Intraluminal administration of a carboxymethyl‐starch powder for bladder haemorrhage treatment in two adult horses

Abstract

SummaryInternal bleeding and mucosal bleeding in hollow organs are uncommon conditions in equine medicine and endoscopy. Most of the time, 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 a 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.