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Urethral Prolapse in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/09/2016Updated: 11/05/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Urethral Prolapse?
Urethral prolapse occurs when a small part of the urethra, or the tip, comes out from the opening of the dog’s penis. This protrusion of the urethra through the penis looks similar to a growth, such as a tumor, and typically occurs in younger dogs or dogs that are middle-aged. This condition is more common in Boston Terriers and English Bulldogs.
The urethra is the small tube opening in which urine comes out of the body. The muscle of the bladder, the sphincter muscle, is at the top of the urethra and keeps the bladder intact and closed. The urethra is connected to the bladder and goes down into the penis. Sometimes the urethra can become inflamed, due to infection (urethritis) and can expose itself outside of the penis tip.
When prolapsed urethra occurs, the exposed urethra outside of the penis head may be swollen, reddish or purplish in color, and be quite painful to the dog. It may only occur during an erection, or may be present all the time.
Urethral prolapse is a condition in which the urethra extends outside of the tip of the penis in male dogs. This condition can be caused by a variety of conditions or may be hereditary.
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Average Cost
$750
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Symptoms of Urethral Prolapse in Dogs
- Red or purple inflamed mass at the tip of penis
- Licking of the genital area
- Straining when urinating
- Pain
Types
The urethra can be the affected area for many types of conditions. Besides urethral prolapse, other types of conditions that may occur in male dogs are:
- Neoplasia
- Urinary tract infection
- Mineral build-up or stones
- Injury
- Prostate disorders
- Infections around the penis
- Phimosis
- Paraphimosis
- Priapism
- Phalitis
- Undescended testicle
- Balanoposthitis
Causes of Urethral Prolapse in Dogs
Urethral prolapse may be caused by several different factors. Once your veterinarian tests your dog and comes to a definitive diagnosis, he will alert you to the possible cause of his condition. Causes can include:
- Abnormality in the urethra development
- Increased pressure in the intra-abdominal area
- Prolonged sexual arousal or erection
- The return flow of blood causing engorgement around the urethra
- Genetics
Diagnosis of Urethral Prolapse in Dogs
If your dog is showing signs of a growth outside of his penis, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Once you visit the veterinarian, he will assess the dog’s penis, ask you questions about the symptoms and when they first began, and any other questions he feels are necessary for his diagnosis. He will then do a complete physical examination of your dog, which might include blood testing, a urinalysis, and biochemistry profile to rule out any other underlying conditions, such as cancer, or neoplasia.
The inspection of the tip of the penis and the growth will alone give the veterinarian much information. The medical professional may also order a radiograph of the abdomen, an ultrasound of the abdomen, and a culture of the urine sample. These tests will allow the veterinarian to have the information he needs to make the diagnosis for the cause of the urethral prolapse.
Treatment of Urethral Prolapse in Dogs
Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will give you specific treatment options to help your dog heal. The treatment depends on the severity of his condition, such as if the urethral prolapse only occurs sporadically (only during an erection) or is apparent all of the time. Treatment methods may include:
Surgery
Surgery may be the best option for your dog, especially if he bleeds from the opening or around the urethra. Surgery may also help the pain your dog is experiencing. The surgical procedure will also help if the tissue that is prolapsed is dead tissue or becomes raw and inflamed.
Castration
Castration may be considered if your dog only has the prolapse during an erection. Castration involves removing the testicles from your dog.
Antibiotics
If an infection happens as a result of this condition, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics. The particular antibiotic and the dosage will be determined by the medical professional after careful observation and testing of the infection. The veterinarian may also prescribe estrogen to be given regularly to reduce the times the penis becomes erect, if your dog has not been neutered.
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Recovery of Urethral Prolapse in Dogs
Once treatment is complete, your dog will be able to come home with you, and resume a healthy life. Your veterinarian will give you advice on how to properly monitor and care for your companion after treatment.
If your companion is to take antibiotics, be sure to follow the instructions on the prescription and finish the bottle. Your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to administer the medication at home and may recommend he take it with or without food. If you see any side-effects from any medication your dog is taking, please call your veterinarian and he will instruct you as what you should do. He may choose to prescribe an alternate medication.
Follow-up visits will be scheduled so your medical professional can take a look at the penile area and confirm if he is recovering from any surgery or procedure. He will also conduct another physical examination of your dog and compare it with the baseline data of the previous examination. This will once again check his overall health and check for any new underlying conditions post-surgery.
Urethral Prolapse Average Cost
From 303 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$750
Top
Urethral Prolapse Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Bulldog
Ten Months
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My male English bulldog has a red bump or knot on the top of his penis. What could this be? I’m very concerned because I bought him to be my stud for my program
Aug. 25, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
6 Recommendations
Hi there. While the anatomy looks fairly normal from the photo (the ring of tissue is the frenulum), it is red and perhaps a little swollen. We would consider excessive licking, a mild infection, a paraphimosis etc.
