Abortion due to Bacillus safensis in a mare

A 16-year-old Westphalian mare aborted a dead fetus at 7 months of gestation without prodromal signs. The chorioallantois was diffusely thickened and discoloured, with fibrinous plaques, congestion and haemorrhage. Small colonies of 1-μm, Gram-positive bacilli were scattered throughout the exudate overlying the chorionic epithelium, and within macrophages. Bacillus safensis was isolated from the fetal lungs and from a swab sample of the mare's uterus. This strain represents the first case of a B. safensis-associated equine abortion and the first case of any infection caused by this bacterium.     

Surgical treatment of a mammary gland comedocarcinoma in an Arabian mare: Post-operative management,and histopathological and immunohistochemical features

A lactating 20-year-old, brown, Arabian mare, weighing about 300 kg, presented for bleeding from one teat and severe swelling of the entire mammary gland. The mare had untreated mastitis 10 months before. Consequently, a gangrenous teat developed after chronic bloody and purulent discharges. The teat was removed surgically by the field veterinarian. At that time, the mammary gland increased in size. Bloody and purulent discharges restarted 10 days previously. Under general anaesthesia, the entire mammary gland was removed. Comedocarcinoma was diagnosed by histopathological assessment. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for pan-cytokeratin and vimentin. Microscopic examination of immunohistochemical stained slides revealed expression of pan-cytokeratin. In conclusion, this report describes clinical, macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of comedocarcinoma that did not metastasise to regional lymph nodes. Reports in the field of equine oncology contribute to improved general knowledge in equine medicine, contributing to better diagnosis and treatment.     

Birth of live triplets in a mare

An 11‐year‐old American Buckskin mare gave birth to live triplets unattended at approximately 300 days gestation. All foals were small and dysmature, requiring intensive care. The smallest foal died 4 days after admission, the second was subjected to euthanasia 24 days after admission due to poor healing of a third metatarsal fracture. The remaining foal survived to discharge and was considered small but otherwise normal at age one year.     

Uterine B cell lymphoma in a mare

In this report, we describe the diagnostic findings and outcome of a uterine B cell lymphoma in a mare. A well circumscribed uterine mass with significant peripheral vascularisation was identified by transrectal ultrasonography during the reproductive examination of an 8‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare. Subsequent hysteroscopy revealed that the uterine mass was located intramurally and contained a protruding polyp‐like structure. A diagnosis of uterine B cell lymphoma was established by histopathological examination of a hysteroscopically‐obtained tissue sample. Additional diagnostics demonstrated that the uterus was a site of metastasis. Due to her deteriorating condition, extensiveness of the tumour and poor prognosis, the owner decided that the mare should be subjected to euthanasia.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in the mare

OBJECTIVE: To develop a minimally invasive, hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (HALS-OHE) technique in the mare and to evaluate safety and any associated complications. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Eight, 11-24-year-old mares with anatomically normal urogenital tracts. METHODS: The surgical technique was developed in 2 non-survival mares and subsequently evaluated in 6 survival procedures. Food was withheld for 48 hours, then mares were anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency for laparoscopic surgery. A hand access device (Omniport) was placed followed by 4 laparoscopic portals. Transection of the ovarian pedicles and broad ligaments was achieved using a combination of a laparoscopic stapling instrument (Endo GIA II), an ultrasonically activated instrument (Harmonic Scalpel), and endoscopic clips (Endo Clip II ML). The genital tract was exteriorized through the laparotomy, and the uterus transected and sutured in a conventional pattern. Horses were evaluated through postoperative day 14 when a necropsy was performed. RESULTS: Four mares recuperated well after surgery, 1 mare was euthanatized because of bilateral femur fracture during anesthetic recovery, and another developed severe pleuropneumonia. At necropsy all but 1 abdominal incision was healing routinely. One mare had abscessed along the celiotomy incision and developed visceral adhesions. Uncomplicated healing of transected mesovarial, mesometrial, and uterine remnants was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ovariohysterectomy in horses can be accomplished using HALS technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HALS-OHE technique represents a minimally invasive and technically feasible alternative for conventional OHE. Careful patient selection and preparation may reduce the complications observed. The HALS technique may be useful in other laparoscopic surgical procedures.     

