Primary gastric rupture in an adult female West African Dongola horse in Nigeria: A case report

Abstract

Gastric rupture is a highly fatal condition in horses. There is no report of primary gastric rupture in Nigeria. This case report presents an adult female West African Dongola horse in the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, that died as a result of primary gastric rupture. The patient was found dead in the early hours of the day. Post-mortem analysis revealed abdominal distention; a congested and non-collapsed left lung; an enlarged heart with ecchymotic haemorrhages on the epicardium; ingesta (grain) in the abdominal cavity, including the peritoneal wall and serosal surface of the gastrointestinal viscera; a seromuscular and mucosal tear along the greater curvature of the stomach; and a distended and flabby stomach with a rupture site 25cm long. There was also haemorrhage along the rupture margins. A diagnosis of primary gastric rupture due to grain overload was made. Proper monitoring and nutritional management are essential measures to prevent gastric rupture due to grain overload.