Persistent Urachal Remnant Causing Intestinal Strangulation in a Cow

A persistent urachal remnant causing small intestinal strangulation was found on exploratory laparotomy in a 2-year-old cow with colic. The persistent urachus consisted of a thin cord-like band that was attached ventrally to the umbilical region and caudally to the apex of the bladder. The band had formed an internal loop and had strangulated 6 to 8 cm of the distal portion of the ileum. The persistent urachus was detached manually at the umbilicus, ligated at the apex of the bladder, and removed; intestinal resection was not necessary. The urachal remnant was probably a congenital abnormality that may have become stretched during pregnancy, forming an internal hernial loop.