Vet Approved Guide: Vesicourachal Diverticula in Dogs – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 2025 🐶🐾 

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

A vesicourachal diverticulum is an outpouching from the bladder's top (urachal) area due to a congenital urachal remnant. Although uncommon, it can lead to urinary tract infections, straining, and blood in the urine.

🔍 What Is a Vesicourachal Diverticulum?

This congenital abnormality occurs when the fetal urachus—which connects the bladder to the placenta—doesn't fully close, creating a blind pouch at the bladder apex. It may be tiny (microscopic) or larger (macroscopic), and either within the bladder wall or protruding outside.

📌 How Common Is It?

Surprisingly, around 30–34% of dogs show vesicourethral diverticula during radiographic or necropsy studies, even without urinary symptoms.

🐾 Why It Matters

• Urinary tract infections: Stagnant urine in the pouch predisposes to bacterial growth—common pathogens include Proteus sp..
• Straining and blood in urine: Especially if infection is present.

🚨 Signs to Watch For

• Frequent or painful urination (pollakiuria, dysuria)
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Recurrence of urinary tract infections despite treatment
• Some dogs may show no symptoms at all

Not all dogs with diverticula will display symptoms—many are asymptomatic until they develop an infection.

🩺 How Is It Diagnosed?

• Contrast cystography or positive-contrast radiography: Identifies visible diverticula at the bladder apex.
• Ultrasound or CT: Used when radiographs aren’t clear or to assess pouch contents.
• Urinalysis and culture: Checks for infections and confirms clinical relevance.

🛠️ Treatment Options

1. Medical Management

For mild cases, treating the underlying urinary tract infection and monitoring may allow spontaneous closure of small diverticula over weeks to months, especially if infections resolve.

2. Surgical Excision

• Definitive solution: the pouch is removed via laparotomy or laparoscopy.
• Post-surgery, UTIs often resolve and don’t return.

3. Post-Treatment Care

Includes antibiotics per culture results, pain relief, rechecks with imaging to confirm resolution, and monitoring for urinary health.

🎯 Prognosis

• Asymptomatic dogs often need monitoring only.
• Symptomatic dogs commonly improve with infection control; surgery offers permanent resolution.
• Early detection prevents chronic infections and improves quality of life.

📱 Tools to Support Bladder Health

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 expert guidance for urinary concerns. 🩺

🎯 Final Thoughts

Vesicoureteral diverticula are more common than thought—and often silent—but can silently cause ongoing urinary problems. If your dog has recurrent infections or urinary changes, ask your vet about imaging. Timely diagnosis and targeted treatment—medical or surgical—ensure your dog stays comfortable and infection-free. 🐾

For personalized guidance and peace of mind, download the Ask A Vet app today. 📲🐶