Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fetal maceration and partial retention of fetal bones in 2 mares.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Morrissey, Jennifer et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In two mares, there was a rare complication during pregnancy called fetal maceration, where the fetus decomposes inside the uterus instead of being expelled. This usually happens after Day 40 of pregnancy and can lead to the retention of fetal bones, often accompanied by signs like a vaginal discharge. However, in these cases, the mares showed no obvious symptoms, making it harder to detect the problem. This situation emphasizes the need for thorough reproductive checks before breeding and careful monitoring throughout the pregnancy. The mares were found to have only a few fetal bones remaining, indicating that the treatment and management of this condition are crucial, especially when there are no clear signs of trouble.
Abstract
Pregnancy loss after Day 40 in mares usually results in the expulsion (abortion) of the fetus and placental membranes. However, fetal retention within the uterus is also a possible outcome, leading to either fetal mummification or maceration. Fetal maceration is septic decomposition of fetal tissues within the uterus following failure of expulsion. It requires the presence of bacteria and oxygen within the uterus, likely originating from an open cervix, and results in tissue autolysis, leaving only fetal bones remaining in the mare. Fetal maceration is a rare complication of pregnancy in mares that is usually associated with a recent history of abortion, a persistent vaginal discharge, and retention of numerous fetal bones. Here, we report 2 cases of fetal maceration with retention of only a few fetal bones in mares that were presented without noticeable clinical signs. Key clinical message: The unusual presentation of fetal maceration in these mares (only a few fetal bones and no noticeable clinical signs) brings attention to the potential insidious nature of fetal retention. It highlights the importance of a thorough reproductive examination before breeding, along with careful and ongoing monitoring after breeding and throughout pregnancy.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38304478/