Mesenteric hemorrhage associated with foaling
Keywords: hemorrhage, foaling, equine, mare, intestineA mature Standardbred mare that died suddenly immediately after foaling. Her mucous membranes were extremely pale upon presentation and postmortem examination revealed that she had suffered from an extensive intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Contrary to expectation, the hemorrhage did not arise from a rupture of the uterine artery (prev. middle uterine artery). Instead, hemorrhage originated from one of the major vessels in the spleno-colic ligament. Bleeding extended into the mesentry and peritoneal cavity.
Image size: 1500 x 1227px
Despite an adequate worming program on this stud farm, the presiding pathologist suggested the mare could have experienced verminous arteritis and by extension, arterial rupture because of hypertension during foaling. However, some doubt has been leveled at that suggestion, based on the fact that verminous arteritis due to S. vulgaris is still well controlled by current anthelmintics and cases of arteritis are no longer common in this geographical area (N.E. Canada). Instead, it has been suggested that the trauma seen here may have been sustained by the foal during parturition. The accompanying review substantiates that idea.
Reference:
Dolente, B.A. et al. 2005. Mares admitted to a referralhospital for postpartum emergencies: 163 cases (1992-2002). J.Vet.Emergency and Critical Care 15: 193-200