Preventing patent urachus - proper handling of a new foal
The urachus is a tubular structure that drains the urinary bladder into the allantoic sac (part of the placenta) during pregnancy. Gradually, this changes to where the bladder holds the urine and the urachus shrinks in size. A patent urachus occurs when the urachus fails to close spontaneously at or shortly after birth.
There are two main reasons a patent urachus occurs - excessive traction or pressure on the umbilicus at birth or infection (umbilical or systemic) after birth. Improper handling of the foal causing increased abdominal pressure can contribute to formation of a patent urachus. Clinical signs include moisture around the navel or urine dripping or streaming out of the navel. If we suspect a patent urachus, we will usually ultrasound the foal’s abdomen to further evaluate the umbilical remnants.
Uncomplicated cases (no infection present in the umbilical remnants) usually respond to medical treatment with antibiotics and topical cauterizing or astringent compounds. Complicated cases (abscess or infection in the umbilical remnants) usually require general anesthesia and removal of the infected umbilical remnants. The prognosis for recovery is usually good if the infected portions of the umbilicus can be removed.
The best was to prevent a patent urachus is to allow the umbilical cord to rupture without ligation or the careful used of umbilical clamps. Also minimal handling of the neonate and careful restraint to prevent pressure buildup in the bladder.
