Survival and fertility of Thoroughbred broodmares with uterine tears treated surgically: 76 cases (2000-2023).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, short- and long-term outcomes, and subsequent fertility of Thoroughbred broodmares undergoing surgical repair of periparturient uterine tears. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted with medical records from a single tertiary referral equine hospital (2000 to 2023). Thoroughbred broodmares with confirmed periparturient uterine tears that underwent surgical repair were included; mares euthanized prior to surgery or intraoperatively or that had incomplete medical records were excluded. Data collected included signalment, clinical and clinicopathologic findings at presentation, surgical management, postoperative complications, survival to hospital discharge, long-term survival (> 1 year), and reproductive outcomes. Fertility data were obtained from The Jockey Club Information System via mare produce records. RESULTS: Uterine tears were confirmed and surgically repaired in all broodmares. Short-term survival to discharge was 66 of 76 (86.8%). Long-term outcome data were available for 64 of 66 mares that survived to discharge and 60 of 74 (81%) that survived > 1 year. Of 31 broodmares that were rebred during the same year as the uterine tear, 27 (87%) conceived and 23 (74%) produced a live foal the following year. CONCLUSIONS: Surgically repaired periparturient uterine tears in Thoroughbred broodmares were associated with high short- and long-term survival. Among mares selected for breeding, reproductive outcomes were favorable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prompt surgical repair of periparturient uterine tears can result in favorable survival and preservation of future fertility in Thoroughbred broodmares.