Anuria due to inadvertent prostatectomy during cryptorchidectomy

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Canine Urology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Cryptorchidectomy is a common procedure in male dogs.
• Prostatectomy, the removal of the prostate gland, is a less common but sometimes necessary surgical intervention.
• Inadvertent surgical complications can occur during complex procedures.

Observation:

• An 8-month-old male Labrador retriever presented with a two-day history of anuria (inability to urinate) and vomiting.
• The clinical signs followed a suspected inadvertent prostatectomy during a cryptorchidectomy procedure.
• Physical examination findings were consistent with severe urinary obstruction and distress.

Findings:

• A positive contrast urethrogram was performed to evaluate the urinary tract.
• The diagnostic imaging definitively showed the absence of a patent prostatic urethra, indicating a blockage or absence of the normal pathway.
• Post-mortem necropsy confirmed that an inadvertent prostatectomy had occurred, leading to the observed clinical signs.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare but severe complication of combined cryptorchidectomy and potential prostate surgery.
• Accurate diagnostic imaging is crucial for identifying surgical errors and guiding treatment.
• Veterinary surgeons must exercise meticulous technique, especially when performing complex or combined procedures in dogs.