CASE REPORT: PLACENTITIS IN A COLOMBIAN CREOLE MARE. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Placentitis is one of the main causes of abortion, premature birth, and the delivery of weak or septic foals in pregnant mares, representing both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It is defined as inflammation of the placenta, usually of infectious origin, that compromises fetal viability. The most common etiological agents are ascending bacteria such as Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This report describes the clinical case of a 7-year-old Colombian Creole mare, approximately 7 months pregnant, referred to the Large Animal Clinic of the University of Amazonia showing signs of acute abdominal pain, recurrent recumbency, sweating, ventral edema, positive digital pulse, and galactorrhea. Clinical and complementary examinations were performed, including a complete blood count (suggestive of anemia) and transrectal ultrasound, which revealed placental thickening consistent with ascending placentitis. Abdominal ultrasound confirmed active fetal movements and a normal fetal heart rate. Treatment included broad-spectrum antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and vasodilators, along with frequent ultrasound monitoring. The mare showed progressive clinical improvement, placental thickness stabilization, and eventually delivered a viable foal at term. This case highlights the importance of including placentitis as a differential diagnosis in pregnant mares with acute abdominal signs. Early diagnosis via ultrasonography and the prompt initiation of appropriate treatment are essential for maintaining pregnancy. The combined therapeutic approach proved effective, and continuous monitoring during the final third of gestation is emphasized to prevent reproductive complications.