[Uroperitoneum in a heifer]

Uroperitoneum is a rarely documented finding in heifers. More frequently uroperitoneum is described in male youngstock suffering from obstructive urolithiasis, or abscesses of the urachus. This report describes a case of uroperitoneum most likely as a result of a traumatic rupture of the urinary bladder in an 8.5 months old heifer. The animal was presented with a severely dilated abdomen and an undulating wave was evident upon palpation. The heifer exhibited physiologic urination. Additionally, left displacement of the abomasum was evident. In consequence to findings of the ultrasonographic examination and abdominocentesis, diagnostic laparotomy was performed. Urine was evacuated from the abdominal cavity in fractions and the damaged cranial pole of the urinary bladder was excised followed by the suture of the urinary bladder. The abomasum was replaced in its physiologic position and an omentopexy was performed. The heifer was discharged from hospital and was still in the herd 5 years after discharge.