Colonic displacements and uterine artery hemorrhage in two postpartum mares

Abstract

Although parturition, even unattended, may proceed without difficulty, acute postpartum complications in mares can be life threatening. Timely attention to complicated postpartum cases is crucial for mare’s survival, especially first 24 hours after foaling. These mares may present with adverse clinical signs, due to gastrointestinal and/or urogenital system disorders, such as displacements and hemorrhage, respectively, which can have substantial effects on health and fertility. This case report discusses 2 mares referred to the same hospital for signs of colic within 24 hours postpartum: 1) large colon volvulus and broad ligament hematoma; and 2) right dorsal colonic displacement with uterine artery rupture. This report emphasizes concomitant occurrence of 2 disease processes, which may be omitted when assessed individually. Therefore, it is imperative that postpartum mare is fully assessed, as foaling associated hemorrhage may be masked by alimentary anomalies or vice versa.