Equine Uterine Tear Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Uterine tears are among the most serious periparturient emergencies in broodmares, representing one of the leading causes of postpartum peritonitis and mare mortality. Understanding the recognition, diagnosis, and management of uterine tears is essential for NAVLE success and clinical practice.

Among postpartum deaths in mares, uterine tears account for approximately 6% of mortality, making them the third most common cause of death after ruptured uterine artery (40%) and cecal perforation (19%). In referral populations, uterine tears are diagnosed in approximately 5.5% of postpartum emergency cases.

Anatomy Review

Mare Uterine Anatomy

The equine uterus is bipartite and T-shaped, consisting of two uterine horns (approximately 20-25 cm each) that fuse into a relatively large uterine body (18-20 cm). The uterus is suspended within the abdominal cavity by the broad ligaments (mesometrium), which attach to the dorsal aspect of the uterus. This dorsal attachment means the free (unattached) surface of the uterus is ventral.