Which clinical signs suggest a ruptured urinary bladder in a foal?

• A. Tenesmus, stranguria, urinating
• B. Diarrhea, dehydration, fever
• C. Lameness, swelling of limbs, lameness
• D. Cough, dyspnea, tachycardia

Answer: (A)

Rupture of the urinary bladder causes urine to leak into the peritoneal cavity, leading to abdominal irritation and urinary difficulty. The foal often presents with colic-like pain and attempts to urinate; this manifests as tenesmus (straining to defecate due to abdominal discomfort) and stranguria (painful, difficult urination). Some urination activity may still be seen early on, which is why that sign can accompany the others. The other option sets describe GI illness (diarrhea, dehydration, fever), musculoskeletal issues (lameness), or respiratory/cardiac problems (cough, dyspnea, tachycardia), none of which are typical primary signs of a ruptured bladder.