Disorder - Patent urachus

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Persistent urachus; Vesicourachal diverticulum; Urachal sinus; Urachal ligament; Urachal cyst

Alternative Names
Pervious urachus; True patent urachus

Presenting Signs

The urachus is a canal in the embryo that connects the developing bladder with an outer layer of the embryonic sac at the navel (site of the ‘belly button’, near the middle of the abdomen). It allows for removal of wastes. After birth, the urachus normally disappears. A patent urachus occurs when the urachal canal does not regress as normal, but continues to persist between the bladder and navel.

Cats with patent urachus will show symptoms at a young age, with two forms noted. In some cats, urine can dribble into the abdominal cavity. Affected cats may show signs such as vomiting, depression, increased thirst and dehydration. The second form results in urine leaking out from the navel. Cats with this form will present with persistent moisture around the navel, with an associated skin infection around the area. A patent urachus can also lead to urinary tract infections and urinary stones, and affected cats may show signs such as difficulties in urination, increased frequency of urination or blood in the urine.

Treatment

Surgical: surgery aims to remove the urachus, so that inappropriate urine leakage and risks of urinary tract infection are eliminated.

PubMed References
Patent urachus

Contributor
Joyce Fong