A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study comparing the efficacy and side effects of terazosin and alfuzosin for treatment of vesico-urethral reflex dyssynergia in dogs

Abstract

In this study, nineteen dogs with vesico-urethral reflex dyssynergia (VURD) were included to compare the efficacy and side effects of alfuzosin and terazosin. The dogs were referred to the Clinic for Companion Animals of Utrecht University, because of signs of dysuria, stanguria and/or pollakiuria. Physical examination, urinalysis, ultrasonographic examination and radiographic examination (retrograde urethrogram) were performed. When mechanical obstruction or spinal trauma was ruled out, the diagnosis VURD was made and these dogs were included in the study. The dogs were treated randomly, with either alfuzosin or terazosin 0,25 mg/kg twice daily. Information was obtained from owners, referring veterinarians and the patient data system of the Clinic for Companion Animals of Utrecht University (Vetware). There was no significant difference in efficacy between alfuzosin-treated and terazosin-treated dogs (p=0,337). A moderate to good effect was found in 75% of the dogs treated with alfuzosin and in 71,5% of the dogs treated with terazosin. There was no significant difference in side effects between both treatment groups (p=0,663). Five normal male dogs have been catheterized after a 15-minute walk to determine the mean residual volume in the urinary bladder, as a control group. The measured residual volume in these five dogs ranged from 1ml to 20 ml (mean 7,4ml). When residual volume was calculated in relation to body weight, it ranged from 0,03ml/kg - 0,55 ml/kg with a mean residual volume of 0,22 ml/kg.