RESUMEN
A newborn Thoroughbred filly presented with a large mass located on the ventro-rostral aspect of the mandible. The mass was surgically removed under general anaesthesia. Upon gross examination, the mass was well circumscribed with a heterogeneous lobulated appearance. The results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with a diagnosis of congenital fetal rhabdomyoma. On follow-up at six months post-surgical excision, no abnormalities were noted on clinical examination.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Caballos , Rabdomioma , Rabdomioma/veterinaria , Rabdomioma/cirugía , Rabdomioma/diagnóstico , Rabdomioma/patología , Rabdomioma/diagnóstico por imagen , Animales , Enfermedades de los Caballos/cirugía , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Caballos/patología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Caballos , Femenino , Animales Recién NacidosRESUMEN
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) can have profound and potentially life-threatening consequences on horses' health and performance capability. While CHDs are rare in the general horse population, the Arabian breed is disproportionately overrepresented and thus is widely suspected to be genetically predisposed. This review discusses the most common CHDs in Arabian horses, including ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), patent duct arteriosus (PDA), tricuspid valve atresia (TVA) and atrial septal defect (ASD). This review also explores how future research into the genetic factors that likely underpin many CHDs can revolutionise the way these disorders are managed in Arabian horses.
Asunto(s)
Pruebas Genéticas , Cardiopatías Congénitas , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Caballos , Animales , Enfermedades de los Caballos/genética , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Cardiopatías Congénitas/veterinaria , Cardiopatías Congénitas/genética , Cardiopatías Congénitas/diagnóstico , Pruebas Genéticas/veterinaria , Predisposición Genética a la EnfermedadRESUMEN
Uroperitoneum is a typical disease in newborn foals. An accumulation of urine develops in the abdominal cavity in consequence to a congenital or acquired leakage in the urinary tract. Colts are more frequently affected than fillies. The most common cause of uroperitoneum is a rupture of the dorsal urinary bladder wall. The urinary bladder is affected in 73.1â %, the urachus in 21.6â % and the ureter in 5.2â % of cases. Typical clinical signs occur 2-5â¯days postpartum, and encompass reduced general condition, abdominal distention, mild colic symptoms and unphysiologic micturition. Ultrasound examination in conjunction with abdominocentesis is considered as the gold standard of diagnostics. Typical laboratory findings are azotemia, metabolic acidosis as well as electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia, hyponatriemia and hypochloridemia. Surgical treatment is the only reasonable therapy. Preoperative metabolic disorders and electrolyte abnormalities should be corrected prior to surgery. Especially hyperkalemia leads to a high potential for complications during general anesthesia. Following effective perioperative stabilization, the presence of a defect in the bladder wall or the urachus carries a good prognosis. In total, 63.6â % of the affected foals are healed. Most common complication is a recurrence of uroperitoneum caused by disruption of the suture line or an incomplete closure of the defect.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Enfermedades de los Caballos/etiología , Enfermedades Peritoneales/veterinaria , Vejiga Urinaria/lesiones , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico por imagen , Caballos , Masculino , Enfermedades Peritoneales/congénito , Enfermedades Peritoneales/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades Peritoneales/etiología , Rotura/veterinaria , Factores Sexuales , Uraco/lesiones , Uraco/patología , Uréter/lesiones , Uréter/patología , Vejiga Urinaria/patologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To describe a drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis and report the outcome of treated foals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eleven thoroughbred foals. METHODS: While horses were under general anesthesia, the lateral aspect of the distal metacarpal physis was approached through a single small incision by using a power drill. The drill bit was placed at the level of the physis under radiographic guidance. A 4.5-mm drill bit was passed several times through the lateral growth plate to remove the cartilage in a fan-like pattern. Postoperative outcomes consisted of clinical assessment and farm manager/owner satisfaction. Cosmetics and radiographic appearance of the surgical site were assessed when the horses were yearlings. RESULTS: The procedure was performed in 16 limbs of 11 thoroughbred foals with a median age of 113.5 days (range, 90-129). Median age at postoperative follow-up was 422 days (range, 366 to 452). The procedure stopped the progression of a metacarpophalangeal varus deformity in all the limbs treated, determined by visual clinical evaluation and farm manager's satisfaction with subjectively excellent radiographic images and cosmetic outcomes at yearling age. CONCLUSION: Physis ablation was consistently achieved in these 11 foals with developing growth deformities of the distal metacarpus. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This drilling technique may offer a minimally invasive, safe, and simple technique to manage distal limb conformation in foals without placement of implants. Additional quantitative data are required to assess its effectiveness relative to other options.
