Tseliou A. DVM, Postgraduate Student, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki | Toutoudaki Z. DVM, Postgraduate Student, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki | Zambouli D.Ε. DVM, PhD Associate professor, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki | Kiosis E. DVM, PhD, Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki | Diakakis N. DVM, PhD, Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, A.U.Th., Thessaloniki
Introduction
The aim of this study was to present a case of perineal laceration after labor.
Clinical case
A 5-year-old mare was presented for perineal laceration and communication between the rectum and vagina resulting in the constant presence of fecal material in the vagina. Surgical treatment was undertaken in two stages: i) the construction of a shelf between the rectum and vagina, ii) the reconstruction of the perineal body.
Results
Following surgery, there was complete resolution of clinical signs. The mare returned to its previous level of athletic activity three months postoperatively.
Conclusions
The injury is predominantly seen in primiparous mares and is usually due to violent expulsive efforts by the mare in combination with some degree of malposition of the fetus or extraction before full dilation of the birth canal. A two-stage repair significantly decreased the frequency of would dehiscence.
