”WILL”
”Will” a black/white leopard appaloosa colt, was born on January 23rd with a apparently normal sequence and duration of delivery.
On January 26th his owners noted he was depressed and not nursing.
Upon examination ”Will” was found to be having some difficulty breathing and had a distended abdomen which was painful to palpation.
Ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a large accumulation of fluid, which was found to be to urine when a needle aspiration was performed.
”Will” had a ruptured bladder.Rupture of the urinary bladder occurs occasionally in foals and is more common in males than females. Rupture of the bladder is most likely cause by the extreme pressure on the foal during birth.
Leakage of urine into the abdomen causes the foal to become ill and signs are noted between 1 to 5 days of age.
Foals with ruptured bladders show signs of depression, not nursing, straining to urinate, mild colic signs, rapid breathing, and an enlarged abdomen.
It is important to note that foals with ruptured bladders can still void urine, but usually they urinate frequent small volumes only.
Diagnosis of a ruptured bladder is confirmed with ultrasound and a needle aspiration of the fluid inside the abdomen.
Surgical repair of a ruptured bladder is usually necessary but can only be performed after the foal is stabilized. Draining the urine from the abdomen and IV fluid therapy are the key points of therapy, along with evaluation for other preexisting medical problems.
The prognosis is generally good for foals with uncomplicated surgical repair of a ruptured urinary bladder. Early recognition of this condition is important in avoiding complications.
”Will”’s Outcome
”Will” was immediately hospitalized. IV fluid therapy was started and 8 Liters (about 2 gallon) of urine was drained from his abdomen. After evaluation for other medical problems, further IV fluid therapy and repeated drainage of urine from the abdomen, uneventful surgical repair of the ruptured bladder was performed on January 27th.
”Will” did very well after surgery and was discharged on February 1st. Everyone enjoys a happy ending.
River Basin Equine Veterinary Services PLC
117 Walford Road
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
(319) 848-3555
RBEVS@aol.com
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