Electrohydraulic lithotripsy for the treatment of cystic calculus in two geldings.

The research discusses the use of electrohydraulic lithotripsy to treat urolithiasis or bladder stones in two gelding horses, a treatment previously only reported in mares, showcasing its effective usage, methodology and interesting results.

Overview of Urolithiasis in Horses and Treatment Procedures

• Urolithiasis is a condition that doesn’t occur frequently in horses, but its chances of occurrence are reported to be higher in stallions and geldings compared to mares.
• The most common form of urinary stones in horses is cystic calculi, and various surgical procedures have been used to treat it. These include laparocystotomy, ischial urethrotomy, pararectal cystotomy and urethral sphincterotomy in mares.
• An alternative treatment method known as transurethral electrohydraulic lithotripsy was previously reported to be used on a mare. This equipment uses electrical energy to break down the bladder stones into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be easily excreted.

Application of Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy in Geldings

In this research, the authors narrate how electrohydraulic lithotripsy was used successfully on two gelding horses suffering from urolithiasis.

Case 1: Three-year-old Welsh Cross Pony Gelding

• The gelding was presented with symptoms of urinary incontinence, apparent back pain, and weight loss. A firm spherical mass was discovered in its bladder, confirmed by ultrasound echography.
• After placing the gelding under general anesthesia, a urethrotomy was performed, and a lithotripsy probe was used to fragment the bladder stone. The fragments were removed, and the pony was given a course of antibiotics (penicillin and neomycin).
• The gelding made a recovery and was given ammonium chloride in its feed to acidify the urine and prevent stone reformation. The pony remained healthy in the year following surgery, pointing towards the success of the treatment.

Case 2: Ten-Year-Old Pony Gelding

• The gelding had a history of haematuria and some dysuria, evidenced by straining during urination. Upon examination, a large calculus was found in the gelding’s small bladder.
• After general anesthesia, a urethrocystoscopy was performed and the bladder stone was successfully broken down and removed using an electrohydraulic lithotripsy device.
• The pony was given penicillin before and after surgery, and there were no ureteral obstructions observed post-surgery.

Conclusion of the Studies

The studies reveal substantial evidence for the use of electrohydraulic lithotripsy in gelding horses for the treatment of urolithiasis. The procedure was successful in both cases with the horses making full recoveries. Its adoption could be a vital alternative to traditional surgery, especially in complicated or high-risk cases.