Haemoperitoneum in a pregnant mare with an ovarian haematoma

Abstract

Haemoperitoneum is a rarely reported but life-threatening complication of a multitude of disease processes that can affect horses. This report describes an unusual case of haemoperitoneum in a pregnant mare attributed to a unilateral ovarian haematoma during early gestation. The mare was treated with supportive care and discharged 8 days after initial presentation. Following discharge, the mare maintained her pregnancy to term and delivered a live colt at 321 days of gestation.

Diagnosis, management and prognosis for haemoperitoneum in the horse

“…kicks from another horse, collisions with immobile objects, etc. ), pregnancy (as in the case report by Beachler et al [2016] in this issue), previously performed surgical procedures (including castration, ovariectomy and gastrointestinal procedures), weight loss and chronic signs of abdominal pain. Horses can be subdivided into 3 categories: reproductive (male and female), post operative and post traumatic.…”

“…), pregnancy (as in the case report by Beachler et al [2016] in this issue), previously performed surgical procedures (including castration, ovariectomy and gastrointestinal procedures), weight loss and chronic signs of abdominal pain. kicks from another horse, collisions with immobile objects, etc.…”

Haemoperitoneum associated with bilateral granulosa cell tumours in a pregnant mare treated by standing ovariectomy

“…Blood accumulation within the peritoneal cavity due to intra‐abdominal haemorrhage (haemoperitoneum (HP) or haemoabdomen) is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition in horses (Beachler et al., 2016; Dechant et al., 2006). Clinical signs may vary ranging from mild colic to signs consistent with acute haemorrhage including lethargy, inappetence, tachycardia, tachypnoea, shock and death (Beachler et al., 2016; Conwell et al., 2010; Dechant et al., 2006). HP may be suspected based on the presenting clinical signs and patient history (e.g.…”

“…periparturient mares, blunt abdominal trauma or recent abdominal surgery) and is often confirmed by transcutaneous ultrasonography and fluid analysis obtained by abdominocentesis. HP is more frequently reported in people and small animals, and in these species magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography can be utilised to diagnose the source and evaluate the extent of the haemorrhage (Beachler et al., 2016). In all but small ponies or foals the size of the equine abdomen precludes the use of these advanced imaging modalities.…”

“…In all but small ponies or foals the size of the equine abdomen precludes the use of these advanced imaging modalities. Whilst the origin of haemorrhage may be suspected based on rectal palpation, transcutaneous and transrectal abdominal ultrasonography, in most cases, a definite diagnosis requires surgical exploration or post mortem examination (Beachler et al., 2016).…”