Patent Urachus

While a puppy is still in the uterus, a hollow tube called urachus drains the urine from the bladder of the fetus to the allantoic fluid stored in one of the membranes that protects the fetus. At birth, when the umbilical cord ruptures, the urachus begins to degenerate; no urine should then pass through it. Detection of moisture or urine coming from the umbilical structure of a puppy indicates the the urachus is still open, or patent, and that the urine is passing through it from the bladder.

This creates an abnormal opening between the bladder and area where the umbiblical cord was removed. The condition increases risk for bladder infections. This congenital abnormality, also called persistent urachus, may result in urinary incontinence in young dogs and needs to be corrected surgically.

A patent urachus that develops a few days after birth is an indication that an umbilical infection has reopened the urachal stump. Umbilical swelling and skin discoloration because of an associated umbilical hernia may be present. Dermatitis may develop on the hind limbs. Vigorous therapy and surgery is then necessary to avoid complications. The urachus is usually amputated in this case.

Add Comments