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==Introduction==
Prolapse of the urethra occurs when there is '''extrusion of the urethral mucosa out of the urethral orifice in male dogs'''.
It occurs most commonly in '''young''' (9-18 months), '''intact English bulldogs and Boston terriers''' and is rare in other breeds and unreported in the cat.
The condition is '''idiopathic''', but is thought to occur during periods of '''excessive sexual excitement''' or may occur concurrently with urinary tract infections or urethral calculi.
==Clinical Signs==
The condition may be asymptomatic or there may be a history of '''haematuria, stranguria and pollakiuria'''.
The dog may '''lick its penis''' excessively and there may be bleeding from the tip.
A '''red, pea-shaped structure''' will be visible at the end of the penis.
==Diagnosis==
This is usually done on the basis of the history, clinical signs, and visualisation of the prolapse.
'''Further workup''' may be indicated for an underlying urinary disease, and urinalysis and cluture as well as abdominal radiography and prostate palpation may be indicated.
==Treatment==
The prolapse should be reduced by placement of a urinary catheter and a '''purse string suture''' as a temporary measure.
This may be sufficient in some cases, but '''surgical correction is the treatment of choice''' in most cases as there is less recurrence.
'''Urethropexy''': involves surgical resection of the prolapsed part of the urethra with a urinary catheter in place. The remining cut end is sutured to the tunic of the penis with simple interrupted sutures of fine absorbable suture material. Resection can be performed for half the circumference of the penis at a time to prevent retraction of the mucosa and the need for stay sutures.
'''Post-operatively''', an Elisabethan collar should be placed to prevent licking of the wound.
Any urinary tract infections should be treated with '''antibiotics''' according to culture and sensitivity results.
'''Castration''' is recommended in all cases, or dogs should be kept away from oestrous bitches.
'''Prognosis''' is generally good depending on the chronicity of the condition.
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|flashcards = [[Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery Q&A 15]]
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==References==
Mazzaferro, E. (2011) '''Blackwell's Five Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small animal ECC''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
Pasquini, C. (1999) '''Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics''' ''Sudz Publishing''
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