Toxicoinfectious metritis with fatal complications following retained fetal membranes in a mare

  • Carolina Emparanza Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
  • Josefina Ghersa Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
  • Monica Arevalo Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
  • Michael Zabrodski Prairie Diagnostic Services, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
  • Fabienne Uehlinger Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
  • Claire Card Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.13859
Keywords: Mare, retained fetal membranes, clostridial metritis, peritonitis, cytology, anaerobic infection

Abstract

A 7-year, American Paint maiden mare, was presented 2 days after foaling following manual removal of retained fetal membranes. Fetid vaginal discharge was noticed and subinvoluted uterus was palpated transrectally. Endometrial cytology had Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative and positive rods, and clostridial organisms with spores. Small fragment of fetal membranes was retrieved during uterine lavage. Mare developed signs of gastrointestinal disease with a large colon impaction and had refractory pain (response to multimodal analgesia). Despite intensive therapy, mare’s condition deteriorated. Abdominocentesis revealed turbid fluid with increased protein and lactate consistent with elevated inflammatory cells and peritonitis. Necropsy confirmed necrotizing metritis with vascular thrombosis, localized fibrinous peritonitis, and focal adhesion between uterus and pelvic flexure of the large intestine. This case illustrated the rapid progression from retained fetal membranes to systemic illness and highlighted the diagnostic value of cytology to select antimicrobial agents in advance of culture and sensitivity results.

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Published
2026-04-22
How to Cite
Emparanza , C., Ghersa , J., Arevalo , M., Zabrodski , M., Uehlinger , F., & Card , C. (2026). Toxicoinfectious metritis with fatal complications following retained fetal membranes in a mare. Clinical Theriogenology, 18. https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v18.13859
Issue
Vol. 18 (2026): Issue in progress
Section
Case Reports
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