Urethrostomy in an Alpine kid secondary to congenital penile urethral diverticulum

Abstract

Ruminant’s urogenital tract is seldom affected by congenital anomalies; cases of hypospadiasis, penile urethral diverticulum, urethral stenosis, testicular and penile hypoplasia are reported in bovine and ovine species. This case report describes the clinical findings and surgical treatment of the penile urethral diverticulum in an Alpine goat kid from a commercial goat farm.
A 2-month-old, 10 Kg bodyweight, intact male Alpine goat was referred to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital of University (OVUD) at the Department of Veterinary Medicine University of Perugia - Italy, with a history of dysuria and ventral penile urine filled cyst. At genital tract examination, transparent cystic diverticulum in the ventral aspect of the prepuce and stenotic urethral appendix were identified. 
After sedation, anaesthesia induction and surgical preparation of the animal, cyst centesis and pre-scrotal urethral catheterization were performed. Then, penile amputation, cyst asportation, orchiectomy and oscheiectomy were completed. Finally, permanent urethrostomy was realized. The surgical wound was medicated twice daily in order to remove blood clots or tissue debris. The urinary bladder catheter was maintained for 3 days. On day 2, the kid’s appetite and attitude improved and urination was normal. Eight days after surgery, skin sutures were removed: penile urethra and urethral orifice both appeared to be healed without complications. At 3 months following surgery, the kid continue urinating normally and no adverse clinical or behavioural signs were reported.
In the present case report, the penile urethral diverticulum was treated by diverticulectomy and permanent urethrostomy in the perineal area. The kid clinical status improved within 5 days and showed any further complication related to its preoperative condition. In the Author’s personal caseload, animals subjected to urethrostomy experienced urine soiling in the inguino-abdominal region; in case of pet goat, this could be a cause of owner complaint. However, the surgical approach give the patient a second chance of life. Usually, farm goats are not referred for surgical technique due to its expensive cost and the farmer preference for culling them.
In conclusion, hypospadia with associated urethral diverticulum may be successfully treated by diverticulectomy and permanent urethrostomy; even if these surgical approaches could not be applied routinely in farm animals, they appeared to be successful in pet small ruminants.