Urethral Prolapse
Cause: Urethral prolapse is a rare condition that occurs in young male dogs with a preponderance to occur in the brachycephalic breeds (Boston terriers and English bulldogs). Other affected breeds have included Yorkshire terriers, Cocker spaniels, Alaskan Malamutes, and Springer spaniels. Average age of occurrence is 18 months with ages ranging from 4 months to 5 years. The condition is indicated by extension and thus appearance of the mucosal lining of the urethra through the urogenital opening at the tip of the penis. This condition is believed to occur as a result of abnormal development of the urethra that makes it susceptible to prolapse during activities (i.e. breathing in brachycephalic breeds or sexual activity) that cause increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Symptoms: Appearance of a red to purple, pea-sized, donut-shaped mass protruding from the urogenital opening at the tip of the penis. Bleeding may occur from the prolapsed urethra. Some dogs also have concurrent symptoms of urinary tract infection.
Treatment and Prognosis: Surgery to reduce the prolapse is the usual course of treatment for urethral prolapse, particularly in cases where bleeding is excessive or ulceration or necrosis of the prolapsed urethra occurs. In some instances where the prolapse is mild and there is little or no bleeding, surgery may not be necessary. Conservative approaches to management of this disorder include minimizing secondary problems that arise. Reducing trauma to the prolapsed urethra in dogs with a tendency to lick at the prolapse is accomplished by using an Elizabethan collar. Prevention of urinary tract infections requires administration of antibiotics. Dogs with severe cases of urethral prolapse that manifest symptoms of extensive inflammation, ulceration, necrosis and scarring have a higher risk for recurrence following surgery.
Cause: Urethral prolapse is a rare condition that occurs in young male dogs with a preponderance to occur in the brachycephalic breeds (Boston terriers and English bulldogs). Other affected breeds have included Yorkshire terriers, Cocker spaniels, Alaskan Malamutes, and Springer spaniels. Average age of occurrence is 18 months with ages ranging from 4 months to 5 years. The condition is indicated by extension and thus appearance of the mucosal lining of the urethra through the urogenital opening at the tip of the penis. This condition is believed to occur as a result of abnormal development of the urethra that makes it susceptible to prolapse during activities (i.e. breathing in brachycephalic breeds or sexual activity) that cause increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Symptoms: Appearance of a red to purple, pea-sized, donut-shaped mass protruding from the urogenital opening at the tip of the penis. Bleeding may occur from the prolapsed urethra. Some dogs also have concurrent symptoms of urinary tract infection.
Treatment and Prognosis: Surgery to reduce the prolapse is the usual course of treatment for urethral prolapse, particularly in cases where bleeding is excessive or ulceration or necrosis of the prolapsed urethra occurs. In some instances where the prolapse is mild and there is little or no bleeding, surgery may not be necessary. Conservative approaches to management of this disorder include minimizing secondary problems that arise. Reducing trauma to the prolapsed urethra in dogs with a tendency to lick at the prolapse is accomplished by using an Elizabethan collar. Prevention of urinary tract infections requires administration of antibiotics. Dogs with severe cases of urethral prolapse that manifest symptoms of extensive inflammation, ulceration, necrosis and scarring have a higher risk for recurrence following surgery.