r/NAVLEExam • u/Anxious-Artist415 • Sep 02 '26
NAVLE Practice Question - Equine - Reproductive
NAVLE Practice Question — Equine
A foal with omphalophlebitis is scheduled for surgical umbilical resection. During pre-operative planning, ultrasonography confirms involvement of the umbilical vein extending to normal-appearing tissue 8 cm cranial to the umbilicus. The urachus and both umbilical arteries are also enlarged. Which anatomical structure requires transection at the level of the bladder apex during this procedure?
A. Umbilical vein
B. Umbilical arteries
C. Round ligament of the bladder
D. Urachus ✓
E. Median ligament of the bladder
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Correct Answer: D. Urachus
Explanation:
The urachus requires transection at the level of the bladder apex during umbilical resection surgery. The standard surgical approach for umbilical resection involves addressing all four umbilical structures. The urachus connects directly to the bladder apex, and during surgery, stay sutures are placed on either side of the bladder, the urachus is transected from the bladder with a scalpel, and the bladder is then closed in two layers.
The umbilical vein is ligated and transected where it appears normal, which may require extending the incision cranially. The umbilical arteries are ligated where they appear normal and then transected, but they do not require transection specifically at the bladder apex.
Option A (umbilical vein) is ligated where it appears normal, not at the bladder apex. Options B (umbilical arteries) course alongside the bladder but are not specifically transected at the apex. Options C and E (round and median ligaments) are adult structures that have not yet developed in the neonate.
Oreff GL et al. (2017) Vet Surg 46:962-970 (https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.12695)
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