Uterine torsion diagnosed in a mare at 515 days' gestation

A pregnant mare with a history of prolonged gestation (～515 days) and suspected diagnosis of fetal mummification was examined. Rectal palpation revealed that the left broad ligament of the uterus was dorsal and medial to the right uterine ligament and it was not possible to observe the cervix during vaginal examination. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed fluid in the uterus, fetal membranes and the uterine walls defined and thickened. Free fluid was not seen in the peritoneal cavity. Laboratory tests (blood cell count and clinical chemistry) were normal. Based on clinical history, physical examination and ultrasound findings, a chronic uterine torsion with fetal death was diagnosed and the mare was subjected to exploratory celiotomy. The uterus was strongly adhered to the peritoneum of the ventral abdominal wall and there were multiple adhesions to the colon. Hysterotomy was performed to remove the fetus and to permit repositioning of the uterus. When the fetus was removed, a large devitalised grey tissue area of the right ventral uterine horn was observed. Multiple adhesions prevented a rescue hysterectomy and euthanasia of the patient was performed. During the necropsy, a 180° cranial cervix clockwise uterine torsion was observed. This rare case of uterine torsion appears to be the most chronic case reported in the equine literature.     

Incompetent cervix and pneumouterus in a maiden mare

This case report describes an uncommon case of a congenitally incompetent cervix and a resulting pneumouterus in a 5‐year‐old maiden Quarter Horse mare. The mare was presented for artificial insemination at the Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. Routine vaginal and rectal examinations revealed a shortened cervix of 3 cm length and a dilated uterus filled with a considerable amount of air. During ultrasonographic examination, ovaries of normal size with regular cyclic activity were detected. Chromosomal analysis could not confirm any genetic anomalies such as an expected XO karyotype. The mare was excluded from breeding due to its anatomical constitution.     

A review of fungal endometritis in the mare

Fungal endometritis is a relatively rare cause of infertility in the mare, accounting for only 1–5% of all cases of endometritis. However, it remains a challenge to the clinician due to difficulties in diagnosing and effectively treating affected mares, resulting in a high rate of recurrence and a guarded prognosis for ongoing fertility. Often occurring as an opportunistic infection, the most common causes of fungal endometritis in the mare are yeasts (Candida spp.) and moulds with septated hyphae (Aspergillus spp.). Early detection and identification of the causative agent are vital when choosing appropriate treatment as sensitivities to commonly used antifungals vary significantly. Assessing in vitro sensitivity for each isolate is accordingly recommended. Treatment of mares with fungal endometritis is multifaceted and includes; correction of any anatomical defects, uterine lavage and systemic and/or intrauterine infusion of antifungals. Concurrent bacterial infection is common so anticipation and subsequent treatment of bacterial endometritis is also often required.     

Changes of serum anti‐Müllerian hormone in a mare with granulosa cell tumour following surgery and reinitiation of follicular activity

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been reported to be elevated in mares with granulosa cell tumour (GCT). An 8‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare was presented for not being observed in oestrus after the beginning of the breeding season. Rectal palpation and ultrasonography revealed enlargement and cystic appearance of the left ovary while the right ovary was small with an anoestrous‐like appearance. The AMH concentration was 694.9 ng/ml. Presumptively diagnosed with GCT, the mare was subjected to tumour removal. Histopathology confirmed GCT. To evaluate changes of AMH concentration following surgery, blood samples were collected immediately prior to surgery, and on Days 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 after surgery. Thereafter, blood samples were collected monthly and also at the time the mare was observed in oestrus (148 days after tumour removal). The AMH concentrations decreased over the first 2 months after surgery (from 721.2 ng/ml to 0.1 ng/ml). Subsequently, AMH concentration increased and peaked at the time of oestrus expression (0.7 ng/ml). The mare then became anoestrous, and AMH concentration decreased and reached 0.2 ng/ml, which was not significantly different from the mean concentration of AMH in normal anoestrous mares (n = 5; 0.26 ± 0.07 ng/ml). In conclusion, the present report implies the potential use of AMH for determination of the time of follicular resumption in mares after GCT removal.     

