Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Malunion of an In Utero Metacarpal Fracture in a Standardbred Mare Presenting for Dystocia.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Lection, Jennine et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old Standardbred mare was having trouble giving birth, a situation known as dystocia. During the delivery attempts, it was discovered that the foal had a previous fracture in its leg that had healed incorrectly while still in the womb. Because the foal was alive but had serious birth defects, a cesarean section was performed to deliver it. Unfortunately, the foal had to be euthanized due to these congenital issues. This case highlights a rare situation where a foal with a leg fracture was found during a difficult delivery, which could help understand similar cases in the future.
Abstract
In utero fracture and malunion of long bones is a rare condition in horses. Most foals with in utero fractures are aborted, and the identification of a fetal in utero fracture in a mare with dystocia has not been reported. A 7-year-old multiparous Standardbred mare presented to a referral center for correction of dystocia. Assisted vaginal delivery and controlled vaginal delivery attempts were unsuccessful mainly because of contracted tendons impeding mutation. As the foal was alive, a cesarean section was elected. The foal was delivered but ultimately euthanized because of the congenital abnormalities. Computed tomography of the right forelimb of the foal along with gross examination and histologic evaluation of the right metacarpus revealed the malunion of a previous in utero fracture. While a few cases have been reported of in utero fracture, many of these were in abortuses and not in fetuses at term, making this case a new presentation and potential etiology for dystocia.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33349407/