Abstract
Uterine torsion is one the most critical conditions affecting pregnant mares in last trimester of pregnancy. The current study was advocated for precise diagnosis of uterine torsion in mares and accordingly application of suitable method of treatment. The study comprised 12 Straight Egyptian Arabian mares suffered from uterine torsion (5-11 months of gestation). Diagnosis was based on symptoms which were intermittent signs of colic, straining and frequent lifting of upper lip. Clinical examination has been applied through rectal examination for detection of direction of broad ligament (clockwise and counterclockwise directions). Blood biochemistry was carried out and only CRP (C-reactive protein) was elevated in 25% of cases. Ultrasonography was used for detection of fetal viability through rectal and transabdominal scanning. The results of rolling method was 33.3% live newborn and 66.6% live dams whereas 66.6% live newborn and 83.2% live dams for flank laparotomy. Consequently, flank laparotomy was preferred than rolling method. There were some complications of treatment such as abortion or death of the dam due to uterine rupture. In conclusion, uterine torsion in mares is a serious problem should be diagnosed as early as possible for obtaining good results of treatment as well as standing flank laparotomy is more preferred than rolling method for getting a good results.
Highlights
Uterine torsion is an infrequent but serious complication of pregnancy in mares
Symptoms: This study comprised 12 Arabian mares that subjected to diagnosis of uterine torsion and subsequently to treatment with either rolling or flank laparotomy
Uterine torsion was either clockwise torsion or counterclockwise
Summary
Uterine torsion is an infrequent but serious complication of pregnancy in mares. It may account for 5–10% of serious dystocia in the equine (Vandeplassche et al, 1972). The broad ligament, or mesometrium, which suspends the uterus, has an extensive base in the sublumbar region, which limits the potential for uterine torsion in the mare compared with the cow. The causes of uterine torsion in the mare are not well defined, but they include factors such as vigorous fetal movement, rolling of the mare, sudden falls, a large fetus in a relatively small volume of fetal fluid, lack of tone in the pregnant uterus, a long mesometrium, and the presence of a large, deep abdomen (Roberts, 1971 and Taylor et al, 1989)
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