Body pregnancy twin reduction in the mare by colpotomy

Abstract

Previously established techniques for twin reduction are not well suited for pregnancies in the uterine body > 60 days of pregnancy. Most techniques work optimally in conditions where the fetuses are located unilaterally or bilaterally in the base of the horn. This case presents a novel methodology of twin reduction, as colpotomy is most commonly performed for ovariectomy and not for twin reduction. A 15 year old American Saddle Horse mare was presented with twins past 60 days of pregnancy. Ultrasonographic examination revealed the presence of one fetus in the uterine body and the other in the right uterine horn. Previously established techniques for twin reduction could not be used due to the location of the fetus (uterine body). Ultimately, cranio cervical dislocation (CCD) via colpotomy was performed on the twin located in the body of the uterus. Ultrasonography indicated no heartbeat from that twin, with a strong and healthy heartbeat in the remaining twin. Reduction of the fetus located in the body of the uterus was attempted earlier while it was a vesicle by pinching, but was unsuccessful. Although CCD can be performed transrectally or intra abdominally, neither approach could be used for a body pregnancy. A colpotomy technique, used for ovariectomy, enabled CCD of a fetus.