Good prognosis for survival to hospital discharge in a group of horses with uterine prolapse treated at a veterinary medical teaching hospital.

The research article elaborates on the uterine prolapse, its predispositions, and outcomes in mares treated over a period of 31 years (1988-2019). The study suggests that the condition does not correlate with the age or parity of mares, or other factors like foetal sex, sepsis or maiden status; however, a significant predisposition was observed in Arabian mares.

About the Study

• The research was conducted over a span of 31 years, from 1988 to 2019, on 24 mares diagnosed with uterine prolapse.
• Records were examined in retrospect, and follow-up data was collected to outline the predispositions and outcomes of the condition in this sample group.
• Data analysis was performed using statistical tests, such as the Mann-Whitney U test and the Fisher exact test for history and outcome variables, and the χ2 test for breed distribution to identify potential associations with mare survival to hospital discharge.

Main Findings

• Regarding age and parity, the median age was found to be 11.1 years with a known median parity of 3 births.
• Of the 24 mares, 7 were maiden (first-time mothers), while the remaining 15 were multiparous (had given birth more than once).
• The breed distribution varied significantly, and Arabian mares were overrepresented. They formed 29% of the uterine prolapse group, in contrast to their 9% representation in all mares treated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
• In most cases, uterine prolapse occurred within 2 hours after parturition (childbirth). Other instances included after dystocia (difficult birth) and abortion.

Survival and Outcomes

• 74% of mares (i.e., 17 out of 23) survived until hospital discharge, with acute hemorrhage being the most common cause of death.
• Interestingly, there were no evident correlations between mare survival to hospital discharge and factors such as mare age, parity, sepsis, maiden status or foal sex.
• Among foals with known sex, male foals (colts) were overrepresented (12 out of 17 cases).

Conclusion

• The study concludes that breed predisposition to uterine prolapse exists, with Arabian mares being more susceptible to the condition.
• No definitive characteristics were identified that correlated with mare survival to hospital discharge after uterine prolapse.