Urethral Prolapse in Cats
Key takeaways
Urethral prolapse is a rare condition wherein a cat’s urethral lining moves from its natural position to protrude from a cat’s genitals, appearing as a red or pink mass.
- Urethral prolapse increases risk of urinary tract infection and may hamper the ability to properly urinate
- An affected animal benefits from timely veterinarian intervention
- Physical examination identifies a urethral prolapse, alongside diagnostic imaging, bloodwork, and urinalysis to establish the animal’s overall health status
- Urethral prolapses are treated with surgery
- Antibiotics may be indicated in cases of infection
- Uncomplicated cases have a good prognosis, although recurrence is possible
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A closer look: Urethral Prolapse in Cats
A urethra is the tube by which urine and semen passes out of a cat. If the urethral lining shifts, protruding from a cat’s genitals, it has prolapsed.
Urethral prolapse is extremely rare in cats. A urethral prolapse may make it more difficult to urinate, and predispose an affected cat to urinary tract infection. Affected cats benefit from prompt veterinary assistance. This condition almost exclusively occurs in male cats.
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Risk factors
In some cases, the protruded tissue dies or becomes traumatized from the cat licking or biting at it. These cases may have dark brown to black tissue or dried, crusty tissue rather than a red or purple mass.
Urethral prolapse can predispose males to developing urinary tract infections.
Possible causes
Causes of feline urethral prolapse are largely unknown, as the condition is extremely rare in this species. The condition may be related to underlying urethral disease.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of urethral prolapse include:
- A small red or purple mass protruding from the end of a cat’s genitals
- Penile bleeding
- Difficulty urinating
- Painful urination
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnostics include:
- A physical examination
- Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
Steps to Recovery
Due to the rarity of this condition in cats, and their small size, cats with urethral prolapse may benefit from referral to a board-certified veterinary surgeon. Affected cats are sedated and have their urethral tissue replaced into the urethra, followed by surgical intervention to more firmly attach the lining in its appropriate position. In some cases, the urethral lining tissue is removed completely.
After surgery, cats may be prescribed antibiotics, especially if the condition is accompanied by a secondary infection.
Uncomplicated cases are expected to have a good prognosis after surgical correction, although patients must be monitored for signs of recurrence.
Prevention
There are no known preventative measures for urethral prolapse.
Urethral prolapse is not contagious.
Is Urethral Prolapse in Cats common?
Urethral prolapse is extremely rare in cats.
Typical Treatment
- Surgery
- Antibiotics
