Conservative management of cystorrhexis in four adult horses

Abstract

Summary Rupture of the urinary bladder is rare in adult horses with various standing or recumbent surgical repair techniques historically reported as the treatments of choice. This case series describes the successful conservative management of cystorrhexis in 4 adult horses. Conservative management is therefore a potentially viable treatment option which forgoes the risks of general anaesthesia and may reduce the post operative complications associated with surgery of the bladder.

Conservative management of iatrogenic bladder rupture and uroperitoneum in a gelding with urolithiasis

“…Successful medical management of uroperitoneum was reported in a colt, although cystoscopy was not performed and the size or location of the tear was not confirmed (Peitzmeier et al . 2016). Although surgical intervention was considered in the present case, there was a concern that the ventral location and length of the tear which extended caudally would have prevented effective closure.…”

“…Surgery and general anaesthesia are also associated with risks to the patient, particularly one that is metabolically compromised (Peitzmeier et al . 2016).…”

“…A medical approach to management of bladder tears is not without risk; adhesions may develop from the bladder defect to other abdominal viscera (Peitzmeier et al . 2016) or the defect may fail to heal (Tuohy et al . 2009) protracting treatment and recovery.…”

“…1992; Peitzmeier et al . 2016); however, surgical repair of bladder tears is advocated (Schott and Woodie 2012; Snalune and Mair 2006) to reduce uroperitoneum which is associated with potentially fatal chemical and septic peritonitis and electrolyte imbalances (Pye et al . 2018).…”

Ultrasonographic Examination of the Equine Neonate

“…Nonsurgical management of bladder rupture in 4 adult horses was recently reported. 59 Ultrasound imaging can distinguish between other problems affecting the lower urinary tract and resulting in clinical signs that overlap with those of uroperitoneum. Hematoma formation within the bladder, ascribed to tearing of the intra-abdominal portion of the umbilicus, has been reported and is not an uncommon finding.…”