Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

This condition is most often seen in '''pregnant mares''' but can also occur in '''sheep and goats''' pregnant with multiple foetuses.

This condition is most often seen in '''pregnant mares''' but can also occur in '''sheep and goats''' pregnant with multiple foetuses.

Mares usually present close to foaling with '''severe ventral oedema running cranially from the udder'''. Unilateral oedema suggests partial rupture of the prepubic tendon, or damage to the ventrolateral body wall.

Mares usually present close to foaling with '''severe ventral oedema running cranially from the udder'''. Unilateral oedema suggests partial rupture of the prepubic tendon, or damage to the ventrolateral body wall.

Affected mares have difficulty rising and are '''reluctant to move'''. Acute progression may result in distress, '''colic, tachypnoea, tachycardia''', sweating, internal haemorrhage, shock and death.

Affected mares have difficulty rising and are '''reluctant to move'''. Acute progression may result in distress, '''[[:Category:Colic in Horses|colic]], tachypnoea, tachycardia''', sweating, internal haemorrhage, shock and death.

Complete rupture results in '''tilting of the pelvis causing elevation of the tail head''' and tuber ischii and '''lordosis''' (sawhorse appearance).

Complete rupture results in '''tilting of the pelvis causing elevation of the tail head''' and tuber ischii and '''lordosis''' (sawhorse appearance).

Clinical signs are suggestive but the diagnosis may be difficult to confirm. The amount of oedema in the area usually makes transabdominal palpation very difficult.

Clinical signs are suggestive but the diagnosis may be difficult to confirm. The amount of oedema in the area usually makes transabdominal palpation very difficult.

'''Ultrasonography''' can be usefuly to determing abdominal rupture and incarceration of intestines.

'''Ultrasonography''' can be useful to determin abdominal rupture and incarceration of intestines.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment options depend on the value of the foal, the stage of the pregnancy, the age of the mare and the extent of damage to the abdominal muscles and prepubic tendon.

Treatment options depend on the value of the foal, the stage of the pregnancy, the age of the mare and the extent of damage to the abdominal muscles and prepubic tendon.

One option is to use '''supportive slinging''' of the abdominal wall until term. Pressure sores should be avoided and the padding should be replaced regularly. Some horses manage without support

One option is to use '''supportive slinging''' of the abdominal wall until term. Pressure sores should be avoided and the padding should be replaced regularly. Some horses manage without support.

'''Inducing parturition''' if the foal is near term is another option. An '''assisted delivery''' will be necessary as the mare will be unable to exert sufficient abdominal pressure to expel the foal.

'''Inducing parturition''' if the foal is near term is another option. An '''assisted delivery''' will be necessary as the mare will be unable to exert sufficient abdominal pressure to expel the foal.

Knottenbelt, D. (2003) '''Equine stud farm medicine and surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

Knottenbelt, D. (2003) '''Equine stud farm medicine and surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

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[[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Horse]][[Category:Reproductive Disorders]]

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