Pregnancy hydrops in a recipient mare carrying an in vitro-produced embryo

  • Mariah Slack Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
  • Maria Schnobrich Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
  • Rachel Doenges Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
  • Peter Morresey Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.13336
Keywords: Mare, fetus, craniofacial malformation, hydrops, pregnancy termination

Abstract

An 8-year, Thoroughbred mare, was referred on day 225 of pregnancy for progressive abdominal distension and on owner’s suspicion of hydrops. Mare was a recipient of a vitrified and warmed embryo that was produced via intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed increased allantoic and amniotic fluid depths. Fetal urachus was distended and fetal mouth was open throughout the examination. To salvage the mare, termination of pregnancy was elected on day 230 of pregnancy due to progressive abdominal distension and evidence of fetal compromise. Gross examination of the fetus revealed craniofacial abnormalities that precluded the mouth from closing. This case is another example of fetal craniofacial malformations’ association with hydrops; it is also important to consider the potential association of hydrops with advanced reproductive techniques, as observed in cattle following in vitro fertilization and cloning.

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Published
2026-01-22
How to Cite
Slack , M., Schnobrich , M., Doenges , R., & Morresey , P. (2026). Pregnancy hydrops in a recipient mare carrying an in vitro-produced embryo. Clinical Theriogenology, 18. https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.13336
Issue
Vol. 18 (2026): Issue in progress
Section
Case Reports
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