Near-term extrauterine pregnancy secondary to uterine rupture in a mare

Uterine rupture is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of equine reproduction, typically associated with dystocia, uterine torsion, fetal manipulation, or hydrops. Tears may occur in either the uterine horns or body, although involvement of the ventral uterine body is rare. This case report describes an 11-year-old Arabian mare at 350 days of gestation that developed abdominal pregnancy secondary to uterine torsion and full thickness ventral uterine rupture, resulting in fetal death and the free presence of the fetus within the peritoneal cavity. Surgical removal of the fetus and primary repair of the uterine tear via ventral midline laparotomy were successfully performed, with concurrent management of abdominal adhesions. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and timely surgical intervention to prevent secondary colic and preserve future reproductive potential in mares affected by pre-partum uterine rupture.