Page 975 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

950 CHAPTER 7

VetBooks.ir 7.28 7.29

Fig. 7.29 Severe urethritis seen on urethroscopy.

Fig. 7.28 On urethroscopy severe urethritis and
mucosal erosions are present throughout the urethra.

7.30 suspected or therapeutic procedures are invasive.
Anti-inflammatory treatment may also be necessary
(flunixin meglumine 0.5–1.1 mg/kg p/o, i/m or i/v
q12–24 h; ketoprofen 2.2 mg/kg i/v or i/m q24 h).

Prognosis
The prognosis depends on the severity of the ure-
thral defect. Severe trauma may obstruct urine flow
primarily or secondarily with scar tissue formation
and urethral stricture. In such cases, urethrotomy is
necessary to bypass the stricture.

URETHROLITHIASIS
Fig. 7.30 Contrast urethrogram in a foal. Note the
contrast material starting from the tip of the catheter Definition/overview
and following the lumen of the urethra and bladder. Urethral calculi develop mostly in male horses.
Urethrolithiasis in females is an uncommon condi-
is less likely and ischial urethrotomy, which will tion. Calculi are flushed from the bladder and lodge
circumvent intraurethral bleeding to allow ade- in the urethra (Fig. 7.31). It is highly unusual for
quate healing, may be required. Management of calculi to develop in an intact urethra. The outcome
calculi lodged within the urethra is discussed else- of the disease depends on the degree of trauma to the
where (p. 951). In cases of trauma, topical wound urethra and surrounding tissues.
therapy is necessary. Systemic antimicrobials (pro-
caine penicillin 20,000 IU/kg i/m q12 h or trim- Aetiology/pathophysiology
ethoprim/sulphadiazine 24–30 mg/kg p/o q12 h) Most calculi initially lodge where the urethra nar-
should be administered in cases where infection is rows over the ischial arch. Some of them may move