Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
Aproximate Cost:
$1,500 - $1,600
What It Is
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure, typically for blocked male cats, that creates a new, wider opening in the urethra just below the anus to allow urine to pass more freely. The surgeon removes the narrow portion of the penile urethra, surrounding structures, and then sutures the wider urethra directly to the skin, permanently bypassing the obstructed area.
Why It’s Performed
This procedure is most commonly performed in male cats with recurrent urinary blockages or urethral strictures that do not respond to medical management. By widening the urethral opening, PU surgery prevents future life-threatening blockages and helps restore normal urination, greatly improving quality of life.
Risks Involved
Possible complications include bleeding, infection, urinary leakage, narrowing (stricture) at the surgical site, and urinary incontinence. While most cats do very well long-term, they may remain at higher risk for urinary tract infections after surgery.
Typical Recovery Time
Most cats recover in 10-14 days, taking care to keep the surgical area clean. After discharge, activity is restricted for about 2–3 weeks to allow the surgical site to heal. A safety cone is used to prevent licking or chewing. Stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within about two weeks, and most cats return to normal activity soon after.
Our Approach
At Howard County Animal Hospital in Ellicott City, MD, we perform perineal urethrostomies with precision and care. Our goal is to make high-quality surgical care accessible and affordable for local pet owners, and we provide clear, upfront estimates so families can plan for the cost of treatment.
*Previous workup required or to be performed at visit.
We are committed to offering affordable surgery options with transparent pricing. The cost shown are general estimates only, and a personalized estimate will be provided after your consultation.
We accept all major credit cards, Zelle, and cash. For clients interested in payment plans, we also work with CareCredit.
What’s Included in Our Surgical Costs
Our surgical prices are designed to be as transparent as possible and include:
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All charges typically associated with the day of the procedure
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Preoperative exam the day of the procedure
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Anesthesia and monitoring required throughout the procedure
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All perioperative injectable medications administered before, during and after the procedure to keep your pet safe and comfortable
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IV catheter and fluids to maintain vascular support during your pet’s surgery and recovery
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Detailed discharge instructions for at-home aftercare
What’s NOT Included in Our Surgical Costs
The following items are not included in the surgical costs and may be recommended or required depending on your pet’s individual needs:
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Pre-operative diagnostic workups to determine the underlying problem (e.g., bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound)
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All diagnostics associated with your pet's procedure would be included (e.g. orthopedic surgery requiring post-operative radiographs, cystotomy with stone analysis).
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Pre-anesthetic blood work
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Optional for healthy pets under 3 years old for routine procedures, but recommended to help ensure the safety of anesthesia.
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Radiographs (X-rays) associated with diagnosing or planning the procedure
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Medications to take home (such as pain meds, antibiotics, sedatives or safety collars).
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If needed: Continued care at a local ER for monitoring and stability, recommended for unstable and sick patients.
We will discuss all recommended or required services with you in advance so you have a complete understanding of your pet’s surgical plan and costs.