In utero ultrasound diagnosis of bilateral cataract and hydrops in a mule pregnancy: Case report.
Authors: Renaudin Catherine, Villanueva Eduardo Santos, Martin-Pelaez Soledad, Huggins Lauren, Davis Kelli, Dujovne Ghislaine, Choi Eunju, Martins Bianca, Dini Pouya
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary A 17-year-old Thoroughbred mare carrying a mule fetus underwent transrectal ultrasonography at 186 days of gestation, revealing a constellation of abnormalities including bilateral congenital cataracts, hyperechogenic bowel loops, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), hydramnios, and placental defects—a combination rarely documented prenatally in equine medicine. The pregnancy was monitored bi-monthly, and progressive deterioration was observed, with abnormal chorioallantoic detachment at the cervical star by 258 days of gestation and fetal cardiac standstill confirmed by 272 days, prompting therapeutic abortion. Post-mortem examination corroborated all ultrasonographic findings, validating the diagnostic accuracy of comprehensive transrectal scanning in detecting fetal abnormalities. This case emphasises that routine pregnancy checks at mid-gestation can identify significant fetal and placental pathology, enabling informed clinical decision-making and preventing the potential complications of carrying a severely affected fetus to term. For practitioners managing pregnant mares, particularly those carrying genetically complex pregnancies such as mules, serial ultrasound examinations represent a crucial opportunity to diagnose congenital defects early and counsel owners appropriately regarding prognosis and welfare considerations.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Routine transrectal ultrasound screening in mid-gestation can detect significant fetal abnormalities that may inform management decisions regarding continuation or termination of pregnancy.
- •Multiple concurrent feto-placental abnormalities (cataracts, growth restriction, placental changes) may indicate systemic fetal compromise and warrant close monitoring with bi-monthly examinations.
- •Mule pregnancies may be at particular risk for congenital abnormalities; detailed fetal ultrasonography is warranted for early detection and prognostic counseling.
Key Findings
- •Transrectal ultrasonography at 186 days gestation successfully diagnosed fetal congenital bilateral cataracts, hyperechogenic bowels, IUGR, hydramnios, and placental abnormalities in a mule fetus.
- •Progressive pregnancy complications included abnormal chorioallantois detachment at cervical star by 258 days and fetal asystole by 272 days of gestation.
- •Post-mortem gross and histologic examination confirmed all prenatally detected ultrasonographic findings.