Hydramnios causing uterine rupture in a mare.
Abstract: An 18-year-old mare, 285 days pregnant, was evaluated for apparent abdominal pain of 8 hours' duration. A large volume of sanguinous fluid was obtained on abdominocentesis, and digital vaginal examination revealed a dilated cervix and blood in the uterus. Abdominal palpation per rectum revealed the uterus to be large and distended with fluid. Ultrasonography revealed a dead fetus on the floor of the cranial portion of the abdomen. The mare was euthanatized, and necropsy confirmed that the uterus had ruptured, and that the fetus, within its chorioallantois, was in the abdomen. The amniotic sac contained approximately 96 L of amniotic fluid. Torsion of the amniotic sac separated the fetus from the fluid-filled compartment. Hydramnios was diagnosed on the basis of the excessive amniotic fluid and was believed to be the cause of the uterine rupture.
Publication Date: 1988-08-01 PubMed ID: 3053548
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Summary
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This study tells about an atypical case where a pregnant mare experienced uterine rupture due to an accumulation of too much amniotic fluid, known as hydramnios. The situation led to the death of the fetus and ultimately, the mare had to be euthanized.
Case presentation
- The case revolves around an 18-year-old mare that was 285 days into pregnancy. The mare was brought in for examination due to apparent abdominal pain which lasted for 8 hours.
- Upon performing an abdominocentesis, a significant amount of bloody fluid was found. Further examination through a digital vaginal test showed that the mare’s cervix was dilated and there was blood in the uterus. Palpation through rectum revealed the uterus to be unusually large due to fluid distension.
- Through ultrasonography, it was discovered that the fetus was dead and located at the front part of the abdomen. Given the situation and the severity of the findings, the mare was ultimately euthanized.
Necropsy Results
- Following euthanasia, a necropsy was conducted which confirmed that the mare’s uterus had ruptured. It was found that the fetus was still within its chorioallantois (a fetal membrane in mammals that takes part in gas exchange and waste elimination), and it was located in the abdomen.
- The amniotic sac of the mare was filled with an unusually high volume of amniotic fluid, specifically around 96 liters. This condition of excessive amniotic fluid is referred to as hydramnios.
- Interestingly, torsion was noted in the amniotic sac which separated the fetus from the large, fluid-filled compartment. This anomalous condition was determined to be the root cause of the uterine rupture.
Conclusion
- The study concludes by highlighting this unusual and severe case of hydramnios, leading to uterine rupture in a mare. The extreme buildup of amniotic fluid caused significant stress on the uterus leading to its rupture and unfortunately, the untimely death of the fetus as well.
- This case emphasizes the possible detrimental effects of hydramnios and underscores the need for regular and thorough check-ups during pregnancy, to timely detect and manage such complications.
Cite This Article
APA
Honnas CM, Spensley MS, Laverty S, Blanchard PC.
(1988).
Hydramnios causing uterine rupture in a mare.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 193(3), 334-336.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Davis, CA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horses
- Polyhydramnios / complications
- Polyhydramnios / veterinary
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications / veterinary
- Uterine Rupture / etiology
- Uterine Rupture / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Lanci A, Ingallinesi M, Morini M, Freccero F, Castagnetti C, Mariella J. Fetal Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Hydramnios in a Quarter Horse Mare. Vet Sci 2021 Sep 22;8(10).
- Mitchell ARM, Delvescovo B, Tse M, Crouch EE, Cheong SH, Castillo JM, Felippe MJB, Ainsworth DM, de Amorim MD. Successful management of hydrallantois in a Standardbred mare at term resulting in the birth of a live foal. Can Vet J 2019 May;60(5):495-501.
- Peere S, Van den Branden E, Broothaers K, Polfliet E, Smits K, Govaere J. Birth of a Healthy Monozygotic Twin Foal with Hydrops and a Dead Co-Twin. Vet Sci 2024 Dec 13;11(12).
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