Reproductive tract trauma

Pregnant and post partum mares can develop life-threatening traumatic diseases within the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Gastrointestinal diseases to which the peripartum mare is most prone are large colon volvulus, large intestinal impaction, diaphragmatic hernia, caecal rupture, rectal and small colon prolapse, rectal tear, avulsion of the mesocolon off the distal part of the small colon, evisceration through a vaginal or urethral tear, and strangulation of small intestine in the uterine broad ligament. Urogenital diseases that cause colic in the periparturient mare are uterine contractions, ruptured uterus, bladder prolapse through a torn vagina, haemorrhage into the broad ligament, retained placenta, dystocia, uterine torsion, periparturient genital injury, intra-abdominal haemorrhage, uterine inversion, hydroallantois, and herniation of the abdominal wall through a prepubic tendon rupture or through the inguinal region. Severe haemorrhage from rupture of the uterine artery and parts of the reproductive tract usually occur during foaling. In these cases, treatment is directed at correcting haemorrhagic shock.
Perineal lacerations occur during parturition when the foal’s limb(s) or head are forced caudally and dorsally, and are most common in the primiparous mare. If the foot punctures the rectovaginal layers, a fistula forms. If the foot tears through them, a third degree perineal laceration is inflicted, and this is the most common injury. At 4–6 weeks after parturition, when inflammation has subsided in the torn tissues, these are repaired by surgical methods to restore the perineal body. The prognosis is good. […]