Uterine fibrosarcoma in a Warmblood mare

This paper describes a case of uterine fibrosarcoma in an 18-year-old Warmblood mare. The mare had exhibited bloody fluid accumulation inside the uterus and vaginal haemorrhagic discharge since the previous foaling. The mare was euthanized, and on pathological examination, in addition to the uterine neoplasia, multiple metastases were found in the lungs, liver and spleen. The histological and immunohistochemical examination determined that the tumour was a fibrosarcoma. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to describe a uterine fibrosarcoma in a mare.     

Endoscopic electrosurgical excision of laryngeal granulation tissue in a standing pregnant mare

An 11-year-old, eight-months pregnant mare suddenly developed severe respiratory distress. Endoscopic examination identified intralaryngeal granulation tissue obstructing the airway. In order to avoid general anaesthesia and the problems associated with a permanent tracheostomy, the mass was resected electrosurgically while the mare was standing. Patency was restored to the airway and the mare foaled without complication.     

Bad behavior or a physical problem? Rearing in a Dutch Warmblood mare

Behavior problems in horses are often thought to be due to the horse’s bad attitude, which commonly results in them being punished. However, when these cases are carefully worked up, there may be an underlying physical problem, and pain may play an important role. A 5-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare was presented for rearing and flipping over backward. The mare had been repeatedly examined by an equine veterinarian and a nonveterinarian equine dentist who found no abnormalities. Several different bits were tried, and side reins were used to keep her head down. The mare was whipped every time she reared. None of these measures helped. On presentation to our equine teaching hospital, no abnormalities were detected on routine physical examination. The behavior was observed when the mare was lunged; as soon as a small amount of tension was put on the lunge rein, the mare shook her head horizontally for approximately 1-2 seconds, reared, and flipped over onto her back. Neurological examination revealed that the mare was slow to resume a normal stance when her hind legs were placed in an abnormal position. Dental examination and endoscopy of the upper airways proved unremarkable. Radiography of the atlanto-occipital joint area revealed fractures of the first and second cervical vertebrae and fracture fragments, which are both suggestive for the presence of cervical instability and the possible presence of spinal cord compression. These suggestions were further supported by identification of delayed postural reflexes during neurological examination. The mare was deemed unfit for dressage and was successfully kept for breeding. Horses are frequently punished for “bad behavior.” These behaviors are frequently due to underlying physical problems and not a “nasty” horse. This case highlights the importance of careful history taking and a thorough veterinary examination with the use of further diagnostics (if necessary) when dealing with equine behavior problems.     

Congenital stricture of the vestibulo-vaginal fold in a mare with normal karyotype

A diagnosis of congenital stricture of the vestibulo-vaginal fold was reached in an 11-year-old mare without previous reproductive records, during a breeding soundness examination. The mare had an annular stricture of the vestibule–vaginal fold that did not allow palpation or vaginoscopic visual examination of the anterior portion of the vagina. Endoscopic evaluation of both anterior and posterior portions of the vagina revealed a normal mucosa without scar tissue. Ultrasound examination of the cervix, uterus and ovaries did not reveal any other abnormality. The mare had a normal karyotype – 64 XX. Vestibulo-vaginal stricture or stenosis is a congenital anomaly that occurs when there is an incomplete perforation of the hymen or occurs in association with hypoplasia of the genital canal that results in the formation of an annular fibrotic stenosis at the vestibule–vaginal junction. To our knowledge, this is the first report of vestibulo-vaginal stricture in a mare with confirmed normal karyotype, 64,XX.     

Cutaneous mucormycosis caused by Absidia corymbifera in a horse

A 5-year-old pregnant Spanish thoroughbred mare was presented with an extensive granulomatous lesion, of four months duration, on the left medial foreleg. On examination, the wound was covered by a large mass of ulcerated granulation tissue exuding thick serosanguinous fluid. The mare had not responded to previous treatment. Physical examination revealed no fever, no lameness and the presence of intense pruritus. A surgical resection was carried out to take samples for histopathology. On histopathologic examination the dermis and subcutaneous tissue showed large multifocal necrotic eosinophilic areas and inside these areas, irregularly ramified fungal hyphae. Microbiological examination showed abundant fungal growth and the strain corresponded to Absidia corymbifera . Treatment with amphotericin B was started but there was no improvement in the lesion. The mare aborted, became anorexic, had febrile episodes, had very poor body condition and was euthanized.     

Pleural effusion secondary to thoracic metastatic mammary adenocarcinoma in a mare

A 17-year-old Quarter Horse mare was examined nearly 3 years after excision and cryotherapy of a papillary mammary gland adenocarcinoma. The mare had been used for pleasure riding since surgery, but had recently developed progressive dyspnea. The mare had clinical evidence of pleural effusion, but died before further clinical examination and treatment were instituted. Necropsy revealed deep mammary masses with similar nodules in the deep inguinal, renal, and mediastinal lymph nodes and in the lungs, pericardium, visceral and parietal pleurae, and left ovary. The masses were identified as papillary mammary gland adenocarcinoma. Large volumes of free pleural and peritoneal fluid were detected. The pleural fluid contained similar neoplastic cells that could have been readily detected by exfoliative cytologic examination had the mare survived.     

