PERINEAL URETHROSTOMY

A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is the surgical formation of a permanent opening of the urethra at the perineal surface. Urethrostomy can be performed in the prescrotal, scrotal, perineal, or prepubic areas in dogs, depending on the location of the lesion. The most common indication for a perineal urethrostomy is to treat urethral obstructions in male cats secondary to Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). It may also be performed in cases of urethral strictures, severe trauma of the urethral or penis, and conditions that may require amputation of the penis such as preputial, urethral or penile neoplasia (cancer).

Perineal urethrostomy is generally a successful salvage procedure in managing life-threatening urethral obstructions in cats. Potential complications following PU in cats may include urinary incontinence and urethral stricture formation. If a severe stricture forms, then additional surgery may be needed to modify the urethral opening.

Continued medical and dietary management are necessary through out your cat’s life. The goal of surgery is to decrease the likelihood of life-threatening urinary obstruction; surgery, unfortunately, is not a cure for the underlying disease. It does not prevent the future formation of urinary stones or calculi, or prevent continued symptoms of cystitis. Therefore, continued medical management involving feeding your pet special diets is necessary to decrease crystal formation and reduce the chance of recurrent obstructions that require medical or surgical intervention.

Immediately after surgery you will need to keep your pet confined for 3-4 weeks to allow the surgical site to heal. Do not allow your pet to run, jump or play. Do not allow your pet to have free roam of the house. Dogs should only be taken outside for short leash walks to eliminate.

An Elizabethan collar will be provided to prevent your pet from licking or chewing the incision. Frequent urination is still likely for a week or more due to irritation of the bladder and urethra. You may see a small amount of blood in the urine or at the incision for several days following surgery. Use shredded paper or a commercially available dust-free product, such as Yesterday’s News Cat Litter, for at least 2 weeks following surgery to prevent litter from adhering to the incision site.

Observe your pet for problems, and contact us if you notice any of the following:

 - Your pet is not passing urine despite frequent attempts
 - There is persistent or heavy bleeding from the surgery site
 - You pet seems lethargic or does not want to eat


The sutures in the incision will need to be removed approximately 10 after surgery. This appointment will be scheduled at the time of discharge from the hospital. Another examination is recommended approximately one month postoperatively to evaluate the surgical site and identify any problems.