Prepubic tendon rupture in Santa Inês ewe – case report

Abstract

Prepubic tendon rupture may lead to the loss of pelvic floor support. A four-year-old Santa Inês ewe had been reported suffering from apathy, progressive weight loss throughout ten days, and prolonged pregnancy. Physical exams showed an excessive pendulous abdomen, a mild ventral edema between the udder and the umbilical scar (xiphoid region). Also, the udder was cranially displaced and with hematomas. Other symptoms noticed were walking reluctance, pelvic asymmetry, tachycardia, and tachypnea. The urinalysis findings indicated the presence of ketone bodies. The ultrasound examination confirmed the presence of fetuses with normal development, and a potential rupture of the abdominal muscles was excluded. Eight days following its hospitalization, labor induction was carried out using dexamethasone (20mg, IM, single application). She went into labor three days after the initial dose of corticosteroid. The ewe had difficulty expelling the lambs, making their traction necessary. Although the animal has recovered from its injuries, the clinical picture shows prepubic tendon rupture, and in order to prevent future complications, the ewe is not going to breed anymore. The report of this case works as an alert to the possibility of the occurrence of this affection in ewes and demonstrates the need of parturition assistance in animals with this condition, which can be diagnosed through clinical evaluation and ultrasound examination.