Equine Disease Quarterly | EQUINE
associated with the internal iliac artery (3%), circumiliac
artery (1%), ovarian artery (1%), and aorta (1%). Two
cases of broad ligament hematoma were recorded,
in which the exact location of the vascular rupture
could not be determined. Direct injury to the mare’s
reproductive tract occurred in 22% of the cases and
frequently resulted in humane euthanasia. Uterine tear/
rupture was most frequent in this category and occurred
in 12% of the cases. Less common reproductive injuries
included uterine prolapse and vaginal lacerations,
each of which occurred in 3% of mares. Single cases of
hydrops pregnancy, uterine adhesions, uterine torsion,
and significant vaginal hemorrhage were also noted.
birthing trauma, pain, fetal movement and positioning,
and vascular changes associated with gestation.
Evaluation of mares during and following parturition is
essential to rapidly identify and treat this unique group
of diseases.
CONTACT:
Dr. Alan Loynachan
[email protected]
(859)257-8283
University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Lexington, Kentucky
Surprisingly, injuries to the musculoskeletal system
resulted in euthanasia of 10 (8%) mares. Fractures (5%)
were most common followed by individual cases of hip
joint luxation, diaphragmatic hernia, significant muscle
trauma, and peripheral nerve damage. Fractures were
specifically associated with the pelvis, tibia, and femur
and were noted to occur in mares during dystocia events
suffering post-foaling pain, and being transported to a
veterinary clinic.
The miscellaneous group included four sporadic and
individual cases that occurred in the peripartum time
period. These cases included death or euthanasia due
to uncontrollable post-dystocia pain, a presumed
cardiovascular event following dystocia, an anaphylactic
drug reaction, and liver disease of unknown cause.
Dystocia was specifically mentioned in the clinical
history of 19% of the 121 cases. Although the accuracy
of this self-reported number is not definitive, it does
emphasize that many injuries during the foaling period
are not associated with difficult births.
In summary, equine death associated with the foaling
period is unfortunately common. The underlying causes
likely include a mixture of diseases associated with
• Volume 22 Issue 01 | March 2020 •
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