Texas Equine Veterinary Association

• 14 • Colic is a common occurrence in horses, notably in broodmares. ere are special precautions that need to be considered when diagnosing and treating a sick pregnant or postpartum mare. Factors such as management and dietary changes, immunologic alterations, and stress during pregnancy may contribute to increased risk of colic in the mare. is article will address common causes of postpartum colic and review the literature involved with colic episodes in broodmares. Abdominal pain, or colic, is a common ailment in horses. Broodmares are no exception, especially during late gestation and the periparturient period (Kaneene et al., 1997). e periparturient period is notorious for frequent changes in gastrointestinal physiology, which increases the risk for colic in general. Cohen et al. hypothesized that the change in dietary and management techniques may disrupt the colonic microbes which in turn changes the pH, volatile fatty acid production, and predispose the mare to intestinal dysfunction (Cohen et al., 1999; Hudson et al., 2001). e main causes of postpartum colic are grouped into gastrointestinal (large colon volvulus, visceral perforation, mesenteric defects, impaction, ileus, rectal prolapse) or urogenital origin (uterine tear, uterine prolapse, uterine arterial hemorrhage, retained placental membranes, metritis, vaginal trauma, and ruptured bladder). Abdominal wall hernias or diaphragmatic hernias may also occur uncommonly (Steel & Gibson, 2001). Colic in the Pregnant and Postpartum Mare Kalie F. Beckers, BS, MS, DVM/PhD student Jenny L. Sones, DVM, PhD, Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists e diagnosis of colic in a pregnant mare can have some challenges compared to a non-pregnant mare. e presence of the fetus in the uterus may limit the rectal examination of the caudal intestinal tract. e enlarged uterus can also have effects on intestinal position and motility. It is oen difficult to obtain abdominal fluid in the heavily pregnant mare. Importantly, it is also difficult to differentiate between reproductive tract pain and abdominal pain (Steel & Gibson, 2001). Placental and fetal viability, well-being, and oxygenation should be taken into consideration when establishing the treatment plan for mares with colic. Taking note of the breeding date, foaling date, and any past reproductive history such as previous colic episodes, abortions, or dystocia, is important in the pregnant/postpartum mare colic work up. e traditional colic work up needs to be performed, i.e. complete physical exam, auscultation of intestinal motility, rectal palpation, nasogastric tube for reflux, abdominocentesis and abdominal ultrasound (Steel & Gibson, 2001). Incidents of broodmare colic: A study completed in a University Large Animal hospital observed a total of 163 mares over a 10-year period. • Large colon volvulus occurred in 26 (16.6%) of the 163 mares. • Small colon disease made up of 3.1% of the mares. • Small intestinal disease made up of 7.4% of the mares. • Cecal disease comprised of 10 (6.1%) cases. • Metritis was diagnosed in 13 (8%) of the mares. • Dystocia was reported in 7 of these mares with metritis. • Uterine tears were diagnosed in 9 (5.5%) of the 163 mares admitted. • Rectovaginal trauma in 4 (2.5%) of the mares. • Finally, miscellaneous reasons made up the rest of the population (Dolente et al., 2005).

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