Bladder - Developmental Pathology

• Patent urachus - failure of a seal to form between the bladder and umbilicus at birth.
  • Results in discharge and dribbling of urine through the umbilicus.
  • Can lead to cysts anywhere along its pathway.
  • Common in foals and calves.
  • Predisposes to calculus formation and infection.
• Diverticuli - outpouchings as a result of congenitally weak areas of the bladder wall.
  • Urine stasis predisposes to cystitis.