His age and breed would make me concerned for a urethral prolapse and this should absolutely be ruled on or oit by his vet.
As photos are limiting, an in person vet visit is best. If the penis is stuck out or he is uncomfortable, this should be urgent. Stop any licking with a buster collar if needed.
Aug. 25, 2021
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Bulldog
Ten Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My male dog has like a red bump on the tip of his penis. I bought him to be a stud dog what could this be?
Aug. 25, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
4 Recommendations
A prolapsed urethra is certainly a consideration given his age and breed, as is a growth such as a wart or cyst, or the result of an injury. Have the penis examined by a vet, especially if causing discomfort or there are other signs such as licking more than usual or straining when passing urine.
Aug. 25, 2021
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English Bulldog
Seven Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My dog had an recent allergic reaction that caused hives all over his body. The vet gave him a shot and prescribed diphenhydramine for 3 days. The hives went down but fast foward 3 days and he’s now frequently peeing light pink blood. We checked him out and don’t know what this might be. Please help.
Jan. 6, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
2 Recommendations
Hi,
Diphenhydramine falls under the category of drugs known as antihistamines. These are usually used to treat allergic reactions such as hives.
However, they also may cause some adverse side effects such as retention of urine in the bladder. Urinary retention often causes inflammation and infection in the urinary bladder. Blood tinged urine seen as the pink coloration you may be as well as frequent urination is a common sign. I would advise a visit to your veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.
Jan. 6, 2021
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English Bulldog
Slammer
5 Years
17 found this helpful
17 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Penis Bleeding
My english bulldog bleeds profusely from his penis every time i get home from work. its like a scene out of dexter. I think it only happens when i get home because that’s the only time he gets erections. Any suggestions on a quick fix, since I kinda feel like charles manson’s maid every time i walk in the door. the craziest thing is he doesn’t even know it’s happening. he runs around and jumps on the furniture while bloods spitting out of his penis like he’s in blackhawk down.
June 25, 2018
17 Recommendations
You certainly paint quite an image. It is difficult to say what the specific cause is or a quick fix without examining the penis, however urethral prolapse is common in this breed and would cause the bleeding; in cases of urethral prolapse, surgery is the best option. Given the severity of the bleeding you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination and treatment; it may be a case that you need to find a way to keep him calm when you get home to prevent further bleeding whilst recovering. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 26, 2018
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Kelpie
Lucy
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Presentation Of Clear Red Bubble
Have a red bubble protruding from bitch due to welp in a week.
Is this prolapse of bladder, the bag surrounding puppies or uterus prolapse.
Had the same presentation last litter but bitch welped successfully. However, this tiome seems to be a larger bubble.
June 6, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without being able to see this 'bubble', it isn't possible for me to determine what it might be. It would be a good idea to have her examined by your veterinarian, as they can see her, determine what the problem might be, and advise you as to whether any treatment is needed.
June 6, 2018
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English Bulldog
Sully
8 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Prolapsed Urethra
My 8 month old in tact English Bulldog has prolapsed urethra. He also has a grade 6 heart murmur, therefore surgery is not an option. He was prescribed an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic. The first day after starting treatment there was no blood. Today there was blood everywhere. I've ordered belly bands and taken our other two dogs out of the house in order to keep him calmer. How long before we will know if it is healing on it's own? What if it doesn't? Please help!
English Bulldog
Bili
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Minor Bleeding
Small Red Mass On Tip Of Penis.
My English bulldog was diagnosed with a Prolapsed urethra 2 months ago and got surgery for it along with being neutered per vets request to dramatically reduce the chances of it happening again. Although it is nothing like last time, these last few days I’ve noticed there is I would say a pea sized reddish mass on the end of his penis. And small stains of blood on his leg from I guess rubbing against it. It does tend to go away after a few hours, but my question/concern is do I need to take him back in to the vet? Or since he’s had the surgery is it something that’ll still happen periodically?
Maltese
Kirby
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
I have a 2.5 year old male Maltese who is intact. He always had a rather crimped end of his penis but two days ago he started bleeding from it. No behavioral change and still urinates fine. I’ve seen two vets who recommend surgery and castration to prevent it from happening again. I have two concerns, one is how likely is this to be a problem in the future? Secondly, is this a hereditary condition because we bought this dog from a so called AKC registered Breeder who swore up and down he had fantastic lineage and on top of having a curly coat which is not indicative of a Maltese, now having this prolapsed urethra makes me question what other underlying conditions he could have that we are unaware of.
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/urethral-prolapse
Beagle
Trakker
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
My dog had surgery for ureteral prolapse about 10 years ago and has recently started bleeding again. The vet doesn’t think a second surgery would work. What other options do we have?
Urethral Prolapse Average Cost
From 303 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$750
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
