Fetal Mummification Of A 270 Day Fetus In A Mare

Abstract

A 12 year old, Selle Francais mare was presented for pregnancy evaluation. A transabdominal ultrasound examination by the referring veterinarian had revealed a lack of fetal fluids and no visible fetal heartbeat. On presentation, the mare was bright and alert. Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasound examinations were performed; both confirmed the referring veterinarian’s findings. On transrectal palpation, the cervix was tightly closed and the uterus was partially involuted. Bony protuberances of the fetus were palpable transrectally. A vaginal examination was performed. With manipulation, the cervix did not fully dilate; however, one hand could be passed into the uterus which was contracted around bony portions of a large fetus. The client elected a cesarean section to eliminate the risk of uterine or cervical trauma. A partially mummified 17 kg fetus, with a crown rump length of 86 cm was removed from the uterus. The mare recovered uneventfully after surgery.