[Uroperitoneum in neonatal foals - Investigation on incidence, symptoms, laboratory findings and prognosis].

Abstract

Objective: Uroperitoneum is a typical disease in newborn foals. It occurs rarely but regularly. The aim of the present study is to present clinical signs, laboratory findings and prognosis of foals with uroperitoneum.

Material and methods: Medical records of 33 foals suffering from uroperitoneum that were treated between 2006 and June 2018 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: The incidence was 2.3% based of all presented foals during the first 14 days of life in the investigation period. Colts (78.8%) were significant more often affected (p=0,012) than fillies (21.2%). Common clinical signs were disturbed general condition (79.3%), tachypnea (74.1%), tachycardia (71.4%), distended abdomen (79.2%), highly turgid abdomen (60%) respectively tense abdomen (32%) and straining to urinate (46.7%). The mean age at time of diagnosis was 4.3±3.4 days (median: 3 days, range:<1 to 14 days). 26 foals were treated surgically. 16 foals survived (61.5%). Common laboratory findings at the time of diagnosis were hypochloridemia (91.2%), increased creatinine concentration (77.8%), hyperkaliemia (74.2%) and hyponatriemia (71%). 6 foals developed recurrence of the uroperitoneum. Five foals underwent a second laparotomy, 4 of these survived. The mean duration of hospitalization of healthy discharged foals was 11.6±3.7 days (median: 11 days). Follow-up data was obtained through owner contact for discharged 12 foals six months or longer following surgery (6 months to 9 years). 91.7% of these were alive and none of them developed medical issues in the urinary tract as sequela to surgery of the uroperitoneum.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: The short-term prognosis of uroperitoneum is good when it is recognized and treated early and no or only few concomitant diseases are present. Performing repeated postoperative follow-up sonography examinations is recommended in order to recognize a recurrence of the uroperitoneum early-on. The further long-term prognosis is very good.