VSR 421: Regional Veterinary Surgery (2+1)

PATENT URACHUS

Cystoscopy in a heifer with rupture of a patent urachus]. [Article in German]Braun U, Previtali M, Fürst A, Wehrli M, Muggli E.

Source

• Departement für Nutztiere der Universität Zürich, Winterthurestr. 260, CH-8057 Zürich. [e-mail]

Abstract

• This case report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and cystoscopic findings and treatment in a two-year-old Swiss Braunvieh heifer with rupture of a patent urachus.
• The lead signs in the seven-month-pregnant heifer were markedly abnormal general condition and demeanour and a pear-shaped abdomen.
• The heifer had severe azotaemia, and abdominal ultrasonography revealed ascites, which was diagnosed as uroperitoneum based on an elevated creatinine level in the fluid.
• A patent urachus was identified during cystoscopy; the endoscope could be advanced beyond the apex of the urinary bladder into the urachus. Based on all the findings, a diagnosis of uroperitoneum attributable to rupture of a patent urachus was made.
• The urachus was ligated twice via a left-flank laparotomy. The general condition normalised within a few days of surgery, and the patient calved normally and was in good health at follow-up evaluation.
• Patent urachus is a common condition in calves which is frequently associated with omphalitis. A membranous urethral diaphragm prevented closure of the urachus in a female calf. The patent urachus was complicated by an ascending infection of the intraabdominal umbilical remnants.
• Following surgical removal of the urachus and umbilical vessels along with transection of the membranous diaphragm the calf experienced an uncomplicated recovery. This case stresses the importance of assuring urethral patency when managing a case of patent urachus.