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Ectopic pregnancy through a caesarean scar in a ewe
C Brozos1, I Karagiannis, E Kiossis
1a Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Aristotle University , 546 27 Thessaloniki , Greece.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|June 18, 2013
Summary
This case report details the first instance of an ectopic pregnancy occurring through a caesarean scar in a ewe. Surgical intervention successfully removed the ectopic fetus, allowing the intrauterine pregnancy to continue to term, resulting in a healthy lamb.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Reproductive Medicine in Livestock
- Sheep Obstetrics
Background:
- Ectopic pregnancies, while documented in ewes, are rare.
- Previous uterine surgeries, such as caesarean sections, can present unique risks for subsequent pregnancies.
- This case involves a 3-year-old ewe with a history of caesarean section due to dystocia.
Observation:
- Ultrasonography revealed a normal intrauterine embryo alongside an abnormal abdominal mass.
- The abdominal mass, measuring 12 cm × 8 cm, contained an echogenic embryo-like structure.
- Exploratory laparotomy confirmed an ectopic pregnancy originating from the caesarean scar.
Findings:
- The ectopic pregnancy was located outside the uterine cavity, specifically through the caesarean scar.
- Surgical excision of the ectopic fetus and repair of the caesarean scar were performed.
- The ewe recovered fully, and the intrauterine pregnancy proceeded to a healthy term delivery.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of an ectopic pregnancy through a caesarean scar in sheep or any other farm animal.
- Highlights the importance of considering scar integrity in ewes with a history of uterine surgery.
- Demonstrates the successful management of a rare ectopic pregnancy complication in sheep, preserving the intrauterine pregnancy.
