by: Matthew O'Donnell, DVM, DACVS-SA
Charlie, a six-month-old MN Domestic Shorthair, was transferred to the CTVSEH Emergency Service for a suspected urinary bladder rupture. Approximately two days earlier, he fell while jumping onto a table and became lethargic and hyporexic. A biochemistry panel performed by his primary care veterinarian showed a marked azotemia. On physical exam, he was mildly obtunded and had a distended, painful abdomen. Cursory abdominal ultrasound showed a small urinary bladder and marked peritoneal effusion that was sampled by abdominocentesis. Creatinine of the fluid was higher than peripheral creatinine, which is diagnostic for uroabdomen. Exploratory celiotomy revealed diffuse peritonitis. There was urine leakage from two rents in the dorsal and ventral trigone (oriented along the long axis). These rents were repaired over a red rubber catheter, taking care to avoid impingement on the ureterovesicular junctions. The catheter was maintained for ten days postoperatively, to divert urine around and to reduce tension on the repair. The urinary bladder heals quickly and full thickness defects regain 100% strength within 14-21 days. For this reason, monofilament absorbable sutures are preferred for bladder surgery. Charlie recovered well and his azotemia quickly resolved. After his urinary catheter was removed, he was observed urinating normally and was released from the hospital.