Summary
Internal bleeding and mucosal bleeding in hollow organs are uncommon
conditions in equine medicine and endoscopy. Most of the times, they
respond to treatment of the underlying primary condition. However, there
are cases in which a rapid and effective control of blood loss is
required and the animal is not suited for surgery or general
anaesthesia. We report two cases referred to our Veterinary Teaching
Hospital with signs of urinary disease and bladder haemorrhage
identified by cystoscopy which were successfully managed with topical
application of a haemostatic carboxymethyl-starch powder. The product
was applied directly on the bleeding mucosa after bladder emptying
either under endoscopic guidance or blindly, through a urinary catheter.
The application of the haemostatic powder appears to be easy to perform,
safe, and helpful in controlling mucosal bleeding in hollow organs in
the short time, with no adverse reactions noticed. This approach should
be considered in cases where mucosal bleeding can be identified by
endoscopy and a prompt control of blood loss is required, also in the
field.
Keywords: horse,
interventional endoscopy, blood loss, bladder, haemostatic powder.