Nonsurgical management of ruptured urinary bladder in a critically ill foal.

A small tear in the urinary bladder of a severely debilitated 4-day-old foal was managed with an indwelling urinary catheter connected to a urine collecting system. Fluid therapy, parenteral nutrition, and antimicrobial agents were used during the initial management of the ruptured bladder. Aseptic technique for catheter care and systemic administration of antimicrobial agents prevented the development of bacterial cystitis. Catheter management required constant monitoring, but the bladder defect was sealed within 5 days. Fungal arthritis caused by Candida tropicalis, immune-mediated anemia, diarrhea, constipation, venous thrombosis, and pneumonia were observed during 43 days of hospitalization. Although the foal died at 3 months of age, serum creatinine concentration and electrolyte values remained within normal limits during the 3-month period.