the duration and the degree of uterine torsion; torsions of more than 360o are difficult
to correct and associated with a poor prognosis. In a recent retrospective survey of
189 mares treated for uterine torsion at 3 Dutch referral clinics, we found that 96% of
mares and 91% of foals survived to term when uterine torsion was diagnosed and
corrected before day 320 of gestation, this compared to 73% and 56% when uterine
torsion occurred close to the expected time of foaling (Spoormakers et al, 2015).
Ventral abdominal wall or pre-pubic tendon rupture
Abdominal wall or pre-pubic tendon rupture is a poorly understood condition that
appears to be more common in draft breeds and older mares, while extreme uterine
weight, e.g. due to hydrops or twins, may also predispose. Abdominal wall rupture
normally arises late in gestation and often begins with persistent colic or pain,
associated with plaques of oedema just cranial to the udder or in the lower flank
extending ventro-cranially from the stifle fold. If the &R