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Veterinary medicine and science2026; 12(3); e70903; doi: 10.1002/vms3.70903

Endometrial Evaluation Using Video-Assisted Hysteroscopy After Uterine Prolapse Management in a Mare.

Abstract: This case report describes the successful application of video-assisted hysteroscopy to evaluate endometrial recovery in a 6-year-old mare following treatment for complete uterine prolapse secondary to dystocia. Upon presentation, the uterus was manually reduced and supported with a Buhner's suture. A multimodal medical protocol, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and uterine lavage, was initiated. Five days after reduction, an endoscopic evaluation was performed using a dedicated videovaginoscope without uterine insufflation. The procedure provided high-resolution imaging of the uterine lumen and revealed a grossly intact endometrial surface without visual evidence of haemorrhage, necrosis or purulent discharge, confirming the successful resolution of the initial trauma. The technique allowed for a thorough and comfortable examination, offering a definitive assessment of superficial mucosal integrity that exceeds the capabilities of transrectal ultrasonography. The mare was discharged on Day 7 with restored reproductive health and subsequently conceived, maintaining a pregnancy confirmed at a 6-month follow-up. This case underscores the efficacy of a combined medical and mechanical approach to the treatment of uterine prolapse. Furthermore, it highlights the significant diagnostic value of video-assisted hysteroscopy as a valuable tool for post-treatment monitoring, allowing direct visual confirmation of endometrial health and thus contributing to the preservation of fertility after a severe obstetric event. This approach may serve as a routine diagnostic tool in equine postpartum reproductive evaluation.
© 2026 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2026-03-30 PubMed ID: 41910172DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70903Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study reports the use of video-assisted hysteroscopy to assess the healing of the uterine lining in a mare after successful treatment of complete uterine prolapse caused by difficult birth.
  • The method provided detailed internal visuals of the uterus, confirmed recovery, and helped preserve fertility, leading to a successful pregnancy.

Background and Case Description

  • A 6-year-old mare experienced complete uterine prolapse secondary to dystocia, which means the uterus turned inside out and protruded, caused by complications during birth.
  • The uterus was manually repositioned (reduced) back inside the mare and stabilized using a Buhner’s suture, a surgical stitch aimed at supporting the uterus.
  • Following mechanical intervention, a medical protocol was put in place including:
    • Broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent or treat infection
    • Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain
    • Uterine lavage, which involves washing out the uterus to remove debris and reduce contamination

Diagnostic Technique: Video-Assisted Hysteroscopy

  • Five days post-treatment, the mare underwent an endoscopic evaluation of the uterus.
  • This was done using a specialized videovaginoscope designed for minimally invasive visualization without the need to inflate the uterus (no uterine insufflation), making the process more comfortable and less risky.
  • The high-resolution imaging allowed:
    • Direct visualization of the internal uterine lining (endometrium)
    • Assessment of tissue integrity to check for hemorrhage, necrosis (tissue death), and purulent (pus) discharge
    • Confirmation that the uterus had healed well without complications
  • This method provided diagnostic information beyond what is possible with more common techniques such as transrectal ultrasonography, which cannot assess the superficial mucosa in such detail.

Treatment Outcome and Follow-Up

  • The mare was discharged seven days after the prolapse reduction with restored reproductive health.
  • She later conceived successfully, with pregnancy confirmed at a six-month follow-up exam.
  • This confirmed the combined medical and surgical approach was effective not only in managing the prolapse but also in preserving fertility.

Significance and Implications

  • This case highlights:
    • The effectiveness of combining mechanical (manual reduction and suturing) and medical treatments for uterine prolapse.
    • The value of video-assisted hysteroscopy as a superior diagnostic tool for post-treatment uterine evaluation, allowing direct visual confirmation of endometrial health.
  • Because of its minimally invasive nature and the detailed information it provides, this technique may be recommended as a routine part of postpartum reproductive evaluation in horses, especially after severe obstetric complications.
  • Such monitoring can help veterinarians make informed decisions about the mare’s reproductive status and guide further treatment to maximize fertility preservation.

Cite This Article

APA
Rodrigues GJ, Monteiro FDO, Teixeira PPM. (2026). Endometrial Evaluation Using Video-Assisted Hysteroscopy After Uterine Prolapse Management in a Mare. Vet Med Sci, 12(3), e70903. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70903

Publication

Veterinary medicine and science
ISSN: 2053-1095
NlmUniqueID: 101678837
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Pages: e70903

Researcher Affiliations

Rodrigues, Gabriela Jaques
  • Veterinary Medicine Institute, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil.
Monteiro, Francisco Décio de Oliveira
  • Federal Institute of Tocantins (IFTO), Campus Araguatins, Araguatins, Tocantins, Brazil.
Teixeira, Pedro Paulo Maia
  • Veterinary Medicine Institute, Federal University of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil.

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Hysteroscopy / veterinary
  • Hysteroscopy / methods
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Uterine Prolapse / veterinary
  • Uterine Prolapse / surgery
  • Uterine Prolapse / therapy
  • Endometrium / pathology

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Citations

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