Cervix, Defects of

Cervix, Defects of



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Definition


Cervical defects in mares may be caused by congenital, traumatic, or aging processes and may include malformations, muscle defects (healed cervical lacerations), adhesions, or failure to dilate due to fibrosis.



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex


Mares of any age may present with a cervical problem, but the average age that most mares are diagnosed with cervical defects is approximately 13 years of age; these mares are most often pluriparous.



Genetics and Breed Predisposition


These defects may be seen in any breed, but Thoroughbreds appear to be overrepresented in the literature.



Risk Factors




• Middle-aged (older than 12 years of age), pluriparous mares are predisposed to muscle defects and cervical adhesions.


• Middle-aged (older than 12 years of age), maiden mares, and donor mares that have not carried a foal in 3 or more years are predisposed to a cervix that fails to dilate.


• History of previous foaling (eutocia or dystocia), abortion, stillbirth, or the birthing of foals with congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities


• Rarely, congenital or breeding injuries



Associated Conditions and Disorders


Persistent or chronic endometrial infections, inability to conceive, early embryonic death, ascending placentitis, abortion, failure for the cervix to dilate at time of parturition, septic foals, maladjustment syndrome in neonates



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes




• Cervical muscle defect or healed cervical lacerations


• Cervical adhesion


• Cervical fibrosis


• Cervical malformation



History, Chief Complaint


Mares with cervical defects are generally middle-aged, pluriparous mares that have been diagnosed with chronic, persistent endometrial infections and the inability to conceive and carry a foal to term.



Physical Exam Findings




• The physical examination results are often normal. Transrectal palpation and ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract may reveal evidence of uterine fluid and edema associated with an inflammatory response but may be normal.


• Digital examination of the cervix is necessary to assess for muscle defects in the external os, cervical body, or internal os of the cervix as well as intraluminal or extraluminal adhesions or cervical fibrosis.

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Cervix, Defects of

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