Management of cystic calculi in a gelding

Urolithiasis is an uncommon problem of the equine, but one that has the potential to cause serious illness and even death if not properly managed. In June of 2006, "Whinny", an approximately 25 year-old Warmblood cross gelding, presented to the Equine Clinic at OakenCroft for surgical removal of a cystic calculus. Whinny had had a 3-week history of urinating immediately after being ridden. Additionally, his owner had noticed that his urine was a darker color than normal. Rectal palpation and subsequent transrectal ultrasonography led to a diagnosis of cystic calculi. Due to Whinny's age and financial constraints, Whinny's owner opted for a perineal urethrotomy -- performed during standing surgery -- to allow break down and removal of his bladder stone. This case report will describe the diagnosis and management of cystic calculi focusing on the perineal urethrotomy as a practical, efficacious and cost-effective means of surgical correction