Asunto(s)
Artrodesis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Metacarpo/anomalías , Animales , Artrodesis/métodos , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/cirugía , Caballos , Masculino , Huesos del Metacarpo/cirugía , Metacarpo/cirugía , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of equine cryptorchidism, is detectable in intact and cryptorchid stallions but not in geldings because it is secreted from Sertoli cells. A 4-year-old uncastrated Thoroughbred racehorse had no visible testes; therefore, the horse was considered a bilateral cryptorchidism. However, the serum AMH was undetectable (<0.08 ng/ml). Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) stimulating test result indicated that the horse was a gelding. The results of sex chromosomal analysis and sequence analysis of SRY gene suggested that the horse was a genetically-intact stallion (X/Y). Only one small degenerative testis was present in the abdominal cavity. The reasons of undetectable serum AMH levels and negative response to hCG stimulation might be low numbers of Sertoli and Leydig cells. This study reports a case of serum AMH-undetectable cryptorchid stallion.
Asunto(s)
Hormona Antimülleriana/sangre , Criptorquidismo/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Animales , Gonadotropina Coriónica/administración & dosificación , Genes sry , Enfermedades de los Caballos/genética , Caballos , Masculino , Cromosomas SexualesRESUMEN
Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a small proportion of horses undergoing clinical evaluation; however, both simple and complex defects occur during cardiac development leading to many unique malformations. This article reviews cardiac development and the fetal circulation, describes the morphologic method and the sequential segmental approach to CHD analysis, presents a summary of CHD in horses, and offers an overview of lesions that should be considered during evaluation of horses suspected to have CHD. For many forms of equine CHD, therapies are limited because cardiac interventions and cardiac surgery are not routinely pursued in this species.
Asunto(s)
Cardiopatías Congénitas/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Animales , Cardiopatías Congénitas/patología , Defectos del Tabique Interventricular/patología , Defectos del Tabique Interventricular/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/patología , CaballosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Umbilical remnant infection and patent urachus are an important cause of morbidity for the equine neonate. Left untreated, fatal complications can develop. Identifying risk factors for post-operative complications after surgery are important for estimating prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors associated with post-operative complications in foals undergoing umbilical remnant resection due to patent and/or infected umbilical remnants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Foals undergoing umbilical remnant resection due to patent urachus or infected remnants at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center from 2004 to 2016 were included in the study. Data were obtained from medical records and associations between outcomes and post-operative complications, and pre or intraoperative clinical variables were assessed using bivariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Eighty-two foals underwent umbilical remnant resection of which 73 (89.0%) survived to discharge. The urachus was the most commonly affected structure being patent and/or infected in 84.1% of cases. Concurrent diseases were present in 60.6% of foals prior to surgery, with diarrhoea and septic arthritis being most common. The presence of preoperative septic arthritis and/or physitis were significantly associated with nonsurvival (OR 33; 95% confidence interval 1.1-985.2; P = 0.04). Longer anaesthesia time (OR 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.7; P = 0.02) and failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins (OR 5.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2-29.04; P = 0.03) were associated with increased odds for post-operative complications. MAIN LIMITATIONS: It is not known if medical treatment alone would have been successful in foals that did not receive preoperative medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Overall survival is high after surgical excision of umbilical remnants. The presence of preoperative septic arthritis and/or physitis was associated with decreased survival and failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins and longer anaesthesia times were associated with increased odds for post-operative complications.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/veterinaria , Ombligo/cirugía , Uraco/anomalías , Animales , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/cirugía , Caballos , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Resultado del Tratamiento , Uraco/cirugíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To describe a symphyseal osteotomy stabilised with two short locking compression plates (LCPs) for treatment of class 2 malocclusions. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Five horses (age range 8 months to 5¾ years) with overjets and/or overbites ranging from 6 to 32 mm and from 0 to 60 mm, respectively, were treated by osteotomy through the caudal third of the mandibular symphysis, cranial to the interdental space. After cranial distraction and ventral rotation of the rostral part of the mandible, two short (5/6 hole), bent 3.5 mm LCPs were applied ventro-laterally and secured with two or three locking screws on each side of the osteotomy. In one case, the osteotomy gap was filled with bone marrow. RESULTS: Final outcome was good to excellent. Two cases needed a second corrective surgery, one because of non-occlusion of the cheek teeth and another because of abaxial deviation of the rostral portion of the mandible. In three cases with a persistent fistula, LCPs were removed after bridging; drainage resolved and wounds healed. The time to bridging of the osteotomy gap ranged from 2 to 6.5 months. The procedure is technically challenging. It is important that the incisors are well aligned, which proved to be difficult when there was an abnormal maxillary incisor arcade. Incisors should not make contact when LCPs are fixed. The cheek teeth, however, should have good occlusion after positioning and fixation of the LCPs. Endodontic treatment of open incisor pulp cavities may be helpful. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The study population was small and relatively heterogeneous in severity. A larger population with more severe cases might have allowed for a more definitive assessment of the value of the technique for clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: This technique can be used to achieve a good correction for class 2 malocclusions. The approach provides adequate stability with smaller implants than other published techniques that require transection of both rami. The technique is less invasive and preserves the roots of the incisors and cheek teeth, as well as the mandibular canal.
