ABSTRACT
In dogs, urethrostomy can be performed in the penile (prescrotal), scrotal, perineal or antepubic urethra. Urinary scalding is common after perineal urethrostomy in dogs and is probably best avoided.
When performing urethral incision or resection, meticulous technique is important to prevent stricture and minimize hemorrhage. Urethral epithelium is carefully apposed (whether to itself for urethrotomy, or to the skin for urethrostomy) with 4-0 or 5-0 monofilament suture in a simple interrupted pattern. Castration is performed on intact animals undergoing permanent urethrostomy to prevent erection. iii. After urethrostomy the most common complication is hemorrhage or self trauma. An Elizabethan collar is used until the time of suture removal. Hemorrhage is minimized by using cold packs and sedation to minimize excitement. The surgical site is not cleaned and no attempts are made to remove blood clots or crusts.
