Congenital urethral dilatation in cattle calves: Diagnosis and surgical intervention

Congenital anomalies of the urinary system are common affections in ruminants. Dilatation of the pelvic urethra is one of these affections in which the pelvic urethra dilated than normal diameter. This study aimed to explain the diagnosis and surgical treatment of urethral dilatation in cattle calves.

Twenty-three bull calves (2-7 months old) were presented with a history of stranguria, tenesmus, and straining. Diagnosis of urethral dilatation was relied on the case history and clinical examination and was confirmed using survey and contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and biochemical tests. Treatment was done by urethrostomy under the effect of local infiltration analgesia.

Physical examination revealed the presence of an oval, firm, and painless swelling at the perineal region, starting just below the anus and extended to the base of the scrotum. The owners reported that the initial swelling size and severity of symptoms increased with the progress of animal age. Biochemical findings revealed non-significant changes in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Radiographic findings showed an oval radiopaque mass. However, a well-demarcated structure with acoustic enhancement was detected on ultrasonographic examination. Urethrostomy resulted in a successful outcome of all cases.

Depending on these findings, ultrasonography is the most reliable diagnostic tool and urethrostomy is the intervention of choice with acceptable results for diagnosis and treatment of urethral dilatation in cattle calves, respectively.