Urethra is the tube that begins at the bladder and connects with the tip of the dog's penis. It passes urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethral proplase is the condition in which the urethra protrudes through the opening of the penis.
In this condition, the urethral mucosal lining (the mucus-producing lining of the canal that carries urine out of the bladder) falls out of place, often moving to the outer portion of the urethra, vaginal, or penile opening, making it visible.
The prolapsed urethra is a red or purple, swollen, doughnut-shaped mass protruding from the distal end of the penis or vagina. The mass can become enlarged or inflammed if excessively licked. Bleeding is also possible on or around the urethral opening.
This condition can affect several other parts of the body including the urinary bladder, the urinary tract, reproductive organs and the immune system.
This condition can affect any dog of any breed but English bulldogs and Boston terriers are more prone to it.
The most common and obvious symptom of urethral proplase is the visible mass protruding through the vaginal or penil opening. Other common signs and symptoms include:
Bleeding from the urethra when not urinating
Hematuria (blood in the urine)
Pollakiuria (frequent urination)
Stranguria (straining to urinate)
Urinary blockage
Excessive licking of the penil or vaginal area
