Bladder wall necrosis and septic peritonitis in two Icelandic mares after parturition and mating

Abstract

This report describes bladder wall necrosis and secondary septic peritonitis in two adult Icelandic mares due to traumatic etiology. Mare 1 was mated naturally a few days prior to presentation, and Mare 2 had foaled one week before admission. Both horses presented with signs of peritonitis due to necrosis of their bladder wall detected on cystoscopy. Treatment included antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories and abdominal lavage. Both cases had a poor outcome. Mare 1 was euthanised due to a small intestinal obstruction caused by abdominal adhesions. Mare 2 initially improved clinically but was euthanised due to subsequent bladder rupture very unexpectedly at five weeks after parturition. Based on this experience, the authors recommend a modified therapy for future cases, and want to point out these very rare cases of bladder wall necrosis to equine practitioners.

Perirectal abscess as suspected cause of bladder rupture in a foal

“…Urachal leakage after infection of the umbilicus is another common cause of uroperitoneum in neonatal foals (Kablack et al, 2000; Reed et al, 2017). In foals over 1–3 weeks old and adult horses, bladder rupture is rare (Dunkel et al, 2005; Kablack et al, 2000; Weltrich & Barsnick, 2021). It can be secondary to trauma and urethral obstruction or can occur during parturition and dystocia in brood mares (Tuohy et al, 2009; Weltrich & Barsnick, 2021).…”

“…In foals over 1–3 weeks old and adult horses, bladder rupture is rare (Dunkel et al, 2005; Kablack et al, 2000; Weltrich & Barsnick, 2021). It can be secondary to trauma and urethral obstruction or can occur during parturition and dystocia in brood mares (Tuohy et al, 2009; Weltrich & Barsnick, 2021). There are no reports or findings suggestive of such events in this case, so it is unlikely.…”

“…Bladder rupture is common in neonatal foals (Kablack et al, 2000). In foals over 1–3 weeks old and adult horses, it is a rarely described condition (Dunkel et al, 2005; Kablack et al, 2000; Weltrich & Barsnick, 2021). This case report describes a 120‐day‐old foal that presented with a ruptured bladder and with a perirectal abscess identified post‐operatively.…”