Urethrorectal fistula in a Labrador puppy

Abstract

A 5‐month‐old entire male Labrador retriever puppy was diagnosed with a congenital urethrorectal fistula based on positive contrast abdominal radiography. Antimicrobial therapy was used to treat a clinically asymptomatic lower urinary tract infection prior to surgical correction. The fistula itself was ligated via a perineal approach. The clinical signs resolved immediately after surgery and had not recurred at telephone update 5 months later.

A new surgical approach for urethrorectal fistula in dog

“…1,2 Urethrorectal fistula is reported uncommonly in dogs, having been described in only 16 cases. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] They are mostly detected in English bulldogs; thus, it is presumed to have a heritable component in bulldogs, but this has not been proven yet. 2,5 Congenital urethrorectal fistula is thought to be the result of an incomplete division of the urogenital sinus and rectum due to a defect in the urorectal septum during early embryonic development.…”

“…A urethrorectal fistula is a congenital or acquired disease in which an abnormal fistula develops between the rectum and urethra 1,2 . Urethrorectal fistula is reported uncommonly in dogs, having been described in only 16 cases 1–7 . They are mostly detected in English bulldogs; thus, it is presumed to have a heritable component in bulldogs, but this has not been proven yet 2,5 .…”