Prenatal Diagnosis of Megacystitis and Hydronephrosis in an Equine Fetus: How Transabdominal Ultrasonography Can Help to Diagnose Fetal Abnormalities.
Authors: Denys Marie, Thomas-Cancian Aurélie, Tortereau Antonin, Josson-Schramme Anne, Buff Samuel
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Premature udder development in late-pregnancy mares warrants thorough fetal investigation, as this case demonstrates. A four-year-old primiparous mare presenting with advanced udder development and secretions at nine months gestation underwent transabdominal ultrasonography, which revealed unilateral hydronephrosis and megacystitis in a posteriorly-presented fetus—findings suggestive of obstructive uropathy from urinary tract malformation. Spontaneous abortion occurred within a week, and postmortem examination confirmed a ruptured bladder of abnormal dimensions and a severely distended left kidney with complete loss of function due to ureteral and urethral atresia, validating the prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. This represents the first documented case of prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydronephrosis and megacystitis in equine medicine, establishing transabdominal ultrasound as a valuable tool for identifying significant fetal abnormalities when clinical signs prompt investigation. Veterinarians managing pregnant mares with unexplained premature lactation should incorporate detailed fetal imaging into their diagnostic protocol, as early detection of congenital uropathies can inform management decisions and owner counselling regarding prognosis and welfare.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Premature udder development in pregnant mares should prompt transabdominal ultrasound examination of the fetus to detect potential abnormalities
- •Transabdominal ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying fetal urinary tract malformations and other abdominal abnormalities in utero
- •Recognition of severe fetal abnormalities via ultrasound can inform management decisions and prevent complications associated with delivering affected foals
Key Findings
- •Transabdominal ultrasonography successfully identified fetal megacystitis and unilateral hydronephrosis in utero in a pregnant mare, later confirmed by postmortem examination
- •Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of obstructive uropathy due to ureter and urethra atresia was consistent with postmortem findings of ruptured bladder and severely distended left kidney
- •This is the first reported case of prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydronephrosis and megacystitis in equine veterinary medicine
- •Premature udder development in the ninth month of pregnancy served as a clinical alarm signal warranting fetal ultrasonographic investigation