Background and Aim: 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.
Materials and Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: 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.