Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)

Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)

By: Dr. Cathy Reese

Section: Information In-depth

Perineal Urethrostomy (PU) is the medical term for the creation of a new opening in the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside). This is done in the perineum, which is the area between the scrotum and anus. A PU is done to bypass the smaller diameter urethra in the penis and open the larger diameter urethra in the pelvic area.

Indications for a PU include:

  • Chronic urethral obstruction as a result of Feline Urologic Syndrome (FLUTD)
  • Obstruction due to urinary tract stones
  • Damage to the urethra from an injury or from a urinary catheter

    The cause for FLUTD is unknown. Most cats with FLUTD are young adult neutered males, 2-6 years old. They are often sedentary and overweight. They develop grit and plugs of debris in their urine which can obstruct the flow of urine out the urethra.


    If the animal has suffered trauma to the pelvis, especially if there are fractured pelvic bones, the urethra can become damaged as well. These cats may also require urethrostomies.

    Cats that are obstructed due to FLUTD need to be unobstructed by means of a urinary catheter. This can be difficult and can result in damage to the urethra. If the urethra is damaged, or if a catheter is unable to be passed, a PU may be necessary.

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Urinary Obstruction in Cats

      Feline urinary obstruction is an acute obstruction of the urinary tract and is most common in males. It is usually caused by a plug of inflammatory debris and crystals, which is part of the common syndrome...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 What Is a Perineal Urethrostomy?

      A perineal urethrotomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the penis and allows for a wider urethral opening and is indicated whenever the urethral opening is too narrow.

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Urinary Obstruction in Cats

      Feline urinary obstruction is an acute obstruction of the urinary tract and is most common in males. It is usually caused by a plug of inflammatory debris and crystals, which is part of the common syndrome...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2What Is a Perineal Urethrostomy?

      A perineal urethrotomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the penis and allows for a wider urethral opening and is indicated whenever the urethral opening is too narrow.

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Urinary Obstruction in Cats

      Feline urinary obstruction is an acute obstruction of the urinary tract and is most common in males. It is usually caused by a plug of inflammatory debris and crystals, which is part of the common syndrome...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2What Is a Perineal Urethrostomy?

      A perineal urethrotomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the penis and allows for a wider urethral opening and is indicated whenever the urethral opening is too narrow.

      Read MoreRead More