfare outcome, with many dogs achieving complete continence or significant improvement. Delayed diagnosis extends the welfare burden unnecessarily - any young dog with continuous incontinence should be investigated.