Laparoscopic diagnosis and conservative treatment of uterine tear in a mare.

The research study details the diagnosis and treatment of a uterine tear in a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare, which had complications during labor. The mare, displaying signs of prolonged labor, was subjected to various medical evaluations which concluded the presence of an unborn, active foal in an abnormal presentation position. Attempts to correct this manually proved unsuccessful.

Initial Examination

• The mare was lethargic with dry anmimic membranes protruding from the vulva, and reduced heart and respiratory rates. These conditions were observed during her admission at the veterinary teaching hospital.
• Vaginal examination revealed a large foal laying in an unusual craniolateral position, with its head and neck reflected. The cervix of the mare was noted as dilated, indicating labor. Despite the mare’s prolonged labor, no movement in the foal was detected.
• No observable signs of typical foaling behavior were reported by the mare’s owners or the referring veterinarian. However, a weak ocular reflex response was noted upon applying digital pressure on the foal’s orbit.

Possible Causes and Further Diagnostics

• The study suggests that uterine inertia, a condition where the uterus fails to contract normally during labor, was a contributing factor to the dystocia, or difficult birth, in this mare. This could have been due to trauma to the uterus from foal activity or possible electrolyte abnormalities.
• To investigate the potential causes, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and serum biochemical analysis were conducted. These tests are typically performed to detect any abnormalities in the constituents of the blood or any inflammatory diseases.