The Use of a Low-Profile Cystostomy Tube to Relieve Urethral Obstruction in a Dog

A 10-year-old, spayed female Dalmatian was diagnosed with granulomatous urethritis causing urethral obstruction. Due to the extensive involvement of the urethra, a urethrostomy was not possible. A commercially available, silicone, low-profile gastrostomy tube was placed as a prepubic cystostomy tube to achieve urinary diversion. This tube is easy to use, has a one-way valve, and lies flush with the skin margin, thereby decreasing the likelihood of inadvertent removal. This tube should be considered to achieve long-term urinary diversion when urethral involvement is extensive.