Ten cases of bladder paralysis associated with sabulous urolithiasis in horses.

This study analyzes 10 cases of bladder paralysis linked to sabulous urolithiasis, a type of bladder stone condition, in horses. Despite treatment attempts, all affected horses were euthanized within 14 months of diagnosis, with several showing additional symptoms including hindquarter neurological deficits and abnormal spinal shape.

Investigation into Bladder Paralysis and Sabulous Urolithiasis

• The research focused on 10 horses diagnosed with bladder paralysis and sabulous urolithiasis, a condition characterized by sandy stones in the bladder. These horses were identified due to symptoms of urinary incontinence.
• The afflicted horses all received similar treatment strategies that included catheter drainage and bladder lavage to remove the bladder stones and restore urinary function. However, none of these treatment attempts were successful.
• Throughout the study period, all of the involved horses were euthanized within a timespan of 14 months from their initial diagnosis, indicating the severity and progression of the condition.

Additional Symptoms & Post Mortem Examinations

• Interestingly, additional neurological deficits in the hindquarters were noted in five of the ten horses. This suggests that the bladder paralysis and associated urolithiasis may be part of a broader neurological condition or may induce neurological effects.
• Upon performing post mortem examinations, neuritis of the cauda equina, a condition that involves inflammation of the nerves at the end of the spinal cord, was diagnosed in one horse. This again indicates a possible neurological dimension to the bladder condition.
• In one horse, radiography revealed abnormal lumbosacral vertebral angulation, potentially signaling issues with the spinal cord alignment or structure. However, the exact connection between this spinal abnormality and the bladder paralysis remains unclear as it was not identified in the other nine horses.
• The underlying cause of bladder paralysis was not definitively identified in the majority of the horses. This suggests a need for further research to establish the precise etiology and develop more effective treatment options.