Asunto(s)
Placas Óseas/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Osteotomía/veterinaria , Sobremordida/veterinaria , Animales , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/cirugía , Caballos , Masculino , Osteotomía/instrumentación , Osteotomía/métodos , Sobremordida/terapiaRESUMEN
CASE REPORT: We describe the radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings associated with a case of bilateral forelimb bipartite navicular disease in a 7-year-old Warmblood gelding used for eventing. In addition to the radiographically evident partitioned navicular bones, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also detected other concurrent abnormalities occurring within the foot that have not been described before in other cases of navicular bone partition. MRI not only revealed soft tissue lesions of the podotrochlear apparatus, but also allowed for more detailed characterisation of the recently diagnosed osseous navicular bone pathology. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of these additional changes influenced prognostication in this case and provides an explanation for why this condition usually results in such a poor prognosis for the return to previous levels of performance in athletic patients.
Asunto(s)
Deformidades Congénitas del Pie/veterinaria , Enfermedades del Pie/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Animales , Deformidades Congénitas del Pie/complicaciones , Deformidades Congénitas del Pie/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades del Pie/congénito , Enfermedades del Pie/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico por imagen , Caballos , Cojera Animal/diagnóstico por imagen , Cojera Animal/etiología , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/veterinaria , Masculino , Nueva Gales del Sur , Pronóstico , Deportes , Huesos Tarsianos/anomalíasRESUMEN
A 1-month-old Purebred Spanish Horse (PSH) foal presented with progressive hepatic failure culminating in death. Hepatic lesions were consistent with congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF). Genetic studies in the PKHD1 gene in the affected foal revealed that it was heterozygous for the 2 previously described single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to CHF in Swiss Franches-Montagnes (SFM) horses. In addition, 2 novel mutations were detected, the foal being homozygous for one of them and heterozygous for the other. Genetic studies in a healthy PSH population ( n = 35) showed a 3-fold higher genotypic frequency for PKHD1 SNP g.49,630,834G>A and a 5-fold higher genotypic frequency for PKHD1 SNP g.49,597,760A>T compared with those reported for SFM horses. SNPs in the PKHD1 gene in CHF-affected SFM horses might not fully explain the CHF observed in the PSH. Other mutations in the PKHD1 gene could play a more important role in the PSH.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Genéticas Congénitas/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Cirrosis Hepática/veterinaria , Receptores de Superficie Celular/metabolismo , Animales , Resultado Fatal , Enfermedades Genéticas Congénitas/genética , Enfermedades Genéticas Congénitas/patología , Genotipo , Enfermedades de los Caballos/genética , Enfermedades de los Caballos/patología , Caballos , Hígado/patología , Cirrosis Hepática/congénito , Cirrosis Hepática/genética , Cirrosis Hepática/patología , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Receptores de Superficie Celular/genéticaRESUMEN
Flexural deformities in young horses are commonly referred to as contracted tendons, which is a term that is not consistent with what is currently understood about their cause. Flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop at a later stage of growth typically between 1 and 6 months of age). These 2 manifestations are commonly managed differently depending on the cause, age of onset, severity, duration, complicating factors, and owner expectations. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are essential to ensure that it is not performance limiting.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Enfermedades de los Caballos/etiología , Deformidades Adquiridas de la Articulación/veterinaria , Deformidades Congénitas de las Extremidades/veterinaria , Articulación del Dedo del Pie/anomalías , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Caballos/terapia , Caballos , Deformidades Adquiridas de la Articulación/diagnóstico , Deformidades Adquiridas de la Articulación/terapia , Deformidades Congénitas de las Extremidades/diagnóstico , Deformidades Congénitas de las Extremidades/terapiaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The syndrome Multiple Congenital Ocular Anomalies (MCOA) is a congenital eye disorder in horses. Both the MCOA syndrome and the Silver coat colour in horses are caused by the same missense mutation in the premelanosome protein (PMEL) gene. Horses homozygous for the Silver mutation (TT) are affected by multiple ocular defects causing visual impairment or blindness. Horses heterozygous for the Silver mutation (CT) have less severe clinical signs, usually cysts arising from the ciliary body iris or retina temporally. It is still unknown if the vision is impaired in horses heterozygous for the Silver mutation. A recent study reported that Comtois horses carrying the Silver mutation had significantly deeper anterior chambers of the eye compared to wild-type horses. This could potentially cause refractive errors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if Icelandic horses with the Silver mutation have refractive errors compared to wild-type horses. One hundred and fifty-two