Urethrotomy vs. Urethrostomy
Lannie
Lancaster, DVM
"Urethrotomy" is simply the creation of an
opening at the base of the os penis
cranial to the scrotum which allows the dog to
urinate and pass small stones and crystals. As the
urethra passes through the os penis its diameter
decreases greatly thereby creating the perfect
lodging point for many small stones. The key about a
urethrotomy is that it is not a permanent opening.
The opening is allowed to close up and heal in, much
like a simple laceration. The goal is that by the
time the opening heals, the stones will have passed
and corrective measures to prevent reformation of
uroliths will be in place (ie diet, water, +/-
medications). I have performed this procedure in
many breeds, even one of my own pet Dalmatians.
A "urethrostomy" on the other hand, is the
creation of a permanent opening. It
can be done in the same area as the urethrotomy, but
most often is done along with a neuter and removal
of the scrotum to create an opening much like that
of a bitch.
In both types of surgery, there is A LOT of bleeding
every time the dog urinates for up to 2 weeks,
usually 5-7 days though. This is because of the
tremendous amount of vasculature in the area
combined with the pressure of urinating and
contraction of the urethral smooth muscle. It can
look like a slaughterhouse floor, but truly the dogs
do fine and they do recover nicely. Remember,
corrective and preventive measures are just as
important as the surgery for overall health of the
bladder.
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