Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Ruptured Uterine Artery, Post-Partum Hemorrhage
Summary
A large artery that feeds the uterus can rupture in the late term pregnant mare or during foaling, causing life threatening bleeding.
The bleeding can occur between the sheets of tissue that support the uterus (called the broad ligament) or it can free flow into the abdomen. If the rupture occurs within the broad ligament blood flow is limited, and back pressure is created that helps to stop bleeding.
Mares with this condition usually become very anxious and show signs of colic and shock. This condition is thought to occur because of repeated stretching of the uterine arteries with multiple pregnancies and weakening of the vessel wall. Genetics may play a role as well.
Diagnosis is usually made through signs, rectal exam and ultrasound.
Treatment involves nursing care, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions and the use of medications that help with clotting.
The bleeding can occur between the sheets of tissue that support the uterus (called the broad ligament) or it can free flow into the abdomen. If the rupture occurs within the broad ligament blood flow is limited, and back pressure is created that helps to stop bleeding.
Mares with this condition usually become very anxious and show signs of colic and shock. This condition is thought to occur because of repeated stretching of the uterine arteries with multiple pregnancies and weakening of the vessel wall. Genetics may play a role as well.
Diagnosis is usually made through signs, rectal exam and ultrasound.
Treatment involves nursing care, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions and the use of medications that help with clotting.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is fair, depending on the size of the bleed and whether bleeding occurs into broad ligament or not.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Mare Not Eating or Depressed, Soon after Foaling
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Mare in Abdominal Pain (Colic), Soon after Foaling
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Shock, Ears & Limbs Seem Cold, Pulse is Weak & Rapid
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Sudden Collapse or Apparent Loss of Consciousness
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Horse Found Dead, Recently Seemed Healthy
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Agitated, Anxious, Nervous or Stressed
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Pale
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Heart Rate, Pulse Rapid, Greater than 48 BPM at Rest (in Adult)
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Pulse Feels Weak
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Rapid Breathing, Flaring Nostrils at Rest (Not after Exercise)
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Buckling, Crouching Behind
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Can this mare be rebred if she survives?
Prevention
Once a mare has this condition, recurrence in future pregnancies is more likely.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
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