Treatment using cannabidiol in a horse with mechanical allodynia

A 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare was seen in the field by Colorado State University's Equine Sports Medicine Service for a 5-week history of marked sensitivity to touch near the withers/shoulder region. On examination, the mare showed a marked adverse response to light touch over the caudal neck and withers region. Diagnostic imaging of the caudal neck, withers and shoulder region showed no significant abnormalities. Vital parameters, complete blood count and chemistry profile were also within normal limits, as was a reproductive ultrasound examination. The mare received dexamethasone, gabapentin, magnesium/vitamin E, prednisolone and aquapuncture with no improvement in clinical signs. The mare was then started on pure crystalline cannabidiol (250 mg by mouth twice daily), which resolved the clinical signs after 2 days.     

ULTRASOUND AS AN AID FOR DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN ABSCESSES IN TWO MARES

This report describes two mares presented for evaluation of anorexia, fever of unknown origin, and weight loss. Clinical examination, laboratory findings, and transrectal ultrasonographic images suggested ovarian abscessation. One mare was successfully treated medically. Because of financial considerations, the second mare was euthanatized and a postmortem examination was performed. At necropsy, there was an enlarged right ovary with an adhesion to the large colon. Microscopic findings were characteristic of an ovarian abscess.     

Carpal hyperextension in a Percheron mare caused by a palmar carpal ligament tear

A Percheron mare was presented for acute, severe lameness and marked swelling of the right forelimb after being cast. The mare was initially diagnosed with cellulitis of the forelimb but as her condition improved and the affected limb was able to bear more weight it became apparent that the limb was hyperextended at the level of the carpus. Widening of the palmar aspect of the middle carpal joint was observed radiographically. During ultrasonographic examination, excessive fluid in the carpal sheath and perithecal swelling were noted and tearing of the palmar carpal ligament was suspected. A dynamic brace was fabricated to prevent hyperextension of the carpus. After discontinuation of systemic antibiotics, the mare became febrile and forelimb lameness worsened. Cytology of fluid from the middle carpal joint confirmed joint sepsis and the mare was anaesthetised for arthroscopic examination. A tear in the palmar carpal ligament, characterised by focal fibre disruption and fibrillation, was identified during arthroscopic and tenoscopic examination. Communication between the carpal flexor tendon sheath and middle carpal joint was identified during these procedures. Both the middle carpal joint and carpal flexor tendon sheath were lavaged with physiological saline solution. Post operatively, swelling and lameness slowly resolved. Four months after discharge, the mare was sufficiently sound to be maintained at pasture. Viewed from its lateral aspect, the limb no longer appeared to be hyperextended from the carpus.     

Uterine prolapse in a mare leading to metritis,systemic inflammatory response syndrome,septic shock and death

This Case Report describes severe complications associated with uterine prolapse in a mare. A 6‐year‐old Trakehner mare was examined for depression, moderate pain and vaginal discharge 3 days after correction of a uterine prolapse. The clinical examination and haematology revealed that the mare had an infection with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and shock. Due to the uncontrollable, persistent pain, an exploratory celiotomy was performed which revealed severe metritis. During anaesthesia, the mare developed severe cardiovascular compromise and died in recovery. In previously reported cases of uterine prolapse in the mare, the authors warn of uterine injury, broad ligament haemorrhage, metritis, endotoxaemia and laminitis but often have a successful outcome with conventional therapy. This case describes a mare that developed severe complications and death after uterine prolapse. Mares with uterine prolapse require appropriate treatment and vigilant monitoring post treatment to prevent life threatening complications.     

Elevated Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in an Arabian Mare with Granulosa Cell Tumor

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), produced by granulosa cells, has been reported to be elevated in mares with granulosa cell tumor. A 13-year-old Arabian mare was referred after 3 years of infertility. Rectal and ultrasonographic examination revealed enlargement and multicystic appearance of the left ovary. The mare had substantially higher concentration of AMH (21.6 ng/mL) compared with normal cyclic mares (n = 5; 0.36 ± 0.02 ng/mL). Testosterone (50 pg/mL) concentration was also elevated, but progesterone concentration (0.4 ng/mL) was lowered. Accordingly, the mare was presumptively diagnosed with granulosa-theca cell tumor and a left ovariectomy implemented using ventral midline approach under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of granulosa-theca cell tumor. Serum concentrations of AMH decreased to 2 ng/mL and 0.5 ng/mL 2 and 4 weeks after tumor removal, respectively. In conclusion, the current report presents confirmatory evidence that evaluation of serum AMH could be useful for diagnosis of granulosa cell tumor in mare.     

