Abstract
Gastrointestinal colic in mares during early pregnancy may require general anesthesia for surgical correction. There is a scarcity of literature identifying anesthetic risk factors associated with negative outcome in the pregnant mare. In this case report, a seven-year-old Thoroughbred broodmare, presenting for the investigation and treatment of colic in the fifth month of pregnancy, underwent surgery for the correction of right dorsal displacement of the large colon. Intraoperatively, interventions for maternal hypoxemia and hypotension were necessary. The mare recovered well from general anesthesia and was discharged from the hospital eleven days postoperatively. In this case report, the successful anesthetic management of a pregnant broodmare is described, and all aspects that may improve the outcome for both mare and fetus are considered, with emphasis on the prevention of cardiovascular and respiratory disturbances.
Highlights
Causes of colic in mares during early stage pregnancy are typically related to the gastrointestinal system, whereas uterine tears or torsions more commonly occur in late gestation (Southwood, 2013)
In a retrospective analysis by Chenier and Whitehead (2001) of pregnant mares with colic, it has been shown that the incidence of a negative pregnancy outcome was 3.5 times greater for horses undergoing surgery compared to medical management alone
Surgery is sometimes unavoidable, it is necessary to consider the potential risks of general anesthesia (GA) to both the mare and developing fetus
Summary
Causes of colic in mares during early stage pregnancy are typically related to the gastrointestinal system, whereas uterine tears or torsions more commonly occur in late gestation (Southwood, 2013). Anesthetics and analgesics undergoing placental transfer can result in direct physiological effects on the fetus (Luukkanen et al, 1997) In this case report, the successful anesthetic management of a pregnant broodmare requiring surgery for large colon displacement is described. Following the positioning of the mare into dorsal recumbency, blood gas analysis revealed a moderately low partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 86 mmHg (11.5 kPa) (Table 1, Sample A). Commencement of fluid therapy, consisting of 4 ml kg-1 6% hydroxyethyl starch (Voluven, Fresenius Kabi, Cheshire, UK) BID and 4 ml kg-1 hour-1 lactated Ringer’s solution (Aquapharm No., Animalcare, York, UK), in combination with 1.1 mg kg-1 flunixin (Flunixin Injection 50 mg mL-1, Norbrook, Newry, UK) intravenously resulted in resolution of the observed clinical signs and reduction in large colon edema. Procaine penicillin 22,000 IU kg-1 intramuscularly BID and 6.6 mg kg-1 gentamicin SID were continued for four days postoperatively, with a subsequent change to a ten-day oral
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