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The vesicouracheal diverticulum in dogs is a congenital problem that can interfere with a dog’s urination and also lead to urinary tract infections. It happens when a tube called the urachus that connects the umbilical cord to the bladder does not close properly.
Left untreated, the condition can lead to a number of problems that affect the dog’s urination.
If you see signs that your dog is having urinary problems, then You need to consult your veterinarian for correct diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of vesicourachal diverticula in dogs.
Symptoms of Vesicourachal Diverticula in Dogs
Canine vesicourachal diverticulum is a hereditary condition that can cause symptoms that affect the dog’s urination habits. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Problems urinating
- Urinating with blood in it
- Urinate too often
- Urine leaks from the navel
Causes of Vesicourachal Diverticula in Dogs
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Dogs suffer from vesicourachal diverticula when a tube known as urachus does not close properly. This can often happen during childbirth or while a puppy is in the womb.
In some rarer cases, the condition can also occur if the dog has another condition that puts too much pressure on the bladder.
Treatments for vesicourachal diverticula in dogs
If you suspect your dog may have vesicourachal diverticula, your veterinarian will do a full physical exam and ask about his or her medical history.
They will also likely suggest a urinalysis test and blood samples to monitor your dog’s blood counts. In some cases, they may also recommend an x-ray of the bladder and urethra to help confirm their diagnosis.
Treatment usually takes into account the underlying cause of the condition. Veterinarians can prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections. As always, when your veterinarian prescribes medication for your dog, it is important that you strictly follow dosage and frequency instructions and complete the entire medication course.
In many cases, dog vesicourachal diverticula require special surgery to properly correct the condition; although the prognosis of recovery for dogs treated is generally good.
Have you ever had a dog with vesicourachal diverticulum? What did your vet do to treat the problem? Tell us all about it in the comments below.