Management of hydrops amnion in a mare resulting in birth of a live foal.
Abstract: A 19-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated at 265 days of gestation with a markedly distended abdomen and edema of the ventral portion of the abdomen. Results: The uterus was distended over the pelvic rim, making transrectal palpation of the fetus impossible. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed excessive amounts of fetal fluid. Results of analysis of fluid obtained via amnio- and allantocentesis confirmed that the amniotic cavity was large. Results: The mare was monitored for signs of weakness of the prepubic tendon and abdominal wall. The fetus and placenta were monitored for signs of stress and pending abortion. Flunixin meglumine and altrenogest were administered to the mare. Parturition was attended and occurred at 321 days' gestation. Postpartum complications in the mare included hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrhythmias. Both conditions were treated, and the mare recovered. The foal was considered small, had bilateral angular limb deformities, and was unable to nurse. The foal was given plasma for failure of passive transfer of immunity. Ten months later, the foal underwent procedures to correct limb deformities. Conclusions: Hydrops conditions are rare in horses, with hydrops allantois occurring more frequently than hydrops amnion; reportedly result in fetal or neonatal death; and may result in death of or injury to the mare. Close monitoring of maternal and fetal health in combination with supportive treatment of the mare can result in the safe progression of a hydrops pregnancy and the birth of a live foal.
Publication Date: 2006-04-19 PubMed ID: 16618227DOI: 10.2460/javma.228.8.1228Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research studied the case of a 19-year-old horse with a condition known as hydrops amnion, which led to excessive fluid accumulation during pregnancy. Despite potential risks, the horse was closely monitored, and with supportive treatments, it successfully gave birth to a live offspring.
Case Description
- The 19-year-old Thoroughbred mare was brought for examination at 265 days of gestation. The mare had a noticeably enlarged abdomen along with edema in the ventral portion of the abdomen.
- Physical examination revealed that the uterus was overly distended, making it impossible to palpate the fetus transrectally.
- Diagnosing through transabdominal ultrasonography, excessive amounts of fetal fluid were found. Analysis of the fluid obtained confirmed that the amniotic cavity was large, signifying the mare’s hydrops condition.
Management and Monitoring
- The mare was monitored for any signs of weakness in the prepubic tendon and abdominal wall. Concurrently, the health of the fetus and placenta was closely observed for any stress signs or symptoms of impending abortion.
- Medically, the mare was treated with Flunixin meglumine and altrenogest.
- The entire process of parturition was closely observed and it took place successfully at 321 days of gestation.
Postpartum Implications and Treatments
- After parturition, the mare experienced postpartum complications which included hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrhythmias. However, prompt treatment meant the mare could make a recovery.
- The newborn foal was smaller than usual, had bilateral angular limb deformities, and was unable to nurse. The foal was given plasma due to failure of passive transfer of immunity, and underwent procedures to correct limb deformities ten months later.
Conclusions
- The research concluded that Hydrops conditions are rare in horses, with hydrops allantois occurring most frequently, and typically result in fetal or neonatal death, and may even lead to death or injury of the mare.
- However, the case in this study demonstrated that with close monitoring of maternal and fetal health and supportive treatment for the mare, a horse with hydrops conditions can still give birth to a live offspring successfully.
Cite This Article
APA
Christensen BW, Troedsson MH, Murchie TA, Pozor MA, Macpherson ML, Estrada AH, Carrillo NA, Mackay RJ, Roberts GD, Langlois J.
(2006).
Management of hydrops amnion in a mare resulting in birth of a live foal.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 228(8), 1228-1233.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.228.8.1228 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Fetus / abnormalities
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Hydrops Fetalis
- Limb Deformities, Congenital / surgery
- Limb Deformities, Congenital / veterinary
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications / diagnostic imaging
- Pregnancy Complications / veterinary
- Pregnancy Outcome / veterinary
- Ultrasonography, Prenatal / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- 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).
- 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).
- Maśko M, Zdrojkowski Ł, Wierzbicka M, Domino M. Association between the Area of the Highest Flank Temperature and Concentrations of Reproductive Hormones during Pregnancy in Polish Konik Horses-A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 23;11(6).
- 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.
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