Equine foetal gender determination in mid‐ to late gestational mares: A practical inquiry

In recent years, the interest in equine foetal gender determination (FGD) during gestation increased remarkably. Ultrasonographic FGD can be performed in two different periods during gestation. The earliest examination can take place at a gestational age of 60–70 days, whereby the genital tubercle is used to differentiate between male and female foeti. The time window of the second approach is wider (120–210 days), and there are more characteristics to take into consideration. In this article, the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasonographic FGD in mid‐ to late gestation are evaluated. One hundred twenty‐one mares from different breeds with a pregnancy stage between 120 and 270 days were examined once, using B‐scale ultrasonography (Esaote MyLab™ClassC). None of the mares were sedated nor shaved, and the procedure was completed within 15 min. Diagnosis was firstly based on the gonads. The final judgement was made based on all visible foetal reproductive organs. In three cases with a pregnancy stage beyond 257 days, FGD was not possible. All of the examined mares in which a FGD could be performed gave birth to a healthy foal. In 98% of the examinations (116/118), the diagnosis was correctly made. In both cases of misdiagnosis, only one characteristic was seen during the procedure and wrongly interpreted. Beyond 210 days of pregnancy, the extremities can preclude a good visualization of the inguinal region. In conclusion, equine FGD in mid‐ to late gestation is an accessible and accurate technique, although a good ultrasound device is a prerequisite and experience and expertise is necessary.     

Polyarthritis secondary to septic thrombophlebitis in an Arabian mare

A 3‐year‐old Arabian mare presented with diarrhoea and depression. During hospitalisation, the mare developed septic thrombophlebitis associated with a jugular catheter. One week later, she developed secondary bilateral tarsocrural joint septic arthritis. Following surgical intervention and intensive medical therapy, the mare recovered successfully. The case highlights an unusual and previously unreported complication of septic thrombophlebitis.     

Idiopathic eosinophilic colitis lesions of the equine small (descending) colon

Five horses with a primary surgical lesion of the small (descending) colon were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis based on visual and histopathological examination. These were evident as visibly striking, hyperaemic, focal lesions of the small colon, with serosal petechiation, oedema and marked thickening of the intestinal wall at the site. Areas of focal necrosis were also evident. The gross appearance of the lesions were considered to be sufficiently severe in all cases to merit resection, due to concerns about intestinal necrosis and septic peritonitis. An inability to fully exteriorise the affected portion of intestine to perform a resection and anastomosis necessitated intraoperative euthanasia of one horse. A total of three horses survived to hospital discharge. Eosinophilic colitis lesions are a rare cause of severe small colon disease, but should be considered in cases with similar visual characteristics.     

Successful small intestinal resection and anastomosis in a late term broodmare with colic via a standing left flank laparotomy

A late term broodmare presented with low‐grade intestinal colic. Clinical findings were consistent with a small intestinal lesion requiring surgical intervention. The risks of general anaesthesia to the fetus, combined with clinical findings in an otherwise quiet natured horse influenced the decision to choose an alternative standing left flank approach first. A small intestinal resection and anastomosis was performed successfully and the mare delivered a healthy foal without complications a month later. Standing colic surgery might be a preferred alternative to general anaesthesia in certain circumstances as discussed in this case report.     

Caecal intussusceptions and typhlocolitis in horses with severe Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus infestation

The intestinal trematode Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus (G. aegyptiacus) has been recognised in equids around the world for many years, but its pathogenicity is yet to be confirmed. This report describes seven cases of severe G. aegyptiacus infestation, including six cases of caecal intussusception.     

Accessory nictitating membrane in a Lipizzaner colt

A 2‐year‐old Lipizzaner colt presented for removal of a mass over the left eye. The colt had no blepharospasm or significant ocular discharge, but the cornea underlying the mass was mildly oedematous. The mass protruded from the conjunctiva at the dorsotemporal aspect of the globe and was covered in normal conjunctiva. It had a gross appearance similar to the cartilaginous flap of a nictitating membrane, but in an aberrant location. It was moveable to cover the dorsal aspect of the cornea when the globe was retropulsed. Excision of the mass under general anaesthesia was elected. Histopathology supported a diagnosis of an accessory nictitating membrane, consisting of a cartilaginous band surrounded by glandular epithelium. The colt recovered from surgery without complication and no problems were reported by the owner at 8.5 months post‐operatively. To the author's knowledge, there have not been previous reports of accessory or ectopic nictitating membranes in equine or other species.     

Intra‐abdominal cystic lymphangiomatosis in a Thoroughbred foal

Cystic lymphangiomas are rare malformations of the lymphatics that result in the formation of a cystic mass. Where multiple cysts are seen, the condition is termed cystic lymphangiomatosis. This case describes the diagnosis and unique management of cystic lymphangiomatosis in a 10‐day‐old Thoroughbred foal. Ultrasonography, histopathology and laparoscopy were essential for diagnosis and appreciation of the extent of disease. Ultimately, the cystic lymphangiomatosis was so extensive in this foal that complete surgical excision was considered impossible and the presence of adhesions within the abdomen indicated a very poor long‐term prognosis; the owners elected for euthanasia at age 14 weeks. Although rare, lymphangioma and lymphangiomatosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for an intra‐abdominal mass in a young horse.     

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine for treatment of a mare with rectal paralysis

An 8‐year‐old Appaloosa mare with rectal paralysis due to a cosmetic ethanol ‘tail block’ was treated with traditional Chinese veterinary medicine treatments including acupuncture and herbal medicine. Her rectal and tail tone gradually improved after the treatment. At 4 months after initial presentation, the mare was able to produce faecal piles on a regular basis, and manual evacuations were no longer needed. Significant improvement was within 30 days of beginning treatment. At 8 months, the owner indicated that the mare had normal defaecation, was able to swish the tail from side to side and lift the tail to urinate, and had no evidence of straining to defaecate or colic.