PRE – PUBIC DEMORREXY IN EWE SANTA INÊS – CASE REPORT

Abstract

The rupture of the prepubic tendon results in the loss of support of the ventral floor of the animal's abdomen. A pregnant, four-year-old Santa Inês breed was seen, complaining of apathy, progressive weight loss for ten days and prolonged pregnancy. On clinical examination, the abdomen was excessively pendulous, mild ventral edema between the udder and the umbilical scar, reluctance to stand up, udder displaced cranio-ventrally and with wounds, limited mobility, asymmetry of the pelvis, tachycardia and tachypnea. The presence of ketone bodies was detected in urinalysis. The viability of the fetuses was confirmed by ultrasound and the possibility of total rupture of the abdominal muscles was ruled out. Delivery was induced after eight days of hospitalization, with dexamethasone (20mg, IM, single application). Three days after the application of the corticoid, she went into labor, requiring obstetric maneuvers to remove the fetuses, as the sheep did not present abdominal contractions. The patient recovered, but as the clinical picture is compatible with rupture of the prepubic tendon, it was recommended that the animal be removed from reproduction to avoid problems for the sheep and lambs. It is concluded that gestational follow-up is indispensable for animals with this condition and that, through clinical evaluation, the diagnosis of this condition can be reached.