Internal Medicine Technician Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Disclosure(s):
Andrea Whittle, LVT, VTS-EVN: No financial relationships to disclose
Hydrops is a peripartum condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation within the allantoic or amniotic placental sac. Hydrallantois may result from an abnormality with the developing fetus or disease process within the chorioallantois. Mares with this condition are at risk of rupture to the prepubic tendon or tearing of the ventral abdominal wall due to the abnormal uterine weight. If there is a sudden premature rupture of the placental membranes the mares are also at risk of hypovolemic shock. The controlled abortion of these mares aims to preserve their reproductive health for future pregnancies as well as provide cardiovascular and fluid volume support during the procedure with IV fluid administration, cervical preparation and appropriate sedation.Unfortunately, the aborted fetus is often delivered alive and requires prompt euthanasia with a cardiac injection of pentobarbitol. The role of experienced staff in these cases extends far beyond the technical aspects of the procedure to compassionate communication and support for staff who may not have seen this procedure before.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to define hydrops allantois in equine mares including its presenting signs
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the process of controlled abortion in an equine mare that has been diagnosed with hydrops allantois
Upon completion, participant will be able to identify this as a situation where additional compassionate support of staff if necessary
