Case of the Month
Casper is a 14-year-old Arabian X that was purchased recently as a pleasure horse. The owner had not had him long when she noticed blood in his urine. Casper was in poor condition at the time of purchase, and the owner was having difficulty getting him to put on weight, despite ample feed.
Initially, it was suspected that Casper may have a cystitis (urinary tract infection). After ruling out renal disease (and other systemic illness) with a blood test, a trial treatment of antibiotics was undertaken in the hope that he would respond.
Unfortunately, there was no response to the antibiotics, so further diagnostics were warranted. This involved a rectal examination and ultrasound, plus a scope of the urethra and bladder.
On rectal examination, a large mass could be palpated, and ultrasound confirmed a mass in the bladder. This led to two possible diagnoses; a tumor or a urolith (bladder stone).
To further aid our diagnosis, an endoscope was passed through the urethra under a standing sedation, and the bladder was able to be visualised.
It was here that a grapefruit sized urolith (stone) was seen. Although this was not ideal for Casper, the prognosis for this condition was much better than if he were to be diagnosed with a bladder tumor.
Casper was subsequently referred to Ballarat Veterinary Practice, where he had surgery to remove the urolith.
The urolith was about the size of a grapefruit and weighed 268g and measuring 8cm in diameter!
Since his surgery, Casper is doing very well.
He has finally started putting on weight and according to the owner, he is a lot happier in himself (no wonder)!
He will now require 6 monthly check-ups, which will include scoping of the bladder, to ensure that the condition has not returned.
Casper has been a wonderful patient, and we wish him and his owner all the best for the future.
