Abstract

Obstructive urolithiasis is a major surgical emergency in young male buffalo calves, often leading to life-threatening complications such as urinary bladder rupture. This case report describes the successful surgical management of an 8-month-old male buffalo calf presented with complete urinary obstruction. Clinical examination and exploratory laparotomy revealed a ruptured urinary bladder with partial necrosis of the dorsal wall and uroperitoneum. Following peritoneal lavage, necrotic tissue was carefully debrided and a tube cystotomy was performed using a Foley catheter to establish urinary drainage. Postoperative management included fluid therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, analgesics, daily bladder flushing, and dietary modification. Ammonium chloride (200 mg/kg orally for 10 days) was administered as a urinary acidifier to prevent recurrence. The calf recovered uneventfully, with restoration of normal urination after catheter removal on day 10. This case highlights the effectiveness of tube cystotomy combined with bladder debridement and intensive postoperative care in salvaging ruptured bladders in buffalo calf.

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