Policresulen is effective for the topical treatment of vaginal varices in a pregnant mare: Case report.

Policresulen was successfully used as a topical treatment to manage vaginal varices in a pregnant mare, effectively stopping intermittent vaginal bleeding with a practical and minimally invasive procedure.

Introduction

• Vaginal varicosities (enlarged veins) in mares are rarely documented but are believed to be relatively common.
• These varices can cause intermittent vaginal bleeding, which is difficult to detect especially in early pregnancy.
• The study focuses on diagnostic methods, clinical progress, and treatment options.

Case Presentation

• A 9-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse mare was observed with intermittent vaginal hemorrhage.
• Clinical evaluation initially showed no abnormalities despite the bleeding episodes.
• To investigate further, vaginoscopy was performed using a rigid endoscope, allowing direct visualization of the vaginal and vestibule area.
• The examination revealed the presence of varicose veins in the vestibule-vaginal region.

Diagnostic Approach

• Rigid endoscopy is a practical diagnostic method usable in field conditions for spotting vaginal varices.
• This tool allows for detailed visualization of the internal vaginal structures without causing significant discomfort.
• Its use can help veterinarians identify vascular abnormalities that might otherwise be missed.

Treatment

• Chemical cauterization was performed using a 36% solution of Policresulen.
• Policresulen is a chemical agent known to promote selective coagulation and shedding of damaged tissue, and it is often used in human gynecology.
• The application was topical, minimally invasive, and well tolerated by the mare.
• The procedure was low-cost and easily performed in a field setting without the need for extensive equipment or hospitalization.

Clinical Outcome

• Following treatment, the mare’s bleeding ceased within a few days.
• No recurrence of vaginal hemorrhage was observed over the period of follow-up reported.
• The positive response suggests that Policresulen is an effective therapeutic option for treating vaginal varices in mares.

Conclusions

• Vaginal varicosities, although underreported, may be a relevant cause of intermittent vaginal bleeding in pregnant mares.
• Rigid endoscopy provides a reliable and practical means of diagnosing these vascular anomalies in field conditions.
• Topical application of Policresulen presents a practical, low-cost, minimally invasive, and successful treatment approach.
• This case report adds valuable clinical insight into managing vaginal varices in equine veterinary practice, especially for pregnant mares where more invasive procedures may carry risks.