Urethrostomy – Prevention of a life-threatening condition

Here we will discuss a surgical procedure, “urethrostomy,” which is done to create a urethra opening. The urethra is a tube through which the urine flows without any obstruction. Therefore, the urethral obstruction can be corrected with a urethrostomy. However, the urethral obstruction occurs due to stones, trauma, protein plugs, or scarring. The urethral obstruction is a life-threatening condition, and it requires care on an emergency basis. For instance, scrotal urethrostomy is performed in dogs, and perineal urethrostomy is performed in male cats.

Signs To Perform Urethrostomy

• A major indication to perform a urethrostomy is that the urethral opening is too narrow or obstructed.
• It is commonly performed on male cats suffering from the urologic syndrome.
• The cats become prone to protein plugs, bladder stones, or sludge to obstruct the urine flow.

Symptoms Of Urethral Obstruction

• Blood in urine
• Painful urination
• Difficulty to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Urinating outside or somewhere else than the litter box
• Constipation
• Hiding
• Crying
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Death
• Vomiting
• ·Lethargy

Only a few cats will respond to the medication, but surgical treatment is the ideal option for those who face urethral obstruction recurrently.

Affected Breeds

Commonly, the affected breeds with urethral obstruction include dalmatians and Lhasa Apsos. Additionally, the urethrostomy is performed among dogs and cats which face penile trauma such as scarring and stricture that obstructs the normal urine flow.

What Is The Difference Between Scrotal And Perineal Urethrostomy?

The vital difference between the scrotal and perineal urethrostomy is how the urethra is opened.

The perineal urethrostomy will open the perineum and the distance between the scrotum and rectum. For instance, the penis is excised, and the opening of the urethra is enlarged, making it an easier way to pass urine, stones, and sand.

The scrotal urethrostomy is performed to create an opening in front of the scrotum. Also, the penis is impaired in any way. The dogs will have the same void behavior like lifting their left; even the urine is evacuated from another area.

Post-Operative Care

The pets should remain inactive after the surgical procedure of urethrostomy for better and quicker recovery.

• Sometimes, they will have bleeding from the surgical region in the ten days of recovery.
• It is important to keep the pet calm to reduce the bleeding.
• Access to the litter box should be highly convenient for the pet because they will have the urgency to urinate. There should not be any dust or clay in the litter box, so choose the litter box made with old newspaper.
• The dog will walk more frequently due to the high urgency of urination.
• It would be great if the patient wore an Elizabethan collar until the time of suture removal.

Risks & Complications

Overall, the risk involved in this surgical procedure for a healthy patient is not high. However, there is a risk of renal functioning due to general anesthesia. Besides this, other risks include post-operative infection, hemorrhage, wound dehiscence (breakdown). Unfortunately, scar formation is possible in some felines, and it causes urethra stricture that requires additional surgical treatment.

What Is Perineal Urethrostomy In Animals?

Perineal urethrostomy surgery will create an incision in the space present between the scrotum and rectum known as the perineum. Also, the animal’s penis is excised, and the urethra is opened to pass the stones, urine, and other toxic materials.

What Is The Difference Between Urethrotomy And Urethrostomy?

Urethrostomy surgery is executed in the ante-pubic and perineal positions, and scrotal urethrostomy is performed to create an opening right in front of the scrotum, but urethrotomy is entirely performed on the perineal regions that depend on the urethral obstruction.

What Is The Cost Of A Urethrostomy?

The cost of a urethrostomy is $18,00.00 approximately.