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the mammary gland in a mare

Mammary tumours are uncommon in mares. Sarcomas of the breast account for less than 1% of all human primary malignancies and, among these types of tumours, malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is very rare. This report describes a 6‐year‐old uniparous Paint mare that was presented for investigation of right mammary gland enlargement of 3 weeks' duration. The clinical and histopathological findings in this mare with malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the mammary gland as well as complications of bilateral mastectomy are detailed. At one year follow‐up there were no clinical signs of recurrence.     

Breeding the mare with frozen semen

Breeding with frozen semen has become more commonplace. For a successful outcome, it is important to select fertile mares and to use quality frozen semen. The method/timing of insemination will be determined primarily by the number of semen doses available per cycle. Direct insemination of semen straws is preferred as this technique results in less loss of spermatozoa in insemination equipment. Ovulatory agents are crucial to help with timing of ovulation with respect to insemination. A post breeding examination should be performed to confirm ovulation and to examine the mare for possible complications such as post mating induced endometritis. With attention to details, frozen semen can be used with very good results.     

Gastric and small intestinal ileus as a cause of acute colic in the post parturient mare

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Ileus (functional obstruction of aboral gastrointestinal transit) is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal dysfunction and colic in the horse. A number of specific conditions have been previously reported in association with ileus. This report describes the recognition of primary gastric and small intestinal ileus of undetermined cause in a series of post parturient mares. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome of a series of episodes of primary gastric and small intestinal ileus. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of colic episodes seen in an equine practice in Newmarket, UK over a 6 year period (2002-2007). RESULTS: Seventeen episodes of gastric and small intestinal ileus were identified, which occurred in 15 horses. All episodes occurred in post parturient mares. No previously reported cause of ileus was identified in any of the episodes. Fifteen of the 17 episodes received medical treatment (medical support and nasogastric decompression) and, in addition, surgical decompression was performed in 9 episodes. Two mares were subjected to euthanasia before treatment due to the presence of gastric rupture and the remaining 13 mares survived with a follow-up period of at least 10 months. Two mares suffered a further episode of gastric and small intestinal ileus, one 4 days and the other 2 years after the initial episode. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric and small intestinal ileus of, as yet, unknown aetiology appears to be a potential cause of acute colic in the post parturient mare. The outcome following treatment by decompression is good.     

Osteosarcoma in the proximal humerus of a mare

A 15‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was examined for significant and progressive lameness in the right front limb. On physical examination, muscle atrophy over the scapular and pectoral regions were noted. A pain response was elicited on palpation of the scapulohumeral joint. No other abnormalities were noted on examination of the limb. Diagnostic nerve blocks ruled out a source of lameness in the distal limb. Arthrocentesis of the scapulohumeral joint was performed and results were within normal limits. Radiographs of the right scapulohumeral joint revealed an extensive, aggressive bone lesion in the proximal humerus, suspected to be an osteosarcoma. After a course of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory therapy, minimal improvement to the lameness was noted. The owner elected to subject the horse to euthanasia due to the lack of significant response to treatment. Post mortem radiographic and histological examinations determined a definitive diagnosis of an osteosarcoma in the proximal humerus.     

Prepubic tendon rupture in the mare

The following article discusses the clinical appearance, diagnosis, management and prognosis of abdominal wall tearing and prepubic tendon (PPT) ruptures of mares.     

Haemoperitoneum in a pregnant mare with an ovarian haematoma

Haemoperitoneum is a rarely reported but life‐threatening complication of a multitude of disease processes that can affect horses. This report describes an unusual case of haemoperitoneum in a pregnant mare attributed to a unilateral ovarian haematoma during early gestation. The mare was treated with supportive care and discharged 8 days after initial presentation. Following discharge, the mare maintained her pregnancy to term and delivered a live colt at 321 days of gestation.     

The effects of endometrial damage on placental and fetal development in a mare

A 13-year-old ex-polo pony maiden mare with an extensively damaged endometrium was initially used as an embryo donor in a research herd. Embryos recovered from the mare were of normal morphology and size. Subsequently, the mare was inseminated and left pregnant. Early conceptus development was normal and she foaled a small (22 kg) but healthy filly after a gestation of 360 days. Examination of the placenta showed that development of the microcotyledons accurately reflected the damage to the uterus. Plasma progestagen profiles throughout gestation also provided evidence for placental pathology and fetal stress.