Maceration and Complete Retention of Fetal Bones during a Singleton Pregnancy in a Mare

A 21 year old pluriparous Haflinger mare was presented to our clinic. Case history reported that the mare was diagnosed pregnant but 2 months before the term mammary glands enlarged and then regressed without delivery. The owner referred the animal to us because a vulvar purulent discharge was present since two months. Transrectal ultrasonography showed a great amount of echogenic uterine fluid and ovaries with the presence of a corpus luteum and ovarian activity. The uterus was flushed with 3 l of Ringer solution with added iodopovidone and hydrogen peroxide 1%. Systemic antibiotic therapy and PGF2a were administered IM. After 3 days ultrasonography revealed linear hyperechoic structures in the uterine lumen. The cervix was manually dilated to allow passage of a gloved lubricated hand. A nearly complete fetal skeleton was removed along with copious amounts of purulent fluid. Uterine flushing was repeated for two more times and the clean uterine mucosa treated with an intrauterine foam containing rifaximin (Fatroximin_ Fatro-Italy). Radiographic evaluation of the teeth established that fetal age was about 275 days. Ultrasound examination two weeks later showed a uterus in good condition and the uterine swab was sterile. The mare was induced in oestrus, artificially bred and then diagnosed pregnant. Maceration of a single fetus is rare in mares and may arise when fetal problems prevent foaling. In conclusion, this case shows that fetal maceration can be treated and may result in a complete recovery with subsequent pregnancy of the mare