Clinical‐surgical approach to uroperitoneum in a filly ‐ case report

Abstract

Uroperitoneum is the accumulation of urine in the abdominal cavity resulting from a defect in any part of the urinary tract, which generally affects male foals. This study aimed to report a case of uroperitoneum in a five‐day‐old Quarter Horse filly referred to a clinic specializing in horses, located in Lagoa Seca ‐ PB, with suspected colic. The diagnosis was based on clinical signs, transabdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis with fluorescein injection via the urethra. Subsequently, the animal underwent exploratory laparotomy and cystorrhaphy, with subsequent clinical, hematological, and biochemical monitoring during the post‐surgical protocol. After 28 days the surgical wound had healed, serum levels and clinical status were ideal, and the animal was discharged. Rapid referral together with early clinical‐surgical intervention was crucial to reduce the complications of this disease in the patient because, when left untreated, cases of uroperitoneum can lead to severe metabolic and electrolyte disorders, peritonitis, sepsis, and death.