Surgical Management of Cecal Impaction/Dysfunction by Ileocolostomy in a Horse

A four-year-old Appaloosa brood mare was referred for evaluation of a colic episode of 24 hours' duration. Physical examination revealed a distended cecum filled predominantly with fluid. A tentative diagnosis of cecal dysfunction was determined, and surgical intervention was performed by means of typhlotomy and ileocolostomy techniques through a complete bypass of the cecum. Postanaesthetic myopathy and incisional infection developed as postoperative complications. The mare was discharged 13 days after surgery. Follow-up information obtained from the owner and referring veterinarian 4 months after discharge revealed full recovery of the mare.     

Surgical resection of a dysgerminoma in a mare

A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed transient abdominal pain after surgery, but developed no other complications and was in foal 7 months later. On histology, the mass was diagnosed as a dysgerminoma, a rare ovarian tumour of germ cell origin.     

Continuous Urethral Spasm Responsive to Acepromazine in a Mare

A Standardbred mare presented with a 3-year history of stranguria and pollakiuria. Urethral spasm was detected by transrectal and digital examination. Ancillary diagnostic tests revealed no abnormal findings. The mare recovered after a 1-month treatment with acepromazine. Similar cases and responses to treatment have not been reported before in horses.     

Hepatic lobe torsion in a horse

A 4-year-old Belgian mare was presented with a 1-week history of fever, suspected of being caused by peritonitis. The mare died before the diagnostic procedures had been completed; postmortem examination revealed torsion of the left medial lobe of the liver, resulting in diffuse necrosis of liver tissue and severe peritoneal effusion.     

Breeding the older mare

The ultimate goal of an owner of an older broodmare is the delivery of a healthy normal foal. Experience has shown that mares can continue to produce healthy foals well into their late teens and early 20's. However, owners must realize that the prognosis for fertility of an older mare decreases each year. Prior to investing time or money in breeding an older mare, it is recommended that a breeding soundness examination be done. If the prognosis for fertility is poor, the owner may choose to breed a different mare with a better prognosis for fertility. Early identification and correction of reproductive problems detected on the physical examination can also increase the prognosis for fertility in an older mare.     

Rostral mandibulectomy for treatment of a sarcoma in a 16-year-old Thoroughbred mare

A 16-year-old Thoroughbred mare presented with a 1-year history of a growing mass on the rostral mandible. Biopsy performed by the referring veterinarian revealed chronic granulating fibrosis and stomatitis. Due to progressive loss of body condition and increasing size, the mare presented to the clinic. Radiographic examination of the mandible revealed osteolytic lesions. Mandibulectomy was performed under general anaesthesia. The horse's demeanour and feed intake improved significantly and the cosmetic outcome was acceptable. Histopathological examination confirmed a sarcoma, most likely a fibrosarcoma.     

Pelvic lymphoma as a cause of urethral compression in a mare

A 6-year-old mare was presented for evaluation of dysuria and pollakiuria. A pelvic mass, which caused obstruction of urinary outflow, was identified. Evidence of renal failure was also present. Due to poor prognosis the mare was euthanized. A postmortem examination revealed a pelvic lymphoma that surrounded and compressed the urethra.     

Thecoma in a mare

A 4-year-old crossbred Thoroughbred mare was referred to the University of Tehran Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for evaluation of a mass in the pelvic cavity. The mare had been partially anorectic and pyrexic. On clinical examination, the mare was thin and depressed, with body temperature of 38°C, a pulse rate of 38 beats/minute, and a respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute. Palpation per rectum revealed a large, smooth and tense mass in the anterior part of the pelvic cavity. Ultrasound examination confirmed the presence of a soft tissue mass with a thick wall. The inner surface of the mass had a villous-like appearance. The stroma of the mass was mottled, with accumulation of speckled and hypoechoic to slightly hyperechoic fluid. Hormone assays revealed low serum concentration of testosterone. Serum progesterone concentration indicated that active luteal tissue and serum estradiol concentration was 24 pg/ml. On histological examination, the sections from the tumor were composed of oval- or spindle-shaped cells loosely arranged in diffuse sheets or irregularly interlacing fascicles. On the basis of these histological findings, the large tumor mass of the left ovary was considered to be a thecoma. To our knowledge, the details of the clinical, ultrasonographic, endocrinologic, and histologic findings of this tumor in the mare have not been described in the veterinary literature.     

Diagnosis and surgical removal of a granulosa-theca cell tumor in a mare

An 8-year-old mare showed stallion-like behavior and aggressiveness. A granulosa-theca cell tumor was tentatively diagnosed based on history, transrectal palpation, and ultrasonography, and surgically removed. Serological levels of testosterone and inhibin were elevated. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The mare recovered and by day 45 could be turned out with other horses.