URETHRAL PROLAPSE

Urethral prolapse means part of the lining of the inside of the penis has come out on the tip of the penis. This bleeds easily, especially when the dog is excited and getting an erection. Urethral prolapse can be seen in any breed and is common in bulldogs.

At the early stage of urethral prolapse, neutering will probably cure the urethral prolapse. Giving a tranquilizer daily before and after neutering will help control erections and bleeding. After the initial dose of Acepromazine, adjust the dose as needed. If your dog is sleepy or dopey, give less Acepromazine. If he has more bleeding, give more. Almost always we can find a dose that controls bleeding without causing drowsiness.

When a urethral prolapse is more advanced, we have to do BOTH urethral prolapse surgery and neutering. As long as a dog is neutered, there is a less than ten percent chance of the prolapse recurring. When an owner insists on urethral prolapse surgery and not neutering, the prolapse always returns, some sooner and some later. We recommend neutering all dogs that have urethral prolapse. Giving a tranquilizer daily before and after surgery will help control erections and bleeding. After the initial dose of Acepromazine, adjust the dose as needed. If your dog is sleepy or dopey, give less Acepromazine. If he has more bleeding, give more. Almost always we can find a dose that controls bleeding without causing drowsiness.