bovis - Articles
Urachal resection
Introduction
- The urachus is an embryonic tube that connects the fetal bladder to the allantoic sac. Normally, the urachus atrophies and is non-functional at birth.
- If urachal atrophy is incomplete, urachal cysts may develop or the urachus may remain patent from the bladder to the umbilicus so urine evacuates through both the umbilicus and the urethra. This is a congenital condition
- Clinical signs of patent urachus include urinary tract infection, omphalitis and ventral dermatitis.
- Usually apparent in neonate, but may be older.
- Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, clinical examination +/- ultrasonography.
- If treatment is appropriate, treatment of choice is surgical excision.
- Further information on conditions of the urachus can be found by following the related content links at the side of the page.
Uses
- Excision of the persistent urachus, including its attachments to the bladder and umbilicus.
Technical problems
- Ideally, surgery should be deferred until calves are over 4 weeks of age.
- Proximity of prepuce and penis in the male can complicate surgery usually necessitating a paramedian approach.
- In calves, persistent urachus less commonly drain urine but more frequently are associated with abscessation of the urachal structure.
- Persistent urachus can be coexistent with other conditions such as umbilical abscessation Umbilical disorders: overview and/or omphalophlebitis, omphaloarteritis Omphalophlebitis and omphaloarteritis; which will influence appropriateness and feasibility of treatment/surgery.
Time required
Preparation
- Where urachal infection is present, it may be appropriate to commence a course of antimicrobials, directed by culture and sensitivity, in advance of surgery.
- 20 – 30 mins pre-medication/sedation Sedation: overview and local anesthesia Local anesthesia: overview or general anesthesia induction.
- 10mins surgical site preparation/surgeons surgical scrub time.
Procedure
- 30 – 45mins with uncomplicated surgical resection.
Requirements
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Preparation
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Technique
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Aftercare
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Outcomes
Subscribe To View
This article is available to subscribers.
Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.
Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Baird A N (2016) Surgery of the umbilicus and related structures. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 32 (3), 673-685 PubMed.
- Baird A N (2008) Umbilical surgery in calves. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 24 (3) 467-477 PubMed.
- Mulon P Y & Desrochers A (2005) Surgical abdomen of the calf. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 21 (1), 101-132 PubMed.
- Hooper R N & Taylor T S (1995) Urinary surgery. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 11 (1), 95-121.