A case of bilateral body wall tears in a prepartum Standardbred mare

Abstract

A 15 year old multiparous prepartum Standardbred mare presented to University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in May 2008 for foaling management. She was 315 days in gestation and suddenly developed ventral edema. A diagnosis of bilateral body wall tears was made based on ultrasound findings as well as clinical signs. This article details the case progression and management, including conservative treatment options, pharmacological therapies, and the eventual outcome for the mare and foal. Body wall defects including body wall tears, herniations and prepubic tendon ruptures are discussed. A predisposition to body wall tears within the Standardbred breed is proposed.