Single stage urethroplasty for perineal hypospadias in a horse: A case report.

This research paper is about the novel surgical treatment of hypospadias, a condition causing abnormal urination, in a horse. Using principles learnt from paediatric urology, the surgical team successfully relocated the urethral opening to a more normal position in the horse. The result was no further complications and an end to symptoms affecting the horse’s racing career potential.

Objective of the Research Article

• This case report documents an unusual treatment of equine hypospadias. The condition commonly affects the urine flow, causing contact dermatitis on the hind leg of the horse in this case. Instead of standard resective phallectomy procedures, a urethral reconstruction called urethroplasty was performed, which was the first of its kind and proved successful.

Method of Research

• A singleton stage urethroplasty was performed under the guidance of a consultant paediatric surgeon. During the surgery, the urethral plate was tubularised in two layers while the urethral meatus (opening) was relocated distally to open on the glans (penile tip).
• The surgery also included the covering of the urethroplasty with dartos fascia and the reconstruction of the penile shaft skin and prepuce.

Post-Operative Results and Conclusions

• Post-operatively, it was observed that the urine flowed cranially and the contact dermatitis was completely resolved. A minor superficial wound dehiscence was observed which was managed conservatively and resolved itself over time.
• The three-year follow-up confirmed that the horse was able to void from the newly relocated meatus without any complications. More notably, the horse continued to have a successful racing career.
• The conclusion suggests that the surgical techniques adopted from paediatric urology can be successfully applied in a veterinary context. This procedure could stand as an alternative to resective phallectomy for treating hypospadias in equines.