Subtotal Ovariohysterectomy Following Fetal Maceration and Pyometra in a Maiden Welsh Pony Mare

Simple Summary A 16-year-old maiden Welsh pony mare was initially presented for management of suspected fetal mummification, and laminitis. Fetal maceration and pyometra was subsequently diagnosed due to death and retention of a mid-term fetus. Transcervical removal of fetal remnants was unsuccessful despite repeated attempts. Surgical intervention via ovariohysterectomy was attempted and resulted in previously unreported complications. This case reports aims to highlight different techniques and expected complications when managing these rare cases in mares. Fetal maceration and pyometra were diagnosed in a 16-year-old maiden Welsh pony mare. Due to anatomical and surgical difficulties encountered throughout treatment, previously reported techniques including both per-vaginum removal of fetal remnants and ovariohysterectomy were attempted and resulted in novel complications. Fetal bones were unable to be removed completely transcervically due to failure of cervical dilation despite repeated attempts. Subsequent surgical complications such as inadequate exposure of the uterus and incorporation of fetal bones into the uterine stump following ovariohysterectomy also occurred. This case highlights some of the difficulties in managing rare cases of mid-term fetal loss and retention that result in maceration. Ultimately, this may provide useful insights to practitioners when managing similar cases in future.

Automated summary

This article reports a case of fetal maceration and pyometra in a 16-year-old maiden Welsh pony mare. Various techniques were attempted to manage the complications but resulted in novel complications. This case highlights the difficulties in managing rare cases of mid-term fetal loss and retention, providing potentially useful insights to practitioners in the future.