A new surgical approach for urethrorectal fistula in dog

Abstract

A urethrorectal fistula is a rare congenital or acquired condition in dogs. Its treatment has been reported through a perineal incision, but not through a rectal mucosal approach. A 10‐month‐old, entire, male French bulldog was presented with leakage of urine from the rectum and urethra during urination, which was diagnosed as urethrorectal fistula by computed tomography, and surgery was performed. In our case, a rectal mucosal approach was used instead of a perineal approach, which has been reported previously. Postoperatively, the fistula tract was completely blocked and treatment was successful. Most treatment of urethrorectal fistulas involves excision of the fistula tube or urinary diversion, but the surgical approach should be considered depending on the location of the fistula. Because the perineum contains more important nerves and muscles related to defecation than the rectal mucosa, the rectal mucosal approach minimizes damage to muscles and nerves and reduces complications.