Congenital hydrocephalus in a stillborn Haflinger foal

Abstract

A 14-year, multiparous Haflinger mare, apparently fullterm (unknown breeding or ovulation date), was presented for dystocia. Mare was transvaginally palpated at the farm by the referring veterinarian; foal was in craniolongitudinal presentation, dorsosacral position with extended forelimbs in the vaginal vault and head just cranial to cervix, and a cranial abnormality of the foal prevented assisted vaginal delivery. Mare was referred. Foal was not alive at presentation and was undeliverable with assistance because of congenital hydrocephalus. Anesthetized mare was placed in Trendelenburg position, controlled vaginal delivery was elected and foal was removed via fetotomy. Mare was negative for β1, 3- N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (B3GALNT2) nonsense mutation (reported to be responsible for hydrocephalus). Dystocia in a Haflinger mare because of hydrocephalus is reported for the first time.