Treatment of Hydropsical Conditions Using Transcervical Gradual Fetal Fluid Drainage in Mares With or Without Concurrent Abdominal Wall Disease.
Authors: Diel de Amorim Mariana, Chenier Tracey S, Card Claire, Back Bradley, McClure J Trenton, Hanna Paul
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Hydropsical conditions—abnormal fluid accumulation in the allantois or amnion during pregnancy—are rare equine emergencies that cause severe abdominal distension, respiratory compromise, and potential abdominal wall rupture. This case series of six affected mares describes the clinical presentation, aetiology, and outcomes of treating these conditions through transcervical gradual fluid drainage followed by vaginal fetal delivery. Five cases involved hydrallantois (two with concurrent abdominal wall disease) and one hydramnios; placentitis was identified in two mares, leptospirosis seropositivity in two others, and no definitive cause in the remaining cases. All mares underwent successful pregnancy termination via slow transcervical drainage, though post-treatment complications included peritoneal communication via vaginal tear and abdominal wall rupture with secondary laminitis, resulting in two euthanasias; of the four surviving mares, three were not rebred and one successfully became an embryo donor. For practitioners managing these rare but life-threatening conditions, this report demonstrates that controlled, gradual fluid decompression offers a viable treatment protocol with variable but reasonable long-term reproductive outcomes, whilst highlighting the need for infectious disease screening (particularly leptospirosis) and close post-treatment monitoring for serious secondary complications affecting both mare survival and future breeding prospects.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Transcervical gradual fluid drainage is a viable treatment option for hydropsical conditions in mares and allows for vaginal delivery rather than surgical intervention
- •Leptospirosis testing should be considered in mares presenting with hydrallantois, as it may be a causative factor in a significant proportion of cases
- •Complications including abdominal wall rupture and laminitis can develop in hydropsical mares; close monitoring during treatment and recovery is essential, and some cases may warrant euthanasia
Key Findings
- •5 of 6 mares had hydrallantois and 1 had hydramnios; 2 hydrallantois cases were concurrent with abdominal wall disease
- •Transcervical gradual fetal fluid drainage followed by vaginal delivery was successfully used to terminate pregnancy in all 6 cases
- •Leptospirosis was confirmed in 2 of 6 cases (33%), and placentitis was present in 2 of 6 cases
- •2 mares required euthanasia due to vaginal tear with peritoneal communication and abdominal wall rupture with laminitis; 4 mares survived with variable breeding outcomes