Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Management of hydrops amnion in a mare resulting in birth of a live foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Christensen, Bruce W et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 19-year-old Thoroughbred mare was seen by a veterinarian when she was about 265 days pregnant. Her belly was very swollen, and there was fluid buildup in her abdomen, which made it hard for the vet to feel the fetus. An ultrasound showed that there was an excessive amount of fluid around the fetus, confirming a condition called hydrops amnion (too much fluid in the amniotic sac). The mare was closely monitored for any signs of weakness and was given medications to help her. She eventually gave birth to a live foal at 321 days of pregnancy, but the foal was small, had some leg deformities, and needed special care to help it nurse and correct its legs. Despite some complications for the mare after birth, she recovered well, and the foal received treatment for its issues.
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 19-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated at 265 days of gestation with a markedly distended abdomen and edema of the ventral portion of the abdomen. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The uterus was distended over the pelvic rim, making transrectal palpation of the fetus impossible. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed excessive amounts of fetal fluid. Results of analysis of fluid obtained via amnio- and allantocentesis confirmed that the amniotic cavity was large. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The mare was monitored for signs of weakness of the prepubic tendon and abdominal wall. The fetus and placenta were monitored for signs of stress and pending abortion. Flunixin meglumine and altrenogest were administered to the mare. Parturition was attended and occurred at 321 days' gestation. Postpartum complications in the mare included hypovolemic shock and cardiac arrhythmias. Both conditions were treated, and the mare recovered. The foal was considered small, had bilateral angular limb deformities, and was unable to nurse. The foal was given plasma for failure of passive transfer of immunity. Ten months later, the foal underwent procedures to correct limb deformities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hydrops conditions are rare in horses, with hydrops allantois occurring more frequently than hydrops amnion; reportedly result in fetal or neonatal death; and may result in death of or injury to the mare. Close monitoring of maternal and fetal health in combination with supportive treatment of the mare can result in the safe progression of a hydrops pregnancy and the birth of a live foal.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16618227/