Contracted foal syndrome associated with multiple malformations in two foals
D Binanti1, D D Zani, D De Zani
1Reparto di Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale Veterinario Universitario, Universitá degli studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia
|February 15, 2013
Summary
Congenital anomalies in horses, like contracted foal syndrome, are rare. This report details multiple skeletal and organ malformations in two foals, possibly linked to insecticide exposure during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Equine Medicine
- Teratology
Background:
- Congenital anomalies in horses are infrequent, with contracted foal syndrome being a common presentation.
- Contracted foal syndrome involves limb joint contractures and can include vertebral and cranial deformities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the radiological and necroscopical findings of multiple rare congenital malformations in two foals.
- To investigate potential contributing factors to these complex equine birth defects.
Main Methods:
- Radiological examination of affected foals.
- Necropsy and detailed pathological examination of foals.
- Review of mare's history, including potential environmental exposures.
Main Results:
- Both foals exhibited severe skeletal abnormalities and abdominal cavity fenestration.
- Additional findings included interventricular septal defect in one foal and unilateral hydronephrosis/hydroureter in the other.
- No definitive etiology was identified, but insecticide treatment during the second month of gestation was noted.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a rare case of multiple congenital malformations in foals, highlighting the complexity of equine teratology.
- While a direct causal link is unproven, insecticide exposure during early pregnancy warrants consideration as a potential teratogenic factor.
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