Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the situation is too severe to save both mare and foal. This was the case for a mare that was admitted yesterday to Equitom in critical condition. Our team suspected she was suffering from a rupture of the pre-pubic tendon.
What happened?
A rupture of the pre-pubic tendon means that the support for the abdominal muscles is lost, leading to massive edema and extreme pain. Unfortunately, diagnosing this condition in pregnant mares is difficult, but her symptoms and rapid deterioration left no choice. Medical management was no longer an option, as even with intensive care and pain relief, her condition continued to worsen and her pain was unbearable.
An Emergency Decision
With the mare in unbearable pain, a C-section was the only viable option. Our team acted swiftly to try and save her and the foal. After delivering the foal, we performed intensive resuscitation efforts to give it the best chance of survival.
💔 A Difficult Outcome
Despite our efforts, the damage to the mare’s body was too extensive, and her prognosis remained extremely poor. With no way to relieve her suffering long-term, we had to make alongside her owner the heartbreaking decision to let her go.
💙 The foal is now under intensive care, and while its condition remains critical, our team is doing everything possible to support its recovery.
These cases remind us of the unpredictable challenges of equine medicine, but also of the dedication and expertise needed to give every horse the best chance possible. 💙
