Abstract
Bladder prolapse is a rare condition in mares and may occur as a result
of excessive straining during the parturition or in the postpartum
period. We report a case of dystocia associated prolapse and
incarceration of the small colon through the external urethral opening
into a prolapsed urinary bladder. No previous reports of this condition
were found. An 11-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented to The Equine
Hospital at the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia for evaluation and treatment
of dystocia. Prolapse of the urinary bladder was concomitantly
diagnosed. Initial assessment deemed replacement of the urinary bladder
in the normal position and vaginal delivery not possible. The mare was
immediately prepared for caesarean section. The foal was successfully
delivered and resuscitated. Detailed assessment of the bladder during
the surgery revealed that the small colon had prolapsed through the
external urethral opening and was inside the bladder. The urinary
bladder was opened. The small colon was replaced into the abdominal
cavity; a first surgeon gently replaced the small colon through the
external urethral sphincter and a second surgeon retrieved the small
colon by gentle traction. The mare recovered uneventfully from general
anaesthesia. The mare and the foal were discharged from the hospital
seventeen days post-operatively.