Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery Q&A 15

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This dog was presented for persistent licking of the penis and redness of the tip of the penis.

Question	Answer		Article
Name the condition pictured.	Urethral prolapse.		Link to Article
Which breeds are most commonly affected?	The condition occurs almost exclusively in the English Bulldog.		Link to Article
How does the condition occur?	Urethral prolapse can occur following irritation from genitourinary tract infection or excessive sexual stimulation.		Link to Article
How would you treat the condition?	Treatment is directed toward elimination of underlying infection and surgical management of the prolapse. Initial therapy involves reduction of the prolapse using a lubricated catheter, and placement of a purse-string suture. The suture is tied tightly enough to prevent recurrence but not tight enough to result in obstruction. The suture is removed in five days. If prolapse recurs, or if there is necrosis and drying of the mucosa initially, amputation of the affected mucosa is indicated. Excision is performed by incising the penile and urethral mucosa for half the circumference of the penis. The urethral mucosa is sutured to the penile mucosa with simple interrupted sutures of fine (e.g. 4-0) absorbable material. Once half of the prolapse is incised and sutured, the remaining urethra is excised and sutured in a similar manner. Incising half of the circumference initially prevents retraction of the urethral mucosa and eliminates the need for stay sutures.		Link to Article