Urethrostomy means creating an artificial permanent hole in the urethra, the tube that takes urine from the bladder to the outside. In male dogs this can be created:
1) between the penis and the scrotum (pre scrotal)
2) at the level of the scrotum (scrotal), which requires castration if this hasn’t already been done
3) perineal (between the anus and the scrotum), or
4) in front of the pelvis (prepubic), though this is rarely done
Indications for urethrostomy include recurrent urethral obstruction with uroliths (mineral deposits in the urinary system), or urethral stricture (which can occur secondary to previous urolith obstruction).
17th January 2015
