Case report

Urethrovaginal fistula in a llama

Abstract

A 4-year-old female llama was admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital with a 12-month history of urinary incontinence and scalding of the perineum and rear limbs. Before the development of the presenting complaint the llama experienced a complicated dystocia. A diagnosis of urine pooling was made following an initial physical exam. Surgical correction was attempted using a urethral extension technique previously described in the cow. However, the llama continued to pool urine post-surgery. After further vaginal examination using endoscopy, a urethrovaginal fistula was diagnosed 10 cm caudal to the cervix, midway between the cervix and the cranial portion of the extended urethra. A second surgery was undertaken to close the fistula. The llama recovered uneventfully, urine pooling ceased and the scalded areas healed. Urethrovaginal fistulas have not been previously documented in llamas.