Survival and fertility of Thoroughbred broodmares with uterine tears treated surgically: 76 cases (2000-2023).

Overview

• This study investigated the survival rates and fertility outcomes of Thoroughbred broodmares that underwent surgery to repair uterine tears occurring around the time of foaling.
• The research analyzed clinical data from 76 cases treated between 2000 and 2023 at a specialized equine hospital.

Study Objective and Design

• Objective: To describe how Thoroughbred broodmares present clinically with uterine tears, the surgical treatment approach, survival rates shortly after surgery and long term, and the mares’ ability to conceive and produce foals afterward.
• Design: Retrospective observational study reviewing medical records from a single tertiary equine referral hospital over 23 years (2000-2023).
• Inclusion criteria: Thoroughbred broodmares with confirmed uterine tears around foaling who underwent surgical repair.
• Exclusion criteria: Mares euthanized before or during surgery and those with incomplete records were not included.

Data Collection

• Basic mare information (signalment).
• Clinical signs and lab test results at the time of presentation.
• Details of the surgical procedure performed to repair the uterine tear.
• Complications following surgery.
• Short-term survival: defined as surviving to hospital discharge.
• Long-term survival: survival for more than one year after surgery.
• Reproductive outcomes: data on whether mares were rebred, conceived, and produced live foals was sourced from The Jockey Club Information System.

Key Findings

• All 76 broodmares had their uterine tears confirmed and surgically repaired.
• Short-term survival rate was 86.8% (66 out of 76 mares survived to discharge).
• Long-term survival data were available for 64 of the 66 surviving mares; 60 mares (81% of the original 74 that survived past surgery) were alive beyond one year.
• Among 31 mares that were bred again in the same year as their uterine tear surgery:
  • 87% (27 mares) conceived successfully.
  • 74% (23 mares) produced a live foal the following year.

Conclusions and Implications

• Surgical repair of periparturient uterine tears in Thoroughbred broodmares yielded high survival rates both shortly after surgery and long term.
• Reproductive success after surgery was favorable, with a majority of mares returning to fertility and producing live foals.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are critical in preserving the health and reproductive potential of these valuable broodmares.
• This information supports surgical intervention as a viable option for managing serious uterine injuries in broodmares, potentially reducing the economic and emotional impact of such injuries in the racing and breeding industry.