Key Points
Urethral prolapse is an uncommon condition found in younger dogs
A fleshy knob of tissue is found projecting from the end of the penis
This condition is corrected with surgery
Introduction
- the urethra is the tube that passes urine from the bladder to the outside of the body
- the tube runs through the penis
- weakening of the tissue that normally holds the urethra in place results in prolapse of the urethra
Signalment
- most dogs are younger when this condition occurs
- it only affects male dogs
- the most common breed affected is the Bull dog
Clinical signs
- straining to urinate
- licking the penis
- irritation of the penis
- red mass protruding from the penis
- note the mild prolapse in the photo below
- major prolapse in the photo below
Treatment
- surgical removal of the prolapsed urethra
- the edges of the urethral are sutured carefully in order to prevent narrowing of the opening
- in the photo below the urethral prolapse has been removed and sutured
Prognosis
- typically the response to surgery is very good
Complications
- recurrence of the prolapse, necessitating another surgery
- stricture of the urethra