Surgical Correction of Congenital Patent Urachus in a Cross Bred Jersey Calf

Abstract

            A 4 day old Jersey cross female calf was presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli, with a history of dribbling of urine through umbilical region. On general examination, the calf was in good body condition weighing around 50 kg and wetness around the umbilicus was noticed. Clinical examination revealed distended bladder and patent umbilicus through which dribbling of urine was identified. Upon compression of the bladder, urine comes out through both urethra and umbilicus. Based on physical and clinical examination the case was confirmed as patent urachus. Pre-operative evaluation of hematology and serum biochemistry parameters was within normal range. Under general anaesthesia, surgery was performed and the patent urachus was identified and ligated at the base. Post operatively, animal was maintained with systemic antibiotic and supportive therapy. Suture was removed on 10^th post operative day. Animal had an uneventful recovery.