Icelandic horses were included in the study, 71 CT horses and five TT horses. All horses were genotyped for the missense mutation in PMEL. Each CT and TT horse was matched by a wild-type (CC) horse of the same age ± 1 year. Skiascopy and a brief ophthalmic examination were performed in all horses. Association between refraction and age, eye, genotype and sex was tested by linear mixed-effect model analysis. TT horses with controls were not included in the statistical analyses as they were too few. RESULTS: The interaction between age and genotype had a significant impact on the refractive state (P = 0.0001). CT horses older than 16 years were on average more myopic than wild-type horses of the same age. No difference in the refractive state could be observed between genotypes (CT and CC) in horses younger than 16 years. TT horses were myopic (-2 D or more) in one or both eyes regardless of age. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that an elderly Icelandic horse (older than 16 years) carrying the Silver mutation is more likely to be myopic than a wild-type horse of the same age.
Asunto(s)
Oftalmopatías/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Mutación Missense , Refracción Ocular/genética , Animales , Oftalmopatías/congénito , Oftalmopatías/genética , Femenino , Color del Cabello/genética , Heterocigoto , Homocigoto , Enfermedades de los Caballos/genética , Caballos , Masculino , Fenotipo , SíndromeRESUMEN
CASE REPORT: A newborn foal was referred for evaluation because it had not passed meconium, despite the administration of four enemas. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound scans showed generalised gaseous distension of the intestine and there was no observable meconium in the colon. Positive contrast colography showed contrast medium extending to the transverse colon. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the absence of the left and right dorsal colon and the pelvic and diaphragmatic flexures. An end-to-side anastomosis of the left ventral colon to the midpoint of the small colon was performed. The foal recovered from anaesthesia and surgery uneventfully and immediately began suckling from the mare, with no signs of abdominal pain in the postoperative period. The foal began to pass soft faeces 3 days after surgery and at 6 months after surgery the foal was clinically normal and growing at a similar rate to its cohort. CONCLUSION: Intestinal atresia is a rare condition in foals, but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in foals that fail to pass meconium. Early recognition and surgical intervention can offer an improved chance of short-term survival in cases where there is adequate intestine to anastomose. An end-to-side anastomosis technique can be used where an end-to-end technique is not practical because of the difference in diameter of the proximal and distal intestinal segments.
Asunto(s)
Colon/anomalías , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Atresia Intestinal/veterinaria , Anastomosis Quirúrgica/veterinaria , Animales , Colon/cirugía , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades de los Caballos/cirugía , Caballos , Atresia Intestinal/diagnóstico por imagen , Atresia Intestinal/cirugía , Masculino , Meconio , Nueva Gales del Sur , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Early recognition and treatment of congenital and acquired flexural deformities of the carpi and fetlocks of foals can lead to conformation correction and an athletic future. Treatment is often based on rigid external coaptation assisted by systemic medical treatment. Foals that readily respond to treatment and correct conformation faults can have normal adult athletic expectations.
Asunto(s)
Carpo Animal/anomalías , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Enfermedades de los Caballos/etiología , Deformidades Adquiridas de la Articulación/veterinaria , Deformidades Congénitas de las Extremidades/veterinaria , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Caballos/terapia , Caballos , Deformidades Adquiridas de la Articulación/diagnóstico , Deformidades Adquiridas de la Articulación/terapia , Deformidades Congénitas de las Extremidades/diagnóstico , Deformidades Congénitas de las Extremidades/terapiaRESUMEN
Incomplete ossification of the cuboidal bones is a common finding in premature and dysmature foals, and possibly in foals with hypothyroidism. Radiographs of the carpus and tarsus should be performed in any high-risk foal to obtain a diagnosis. Goals of treatment include limiting weight bearing and exercise. The prognosis is guarded depending on the degree of incomplete ossification.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/veterinaria , Embarazo Prolongado/veterinaria , Nacimiento Prematuro/veterinaria , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades de los Caballos/terapia , Caballos , Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/congénito , Enfermedades Musculoesqueléticas/terapia , Osteogénesis , Embarazo , Embarazo Prolongado/fisiopatología , Nacimiento Prematuro/fisiopatología , Pronóstico , Radiografía/veterinaria , Huesos Tarsianos/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
Two cases of an innate hyperplastic goiter in foals as well as the sonographic evaluation of the hyperplastic gland are presented. One foal displayed skeletal deformities in the form of a mandibular prognathism and forelimb contractures in addition to the swollen thyroid gland. Because of a poor prognosis, the animal was euthanized. The second foal was premature and displayed respiratory signs. Under symptomatic therapy, the goiter regressed within a few weeks.
