Prepubic Tendon Rupture and Uterine Herniation in a Late-Term Kurdish Mare: A Case Report.

Abstract

Prepubic tendon rupture (PPTR) is a rare but life-threatening complication in late-term pregnant mares. It results in abdominal wall failure, ventral oedema and a poor prognosis for both the mare and foetus. A 14-year-old multiparous Kurdish mare at approximately 310 days of gestation presented with acute ventral distension, reluctance to walk and cranial displacement of the udder. Clinical evaluation revealed tachycardia, pallor and Grade 3/4 ventral oedema. Haematology indicated leucocytosis and haemoconcentration. Transabdominal ultrasonography showed a viable foetus and severe thinning of the caudoventral abdominal wall, consistent with complete PPTR. Differential diagnoses such as hydrops and twin pregnancy were excluded. Due to rapid systemic deterioration and extensive abdominal wall failure, both conservative management and surgical intervention were contraindicated. The mare was humanely euthanized. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of PPTR in a Kurdish mare, demonstrating that breed alone does not confer protection. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis using clinical and ultrasonographic monitoring to improve outcomes in mares with this rare but severe condition.