Foetal monstrosity in a thoroughbred mare resembling schistosomus reflexus.

This study discusses a case of foetal abnormality resembling schistosomus reflexus in a thoroughbred mare, noting its similarity to documented instances in bovines and pointing towards the need for more accurate documentation of such conditions in equines.

Introduction

• The paper begins by acknowledging the lack of precise documentation regarding the occurrence of foetal abnormalities in horses, in comparison with other animal species. It provides some statistics from past research, highlighting that such abnormalities seem to occur less frequently in horses than in some other species.
• The author then indicates that malformed presentations of the foetus in relation to the birth canal are often the primary cause of difficult childbirths (dystocia) in horses. However, the incidence of foetal deformities seems quite low.
• The author also refers to a case of an equine schistosomus (a specific type of abnormality, where the abdominal organs are on the outside of the body) being delivered by caesarian section, reported by Johnstone in 1981. This study aims to report a similar case.

Case History

• The paper describes the case of a six-year-old thoroughbred mare that delivered an abnormal, dead, female foal in a difficult childbirth. The foal featured remarkable dorsal angulation at the cervicothoracic junction due to fusion and ankylosis (stiffening) of the vertebrae in that area.
• The paper elaborates on the abnormalities found during the post mortem examination of the foetus. These include: bilateral abrachia (absence of arms), defective sternum, a ventral abdominal wall closure defect, retropleural position of kidneys, and herniation of the intestine, stomach, and liver via the ventral abdominal wall defect. Despite these deformities, other parts of the body, such as the hindlimbs, were normal.

Discussion

• The study ends with a discussion on the comparison of this case with reported cases of bovine schistosomus reflexus. While certain characteristics resembled the condition seen in bovines, the bilateral abrachia and retropleural kidneys were unique.
• The text refers to past research which suggests that retropleural kidneys and bilateral abrachia are inherited defects in foals.
• Finally, the study concludes by hinting at the possibility of unreported instances of equine schistosomia due to its rarity. It highlights the need for a more detailed investigation to get a better understanding of this condition in horses.