Uterine torsion and uterine tear in a mare.

This research paper details a case of uterine torsion and tear in a 15-year-old Standard-bred mare. Through surgical intervention, the uterus was corrected, a live colt was delivered, and the tear was repaired, demonstrating a possible alternative treatment for such cases.

Case Presentation and Diagnosis

• The research begins with the presentation of a case involving a 15-year-old Standard-bred mare showing signs of abdominal discomfort in late pregnancy. Through rectal palpation, the veterinarians discovered tight broad ligaments above and below the uterus, leading them to diagnose a counterclockwise uterine torsion.

Surgical Intervention

• The veterinarians performed a surgical correction via a left, flank laparotomy while the horse was standing. During the process, they repositioned the uterus and encountered a uterine tear encompassing 180 degrees of the uterine surface located in the lateral, uterine body just cranial to the cervix.
• After the uterus repositioning, the mare delivered a live colt vaginally. Following the delivery, the laparotomy incision was closed.

Repair and Recovery

• The uterine tear was subsequently repaired via a blind, vaginal approach. The mare was discharged ten days after the surgery, marking a successful completion of the operation.

Alternative Treatment Proposition

• The paper concludes with the proposition of the technique employed in the repair of the uterine tear as a possible alternative treatment strategy. The authors suggest that this method could be effective in cases where the tear is recent, abdominal contamination is minimal, and the tear is easily accessible via the vaginal approach.