By Dr Belinda Black BSc BVMS DVSc DACVS
Pyometra is a disease process where an infection occurs in the uterus and pus begins to accumulate. Some times they are open and the pus can drain out of the uterus. But some times they are closed and the uterus begins to fill up like a balloon which becomes painful and eventually life threatening if undiagnosed and untreated. Pyometra is common in entire female dogs but fortunately not common in horses.
Sahara, a Chestnut 6-year-old Miniature Horse was presented to us suffering from intermittent colic over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Her colic episodes were getting worse so Sahara’s Owner brought her to Murray Vets for assessment. We performed a physical exam, ultrasound and rectal exam and found a huge pus filled uterus (pyometra). Not exactly what you expect on a colic exam!
Pyometra is not common in horses but can usually be treated or at least managed easily. Often the cervix can be opened (if it isn’t already) and the fluid can drain passively, but Sahara had no discharge. A reproductive examination was performed to see if we could open her cervix, but it couldn’t be found! Severe tissue trauma from a difficult birth last year has caused the tissue to heal over and completely conceal the cervix. There was no way through! Multiple attempts were made to locate the opening through the scar tissue but to no avail. The only way to remove the pus was to remove the whole uterus, pus and all. Hysterectomy is a rare procedure to perform on a horse but it was Sahara’s only chance of survival.
Sahara was in surgery for multiple hours but we eventually emerged triumphant! Her uterus and the litres of pus it contained was out, however, Sahara still had a long road ahead of her. She was closely managed in hospital for a week with abdominal drains, antibiotics, pain relief, blood tests and bandaging before going home on a long dose of antibiotics.
Sahara had her ups and downs in the months following surgery, during which time she had multiple revisits, lab tests and ultrasounds. Sahara also had some colic episodes while the scar tissue was healing but this has now settled.
Our most recent chat with Sahara’s Mum revealed she is gaining weight, eating well and hoons around with her other horsey friends. Sounds like she’s on the mend!
We love a happy outcome and I’m sure you do to; so remember to have an equine veterinarian examine your mare within a day or two post-foaling to ensure any adhesions are managed appropriately to help prevent this problem, and don’t assume all colic is sand related.
A huge thanks to Sahara’s Mum, Tracey, for allowing us to share her incredible story.
