Rupture of the prepubic tendon in a congenitally lordotic mare.

This research article reports the occurrence and diagnosis of a prepubic tendon rupture in a horse that was both pregnant and naturally lordotic, or possessing an abnormal inward curvature of the lower spine. This rare case was reported in a 13-year-old mare in Turkey and was diagnosed using vaginal palpation.

Background of the Research

• The research focuses on a rather unusual case of a horse experiencing a rupture of the prepubic tendon. This tendon plays a crucial role in supporting the abdomen and helps in the retraction of the penis in stallions. The rupture of such tendon affects both stance and movement of the horse.
• The horse in question is not only pregnant but also congenitally lordotic, which means it has a certain type of spinal deformity from birth. Lordosis in horses is a condition which affects the normal alignment of the spinal vertebrae leading to an abnormal inward curvature.

Case Presentation and Diagnosis

• The horse in question began showing abnormal symptoms and unusual stances suggesting a possible health issue. The age and pregnancy of the horse made the situation more complex.
• To diagnose the problem, the researchers used vaginal palpation, which is a common diagnostic method in veterinary medicine. It involves inserting a hand into the vagina of the horse to check for any abnormalities or issues that might be causing discomfort or unusual behavior.
• After the examination, the researchers diagnosed a rupture in the prepubic tendon, which provides vital support to the abdominal region, especially in a pregnant mare.

Importance of the Research

• This research contributes to a small but vital body of knowledge on a rare veterinary issue. Tendon ruptures, particularly those located prepubic, are not common in horses, making it essential to document and study every case that arises.
• It is especially necessary to understand what effect, if any, the horse’s lordotic condition might have had on the likelihood of such a rupture occurring.
• This case study provides potentially useful information for future veterinary diagnostics and treatments, particularly in complicated situations such as this where a female horse is both lordotic and in the midst of pregnancy.