Coccygeal vertebral damage in a multiparous mare following head and tail rope‐assisted recovery from general anaesthesia

Abstract

SummaryAn 18‐year‐old multiparous Thoroughbred mare with a 2‐month‐old foal at foot presented for investigation of colic. A right dorsal displacement of the large colon with a retroflexion of the pelvic flexure was corrected under general anaesthesia and interventional recovery using head and tail ropes was performed. The mare made multiple attempts to stand, using the ropes for support before achieving and maintaining a standing position. The following day, marked swelling around the perineal and vulval region was noted, combined with reduced tail tone. Urination, but not defaecation, had been observed following surgery. Transrectal ultrasonography indicated formation of a haematoma adjacent and ventral to the caudal sacral and first coccygeal vertebrae. Initial radiographic evaluation was suggestive of an oblique fracture of the caudal endplate of the first coccygeal vertebra, which was confirmed on repeat radiography 7 days later. Treatment included cold compresses to reduce swelling, multimodal analgesia, dietary modification to soften faecal consistency and regular manual evacuation of the rectum to avoid impaction. The mare was discharged after 19 days hospitalisation, gradually recovered the ability to defaecate and produced a viable foal the following year without assistance.