Introduction

• Persistent or patent urachus is a common condition of young foals Urachus: patent in which the urachus fails to close spontaneously at, or shortly after birth, thereby serving as a portal for entry of bacteria.
• Medical treatment is usually effective.
• Infection of umbilical structures is common in foals and may be due to failure of passive transfer of immunity, poor hygiene, and environmental contamination. Medical treatment may be effective but chronic cases are often poorly responsive.
• Surgical removal of the urachus and associated umbilial vascular elements (umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries) (cystoplasty) is recommended if medical therapy does not cause resolution in 5-7 days or where internal structures are involved and no external drainage has been established.

Uses

• Patent or persistent urachus Urachus: patent.
• Infection of umbilicus, vascular elements and urachus.
• Rupture of urachus or urachal-bladder junction.

Advantages

• Better survival rates than medical therapy alone.

Disadvantages

• General anesthesia Anesthesia: general - overview required.
• Approach more difficult in male animal due to prepuce.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• See patent urachus Urachus: patent, urachal/umbilical infection, rupture of urachus.

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Kablack K A, Embertson R M & Bernard W V et al (2000) Uroperitoneum in the hospitalized equine neonate: Retrospective study of 31 cases, 1988–1997. Equine Vet J 32, 505–508 PubMed.
• Lees M J et al (1989) Subcutaneous rupture of the urachus, its diagnosis and surgical management in three foals. Equine Vet J 21, 426-464 PubMed.
• Adams R & Koterba A M (1988) Exploratory celiotomy for suspected urinary tract disruption in neonatal foals: A review of 18 cases. Equine Vet J 20, 12–17 PubMed.

Other Sources of Information

• Schott H C (2012) Bladder. In: Equine Surgery. Eds: Auer J & Stick J. 4th edn. Elsevier. pp 927-939.