Anal-vulvar atresia and agenesis of coccygeal vertebrae in a newborn donkey – case report

Abstract

Anal-vulvar atresia and agenesis of the coccygeal vertebrae is a rare condition that has never been reported before in donkeys, and only a single case in sheep. In this light, we sought to describe the surgical approach and postoperative care of a newborn donkey with this congenital abnormality. A female donkey was treated that was less than 24 hours old, weighing 15 kg, with increased perineal volume and the absence of an anus. The diagnosis was made by clinical examination, which also found an absence of the vulva and coccygeal vertebrae. A surgical approach followed using anoplasty and temporary fixation of a plastic probe, and a urethra attached to the skin. The postoperative period was followed by daily cleansing, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy, and removal of the plastic tube at 10 days. The early diagnosis and treatment enabled complete success and the animal’s recovery.