A urethrostomy creates a permanent opening in the dog's urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. In a male dog, the urethra passes along the backside of a dog and between his rear legs. This surgical procedure is performed to make sure the urine flow in your pet is not obstructed. An obstructed urine flow can be a life-threatening condition. Even a partial obstruction may lead to serious conditions such as urinary tract infection. These procedures are often performed on an emergency basis, according to the Veterinary Surgical Centers website.
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Cause
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Urethrostomies are most often performed in male dogs who are prone to bladder stones. These bladder stones enter the urethra and obstruct urine flow. Some dogs with stones may respond to and be treated successfully with diet and medication. However, dogs who have persistent stones that obstruct proper urine flow will generally need the procedure. The procedure would also be performed for dogs who have had severe penile trauma or scarring that does not allow for normal urine passage. Dalmatians and Lhasa apsos are the dog breeds that are most commonly affected by obstructed urine flow, according to the Veterinary Surgical Centers.
Signs
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According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, signs of obstruction include urinating frequently in small amounts or taking longer than usual to urinate. The urine may also come out in drops instead of a stream. If the urethra happens to be completely blocked, the dog will strain to urinate without producing any urine. The dog may become lethargic, lose its appetite and possibly start vomiting.
Procedure
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The procedure requires the dog to receive general anesthesia. This makes the dog unconscious and unaware of any pain. Following the anesthesia, the dog is placed on a surgical table on his back and his hair is clipped around the surgery site. The skin is then scrubbed with surgical soap to prevent any infection. The surgeon places a sterile drape over the surgery site and makes an incision with a scalpel. He will have to dissect some tissue to get to the urethra, then will make an incision in the urethra. He will stitch the edges of the urethra to the edges of the skin to create a wide opening. If the dog has not yet been castrated, it is performed at the time of the surgery. The procedure generally takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Post-Operation Care
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Dogs that have had the procedure need to be kept calm and inactive during their recovery to reduce the chance of bleeding. Medication may be given to relieve pain, and the dog may require a restraining collar to prevent him from chewing or licking his sutures. The sutures should be inspected daily and the dog should be monitored for normal urination. If the dog is unable to urinate, this should be reported to your veterinarian. In a permanent urethrostomy, the urine stream will no longer pass through the dog's penis, but through the surgical opening near the scrotum. The dog may need to urinate more frequently and should be walked more.
Risks
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The overall risks of the procedure are low, but may include bleeding from the surgery site, hemorrhaging or infection. If the opening is made in the wrong area, or if the opening scars and narrows, urine may spray the dog's legs.
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