Suprapubic Cystotomy in a Stallion.

A five-year-old Thoroughbred stallion had been showing urinary incontinence with staining of the hind legs for some time, and was in poor physical condition. On rectal examination a large calculus was palpated in the urinary bladder. Urine culture revealed a Proteus infection. The calculus, weighing 420 gm., was removed by laparo-cystotomy, using a left paramedian approach well anterior to the external inguinal ring. Anaesthesia was maintained with halothane during the operation. Aftercare included treatment with antibiotics, a diuretic, hot fomentations on the edematous area, and mild exercise. The stallion made a complete recovery, and was discharged twenty-seven days post-operatively.