Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mare with swollen belly gave birth to healthy foal - how it was
By Christensen, Bruce W et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2006·Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of hydrops amnion in a mare resulting in birth of a live foal.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 19-year-old Thoroughbred mare was brought in during her pregnancy with a swollen belly and fluid buildup, which made it hard for the vet to check the fetus. Ultrasound showed she had too much fluid around the baby, so the vet monitored her closely and gave her medications to help. After a few weeks, she gave birth to a live foal, but the foal was small and had some leg deformities, which made it hard for him to nurse. The foal received treatment to help him gain immunity and later had surgery to fix his legs, while the mare recovered from some complications after giving birth.
People also search for: mare pregnancy complications · foal leg deformities treatment · hydrops amnion in horses
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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16618227/