Prescrotal Urethrostomy in Dogs

A prescrotal urethrostomy in dogs is a surgical procedure that involves creating a permanent opening for the urethra through the prescrotal region of a male canine. The urethra is part of the urinary system, described as a tube which carries urine from the bladder organ. It, therefore, makes sense that a prescrotal urethrostomy procedure would be used in cases to correct a urine flow obstruction. A complication to the urinary system is a life-threatening condition that, if left untreated, can lead to loss of bladder muscle tone and infections of the urinary tract. An experienced veterinary surgeon will be required to relieve the obstruction caused by scarring, tumors, trauma or stones through the creation of a permanent opening referred to as a urethrostomy. 

Prior to conducting the prescrotal urethrostomy in a dog, the general health of the animal will be assessed to ensure the pet is well enough to complete the surgery. Common preoperative tests for a dog undergoing this type of procedure may include a complete blood cell count, biochemical profile, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound and possibly, radiographs. 

On the day of the surgery, the canine will be given a pre-sedative drug to provide initial relaxation, followed by a gas anesthetic. An endotracheal tube will be placed, which is a tube that is placed in the windpipe to allow oxygen to reach the patient’s lungs. Once the patient is stabilized, he will be taken to the surgical area where he will be laid in dorsal recumbency and prepped for surgery. The area around the prescrotal area will be shaved, scrubbed with an antimicrobial solution and draped. The veterinary surgeon will make the incision in front of the canine’s scrotum, dissect surrounding tissues and locate the urethra. Once the urethra is located, an incision will be created and the veterinarian will proceed depending on the found cause for the urine flow obstruction. The total surgery time for a prescrotal urethrostomy in dogs is roughly 45 minutes, but can be longer if severe trauma or complications have been noted. 

Prescrotal urethrostomy in dogs is a highly effective procedure for correcting male dogs with urethral obstructions. The possibility for an obstruction to recur is possible and the procedure may need to be performed more than once. 

Following a prescrotal urethrostomy, the dog will be allowed to return home under strict exercise restrictions. An Elizabethan collar will be worn to prevent the dog from manipulating the incision site. If your dog has had non-absorbable sutures, a follow-up appointment will be required to remove the stitch work approximately 10 to 14 days after the date of the surgery. 

The average cost of a prescrotal urethrostomy in canines can range from $200 to $2,000. The total cost of the procedure varies depending on the underlying cause of the urinary obstruction. 

Complications in relation to a prescrotal urethrostomy in dogs are rare, but possible. When considering the procedure, dog owners should consider the risk for hemorrhage, dehiscence or wound breakdown, post-operative infection and, in the case of scaring, repeat closure of the urethra. 

The need for prescrotal urethrostomy cannot always be prevented, but the best way a pet owner can avoid this type of surgery is to provide a healthy diet paired with regular veterinary check-ups. A dog that is prone to bladder stones can prevent urethra obstructions by sticking to a strict, balanced diet and can treat a current obstruction through prescription medications given by the veterinarian.