Septic metritis secondary to torsion of a pedunculated uterine fibroleiomyoma in a filly.

The research article describes the case of a two-year old Arabian filly that was diagnosed with a septic metritis due to a twisted uterine leiomyoma, a type of benign tumor. Despite complications like secondary laminitis, a successful ovariohysterectomy was performed and the filly made a full recovery without recurrence of the tumor.

Case Background

• The patient, a two-year old Arabian filly, was brought in for evaluation due to the presence of a serosanguineous (bloody and serum-like) vaginal discharge.
• Upon rectal palpation, the vets were able to feel a large fluid-filled uterus as well as a uterine mass.

Diagnosis

• Due to the torsion (twisting) and necrosis (tissue death) of the uterine mass, the filly developed septic metritis, which is a serious uterine infection in mares.
• A further complication, secondary laminitis – a painful inflammatory condition that affects the tissues bonding the hoof wall to the pedal bone in the hoof – also appeared in the filly. This condition can be potentially fatal if not managed promptly.

Treatment

• In order to save the life of this filly and manage the conditions, an ovariohysterectomy was performed. This involves surgical removal of the ovaries along with the uterus.
• The entire cervix was also removed with the uterus during the process.

Post-Treatment Observations

• Following the operation, 3 intraluminal masses were discovered in the excised uterus. A histologic evaluation was performed, identifying the tumors as a type of benign tumor known as fibroleiomyoma.
• Post-surgery, the filly was monitored and it was found that she recovered completely from this ordeal.
• Further follow-ups revealed no recurrence of the tumor after successful treatment.