Tetralogy of Fallot and segmental uterine aplasia in a three-year-old Morgan filly.

This study details a case of a young Morgan filly with a heart murmur, poor growth and progressively worsening stamina. Upon diagnosis, it was found to have Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare heart condition. A postmortem examination also discovered a partial absence of the uterus, termed segmental uterine aplasia.

Presentation of Subject

• A Morgan filly of 3 years of age was brought to the University of Florida, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The horse exhibited symptoms of a heart murmur, stunted growth, and a progressively worse capacity for exercise.

Diagnosis

• Initial diagnosis was made using various techniques such as thoracic radiographs for examining the chest area, cardiac ultrasound for the heart’s imagery, cardiac catheterization for examining inside the heart, and differential blood gases to detect any abnormal gas levels in the blood.
• The combined results of these tests tentatively confirmed the filly’s condition as Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex and rare heart defect present from birth. This condition involves four different heart defects and causes poor oxygenated blood flow out of the heart into the rest of the body, hence the reduced ability to exercise.

Postmortem Examination

• Upon the filly’s demise, a thorough examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot. The diagnosis was indeed confirmed.
• In addition to the confirmed diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot, the postmortem examination also revealed segmental uterine aplasia. This condition implies an abnormal development of the uterus, in this case, a partial absence of the uterus. Such a condition would likely interfere with the filly’s ability to conceive in the future, hence is significant in a veterinary medical scenario.

Conclusion

• The case study not only established the diagnosis of the filly’s heart condition but also highlighted a significant reproductive issue, providing comprehensive insight into the filly’s health status.