Perineal Urethrostomy

INTRODUCTION
Perineal urethrostomy is a surgical procedure used to change the opening of the urethra in male cats to an area where the urethra is wider. The surgery is performed when male cats become repeatedly obstructed and cannot be treated preventatively by medicine and/or by diet, alone.

SURGERY
During the procedure, the patient is neutered if this has not already been done. In addition, the penis is removed because this is where the urethra is particularly narrow and where many of the obstructions occur.

AFTER-CARE
After surgery, home care is very important. High magnesium levels in the diet have been associated with obstructions, therefore a special diet needs to be continued to keep the magnesium level in the urine low. A continuation of antibiotics is important to keep the surgery site from becoming infected and to treat any concurrent cysitis (bladder infection).

Because the cat's tongue has a rough surface, licking can irritate the surgery site. This can delay healing or breakdown of the suture line. Therefore, an Elizabethan cone collar is required to prevent licking of the surgery site. The collar is generally left in place until a few days after the sutures are removed. If the collar is removed, it must be replaced as soon as your pet is not being closely supervised.

Regular clay liter also can irritate the surgery site, therefore fiberboard cat litter or shredded newspaper is recommended until a few days after sutures are removed.

Sometimes a small amount of Vaseline or ointment dispensed by your doctor can be placed along the skin on the back of the legs to help prevent urine scalding of the skin. Be careful not to place the ointment on the sutures or on the surgery site as this can delay healing.

Sutures need to be removed by your doctor approximately 14 days after surgery. This may require sedation or a light general anesthesia and thus your cat should not be fed the morning of the visit. A urinalysis and urine culture will be evaluated periodically to monitor for any recurring cysitis. Special pH sensitive clay cat litters may be recommended for lifelong screening.

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