Body wall tears during late pregnancy in mares: 13 cases (1995-2006)

Julie Ross, Jonathan E. Palmer, Pamela A. Wilkins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective - To review management of pregnant mares with body wall defects and assess the effect of various management strategies on the outcome of mares and their foals. Design - Retrospective case series. Animals - 13 mares Procedures - Medical records of eligible mares were reviewed. Signalment, history, admitting complaint, clinical findings, parity, type of body wall defect, concurrent diagnoses, postpartum complications, outcome of fetus, outcome of mare, and type of clinical case management were recorded. Results - 8 mares received conservative management and 5 mares received interventional management. Survival of mares to discharge was good, and no difference in mare survival was identified on the basis of type of management, type of body wall defect, or presence of hydrops. Foal survival was significantly better in the conservative management group, compared with those managed by interventional management, and was also better without hydrops. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Foal survival can be improved in mares with body wall defects that occur during parturition without compromising mare survival by use of conservative management strategies that avoid induction of parturition or elective caesarian section and allow for natural parturition. Potentially, improved fetal readiness for birth may play a role.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)257-261
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Volume232
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Veterinary

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