Asunto(s)
Bocio/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Bocio/congénito , CaballosRESUMEN
This case report describes the pathological findings of multiple congenital cardiac defects in a 2-year-old female Shetland pony with clinical signs of chronic respiratory distress. Persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) type IV, interventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary trunk agenesis, pulmonary arteries arising from the descending aorta, and compensatory right ventricular hypertrophy were observed.
Asunto(s)
Anomalías Cardiovasculares/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Animales , Anomalías Cardiovasculares/patología , Resultado Fatal , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/patología , CaballosRESUMEN
A 2-day-old Quarter Horse colt was presented to the Atlantic Veterinary College for recumbency and diarrhea. Dietary history of the dam, serum biochemistry findings, and whole blood selenium levels were consistent with nutritional myodegeneration. The patient was treated successfully with fluid therapy and broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with a favorable prognosis.
Myodégénérescence nutritionnelle congénitale chez un poulain néonatal. Un poulain Quarter Horse âgé de deux jours a été présenté à l'Atlantic Veterinary College pour un décubitus et de la diarrhée. L'anamnèse nutritionnelle de la mère, les résultats de la biochimie sérique et les taux de sélénium dans le sang total étaient conformes à la myodégénérescence nutritionnelle. Le patient a été traité avec succès à l'aide d'une fluidothérapie et d'antimicrobiens à large spectre. Le rétablissement a été sans incident et le patient a reçu son congé avec un pronostic favorable.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Enfermedades Musculares/veterinaria , Trastornos Nutricionales/veterinaria , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Enfermedades de los Caballos/sangre , Caballos , Masculino , Enfermedades Musculares/sangre , Enfermedades Musculares/congénito , Trastornos Nutricionales/sangre , Trastornos Nutricionales/congénito , Selenio/sangre , Selenio/deficienciaRESUMEN
An Oldenburg colt with wry nose was autopsied after having lived for only 30 min. It presented cyanotic oral mucosae, underdeveloped eyes and a right-sided temporal osseous mass. The applicable nomenclature for the defects is discussed, and the potential etiopathogenesis is explored by describing the normal embryonic development of the affected body parts.
Asunto(s)
Cabeza/anomalías , Enfermedades de los Caballos/congénito , Microftalmía/veterinaria , Enfermedades Nasales/veterinaria , Odontoma/veterinaria , Animales , Caballos , Masculino , Microftalmía/patología , Enfermedades Nasales/congénito , Odontoma/clasificación , Odontoma/congénitoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In veterinary medicine congenital abnormalities of the diaphragm and pericardium are rare, idiopathic malformations, being reported mainly in dogs. This report documents an unusual case of developmental defects in a foal consisting of diaphragmatic hernia concurrent with pericardial aplasia. CASE PRESENTATION: Following a normal delivery, a full term, female Friesian stillborn foal with the placenta was presented for necropsy. External morphological examination indicated a normally developed foal. At necropsy, a large oval defect (approximately 20 × 15 cm in size) was observed in the left-dorsal side of the diaphragm (left lumbocostal triangle). This defect allowed the intestinal loops, spleen and partially the liver to translocate into the thorax. The loops of the left ascending colon, including the pelvic flexure and partially the small intestine covered the cranial and dorsal posterior parts of the heart due to the complete absence of the left pericardium. The remaining pericardium presented as a white, semi-transparent strip, partially covering the right side of the heart. The left lung and the main bronchus were severely hypoplastic to approximately one-fifth the size of their right homologue. The intermediate part of the liver, containing mainly the enlarged quadrate lobe was translocated in the thorax, severely enlarged and showed marked fibrosis. Histologically in the herniated lobes we diagnosed hepatic chronic passive congestion, telangiectasia and medial hypertrophy of blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Concomitant malformation involving diaphragmatic hernia and pericardial aplasia in horses have not been previously reported. Moreover, this is the first case describing pericardial aplasia in horse.