Hematuria caused by abdominal abscessation in a foal.

The research discusses the occurrence of bloody urine, caused by a severe abdominal infection, in a young horse. Despite antibiotic treatment, the filly presented recurrent symptoms and ultimately died due to sudden blood loss and ruptured infection.

Case Overview

• A 4.5-month-old Standard-bred filly presented with ‘pigmenturia’ or the presence of abnormal colors in the urine.
• The condition was initially manageable via antibiotics but relapsed after the treatment stopped.
• The urine sample showed the presence of red and white blood cells as well as E.coli, indicating infection.

Diagnostic Findings

• Ultrasonography showed that the right kidney was unusually large and exhibited multiple cystic structures, along with an extended renal pelvis and calices – potential symptoms of kidney disease or abnormal growth.
• The cystoscopy revealed a large blood clot found within the bladder; urine seeping from the left ureteral opening but not from the right was also noticed.

Treatment

• The foal was treated with Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic combo, given the presence of urine tract infection originating from the right kidney.
• However, the patient developed severe depression and abdominal pain a few days after treatment commenced.

Outcome

• The foal died before further assistance could be provided.
• An autopsy revealed a large abscess that had eroded into the right ureter and aorta and had ruptured, leading to acute blood loss and death.
• The extensive nature and location of the abscess would have made surgical intervention impracticable.