Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
In utero ultrasound diagnosis of bilateral cataract and hydrops in a mule pregnancy: Case report.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Renaudin, Catherine et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this case, a 17-year-old Thoroughbred mare was found to be pregnant with a mule fetus during a routine ultrasound check at 186 days into her pregnancy. The ultrasound revealed several serious issues with the fetus, including congenital cataracts (a clouding of the lens in the eye), abnormal bowel development, growth restrictions, excess fluid in the uterus, and problems with the placenta. The mare was closely monitored, but by 272 days of pregnancy, the fetus showed no signs of life, leading to an induced abortion. After the fetus was delivered, further examinations confirmed the issues that were seen on the ultrasound. This case emphasizes how important it is to perform thorough ultrasound checks during pregnancy to catch any potential problems early.
Abstract
Once diagnosed pregnant with ultrasound at an early stage of gestation, mares are usually not examined before foaling. The objective of this case report was to highlight the importance of transrectal ultrasound screening examination and to report a unique case of fetal congenital cataracts associated with other feto-placental abnormalities in a mule pregnancy, its in utero ultrasound diagnosis and outcome. A 17-year-old Thoroughbred research mare carrying a mule fetus was examined by transrectal ultrasonography at 186 days of gestation for a routine pregnancy examination. Ultrasonography allowed in utero diagnosis of fetal congenital cataracts, hyperechogenic bowels, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), hydramnios and placental abnormalities. The mare was monitored bi-monthly to observe the progress of the pregnancy. At 258 days of gestation, the abnormal chorioallantois detached at the cervical star and at 272 days, fetal asystole was diagnosed. Abortion was induced and the fetus was delivered uneventfully. Post-mortem gross and histologic findings confirmed the prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. This case highlights the diagnostic value of a complete fetal ultrasound examination to detect equine fetal abnormalities.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38029889/