Transurethral intraluminal closure of a caudally located bladder neck tear in a standing mare

Abstract

SummaryThis case report describes a minimally invasive transurethral approach to repair a caudally located, ventral tear in the neck of the bladder in a standing mare. The mare was diagnosed with a ruptured bladder 16 h post‐partum based on clinical signs, transabdominal ultrasonography, peritoneal fluid analysis and serum biochemistry, and cystoscopy. Under sedation and epidural anaesthesia, the tear was visualised with a laparoscope placed through a sterile disposable foil large animal vaginal speculum (Henry Schein®; Henry Schein Animal Health, Dublin, Ohio, USA). Using Karl Storz Macro needle holders (Karl Storz Endoscopy, Culver City, California, USA.) passed through the speculum, the defect was sutured in a single layer simple continuous pattern using 0 Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl®; Ethicon Inc., Cornelia, Georgia, USA.). The surgical time was 30 min and no complications were encountered. The mare has shown no signs of urine pooling, urine dribbling, or cystitis since the operation. She is alive at the time of submission (130 days post‐operatively).