Urethral Prolapse in Dogs

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 12/09/2016Updated: 11/05/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Urethral Prolapse in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

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.

Youtube Play

Urethral Prolapse Average Cost

From 303 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000

Average Cost

$750

Wag Compare logo

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.

Get a quote

background

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.

Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background

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

arrow-up-icon

Top

Urethral Prolapse Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

dog-breed-icon

Bulldog

dog-name-icon

dog-age-icon

Ten Months

thumbs-up-icon

6 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

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

Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon

Bulldog

dog-name-icon

dog-age-icon

Ten Months

thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

1 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

1 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

Was this question and answer helpful?

Urethral Prolapse Average Cost

From 303 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000

Average Cost

$750

Wag Compare logo

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.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.