Introduction

• Rare.
• Cause: embryological anomaly; failure of fusion of urethral or urogenital embryological folds.
• Urethra opens ventrally and caudally at various sites from tip of penis to perineum.
• Male: usually failure of preputial formation also.
• Signs: urine soaking around urethral orifice, dermatitis.
• Diagnosis: signs.
• Treatment: reconstruction or urethrostomy.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Embryological anomaly: failure of fusion of urogenital folds.
• Hypospadia has been associated with other congenital defects such as retained testicles.
• Abnormalities of karyotype are possible.

Predisposing factors

• None identified.
• In man it is thought to occur due to inadequate androgen production from fetal testes.

Pathophysiology

• Unknown but in man is thought to result from inadequate androgen production from the fetal testes.

Timecourse

• Clinical signs appear early if:
  • The penis is exposed.
  • Urine scald dermatitis occurs.
  • Urinary tract infection is present.
• Urinary tract infection may occur more frequently whenever the urethral orifice is ectopic.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes