Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
It is not always what it seems: allantochorion cervical pole necrosis.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Fischetti, L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET) · Italy
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 286-day pregnant mare was taken to the vet because she showed signs that she might be about to lose her pregnancy. An ultrasound showed that the placenta was thick, there was not enough fluid around the fetus, but the fetus was still alive. There were no signs of infection, and tests on the mare's cervix came back negative. After receiving treatment for a choke (a blockage in the throat), she developed a serious inflammatory response and ended up aborting the fetus. The examination of the placenta revealed some concerning changes, and E. coli bacteria were found in the fetal tissues. Ultimately, the mare's abortion was diagnosed as being caused by problems with the placenta, specifically a condition called cervical pole necrosis, which is not well understood.
Abstract
A 286-day pregnant mare was referred for signs of impending abortion. The ultrasonographic evaluation revealed a high normal combined thickness of the utero-placental unit (CTUP), oligohydroallantois and a living fetus. No vulvar discharge was observed, and the cervical swab culture was negative. After a choke, the mare received NSAIDs and antibiotics and then developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and aborted. The amniotic portion of the umbilical cord was excessively long and twisted and the chorionic side of the placenta showed a brown discoloration and rough surface area. E. coli was isolated from all the fetal membranes, fetal fluids and tissues. Histologically, degeneration and necrosis with dystrophic calcification of the chorial villi at the cervical pole was found. The final diagnosis was abortion due to placental infarction with secondary placentitis. Cervical pole necrosis is a poorly understood condition of the allantochorion, and a histological exam is necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40113186/