Eversion of the Urinary Bladder in Animals

Eversion of the urinary bladder condition, the bladder turns inside out and protrudes through the urethral opening, sometimes extending outside the vulva, especially when the animal lies down.

Eversion of the urinary bladder observed mainly in the mare, in which the urethra is large and parturition violent. Rarely observed in the other animals such as the cow or sow.

Eversion of the bladder may occur before or during parturition.

It seldom if ever obstructs the passage of the fetus but occasionally the everted bladder and urethra may be severely traumatized when the fetus passes through the vestibule.

Symptoms

• Eversion of the bladder is easily recognized, as this organ is attached to the area of the ventral floor of the vulva where the urethra orifice is normally located.
• The everted bladder is pear-shaped.
• The openings of the two ureters drip urine and the mucous lining of the bladder may be noted and felt.
• If the everted bladder is small it may not become exposed through the vulvar lips until the animal lies down.
• In rare instances in the mare intestines may prolapse into the everted bladder and prevent reduction.

Treatment

• Bladder should be thoroughly cleansed.
• If a tear or rupture is present it should be sutured or if a portion is damaged severely that portion might be removed and the edges of the incision sutured. Administer epidural anesthesia
• Use both hands to compress the bladder and force it back through the urethra.
• Massage the bladder and press through the vagina floor until it is in its proper position.

Postoperative Care

• Irrigate the bladder with saline solution and antibiotics.
• Administer antibiotics parenterally so that the urine will contain a high concentration of the antibiotic for a number of days.
• Seldom necessary to place a stitch in the external urinary meatus to prevent another eversion once the fetus has been removed and labor has ceased.