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.

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Without infection – uncomplicated urachal resection – good prognosis.
• The surgical procedure on these cases is often exploratory and in reality, the surgeon will not know exactly what they will be dealing with until surgery is underway. Therefore the complications and prognosis will very much depend on the extent of underlying pathology and the structures affected.  Further information can be found by following the links in the related contents section on this page.  
• Careful consideration should be given to retention of the individual as a breeding animal.

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.