Videodiagnosis of external urinary meatus obstruction and persistent urachus in heifer

ABSTRACT

Background: Persistent urachus conditions in calves are related to umbilical pathologies and might lead to uroperitoneum abnormalities, especially persistent urachus itself and bladder rupture. Videosurgery could be an interesting option for diagnoses of the genitourinary tract, given the relevance of genitourinary affections in calves. The aim of this report is to describe videosurgery resolution and performance in a case of external urinary meatus obstruction and persistent urachus in a heifer.Case An eight-month-old Girolando heifer was admitted in the UNIFRAN Veterinary Hospital with the suspicion of persistent urachus. The owner reported that the animal was not urinating, and after a few days, it was noticed the presence of urine leaking from the umbilical site. It was also informed that another veterinarian had previously performed pure iodine infusion in probable urachus area for 5 days in a row in an attempt to obliterate the canal. Significant higher levels of urea, creatinine and fibrinogen were noticed in the exams executed, also leukocytosis and signs of pain when performed abdominal palpation. When urethral sounding was implemented, it showed difficulties and resistance in the introduction of the sound. In the vaginourethrocystoscopy, it was noticed a thin membrane in the external urinary meatus causing complete obstruction, which was easily perforated by the cystoscope sheath, allowing the attainment of urethra and part of cranial bladder inspection. In order to evaluate the flow of the urine, it was applied methylene blue by the cystoscope working channel in the interior of the urethra and the bladder, which was collected by sounding the urachus, confirming presence of persistent urachus. When realized a contrasted x-ray of the bladder, it was noticed extravasation of the contrast into the peritoneum, indicating that a surgical approach should be performed; however the owner did not authorize the realization of any surgical intervention...