Uterine torsion associated with small intestinal incarceration in a mare at 126 days of gestation.

This research article presents a case study of a pregnant mare that developed abdominal pain due to uterine torsion and small intestine entrapment. The mare was successfully treated through surgery and subsequently delivered a live foal.

Case Presentation

• The mare in question was 126 days in gestation when she started showing signs of abdominal pain. The reason behind this pain was not identified through physical examinations. The pain did not respond to analgesics. A distended small intestine was detected on rectal palpation.
• Due to the unresponsiveness to pain relief and the discovery of an inflated small intestine, the decision was taken to carry out an exploratory celiotomy, a surgical incision into the mare’s abdomen.

Surgical Intervention

• The surgery revealed that the small intestine was trapped by the uterus, which had twisted. This condition is known as uterine torsion.
• The trapped small intestine and the twisted uterus were corrected back to their normal position. The decompression of the small intestine was also completed to further alleviate the mare’s pain.

Post-surgical Treatment & Outcome

• After the surgery, the mare was administered an oral progestin. This hormone supplement was given to prevent abortion and ensure the pregnancy could be safely continued.
• The mare recovered well from the process and ultimately gave birth to a live foal at 354 days of gestation.

Conclusion

• The case study highlights that uterine torsion, especially in such an early stage of gestation, is unusual in horses. The condition was managed and rectified effectively through surgical intervention and hormone supplement therapy, proving that such complications can be managed efficiently in equine patients.