approach to eq abortion and common conditions

What factors should be considered regarding gestation in abortion cases?

The point in gestation and the health status of the mare, including any previous respiratory diseases.

What signs in a mare might suggest equine herpes virus (EHV) or equine viral arteritis (EVA)?

Respiratory and neuro signs for EHV and flu-like symptoms for EVA.

What investigation method can indicate placentitis in a mare?

A clinical exam showing vulval discharge and vaginal palpation revealing discharge or fluid.

What is the first step in managing an aborting mare?

Isolate the aborting mare.

What infectious agent is associated with equine abortion?

Equine herpes virus-1.

How can equine herpes virus be prevented?

Vaccinate at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation, isolate new arrivals, and ensure proper disposal of aborted materials.

What is equine viral arteritis classified as?

Notifiable disease.

What is a non-infectious cause of abortion in mares?

Low progesterone or severe malnutrition.

What are some causes of stillbirth in horses?

Prolonged parturition, umbilical cord obstruction during parturition, premature placental separation.

What are the signs of a ruptured abdominal wall in a mare?

Wide stance, ventral swelling and edema, abdominal pain, recumbency.

What management technique can be used for pre-partum complications like a ruptured abdominal wall?

Induce parturition using prostaglandin or oxytocin.

What are the clinical signs of placentitis in mares?

Vulval discharge, mammary changes, and abortion.

What is a common diagnostic tool for placentitis?

Ultrasound, which shows thickened placenta.

What is the indication for inducing parturition in horses?

Dystocia or previous premature placental separation.

What is a potential complication of inducing parturition?

Dystocia, premature placental separation, or fetal hypoxia.

What is the ideal timing for castration of horses?

Between 9 to 12 months, just before puberty.

What factors influence the method of castration chosen for a horse?

Temperament, size of animal, age of animal.

What type of sedation is used for standing castration?

Alpha-2 agonist and opioid.

What is a common anesthetic used for field general anesthesia (GA) castration?

Ketamine combined with midazolam.

What are the preventive measures to avoid complications during castration?

Using ligatures, performing closed castration to prevent hernias and hydrocoele, and managing open castration to reduce swelling.

How are retained fetal membranes (RFM) treated?

Bandage tail, clean vulva, hold membranes and twist to apply force or use oxytocin.

What is a common treatment for metritis following abortion in horses?

Intra-uterine penicillin and promoting contractions with oxytocin.

What time frame defines retained fetal membranes as a problem?

If they have not delivered within 3 hours post-foaling.

What signs suggest uterine prolapse in a mare?

Uncommon but can include the visible protrusion of the uterus.

How is placentitis associated with the anatomy of the mare?

Ascension of infection due to poor perineal conformation reduces placental efficacy.

What role does progesterone play in pregnancy maintenance?

Low progesterone levels can lead to abortion.

What is the indication for using oxytocin in post-partum management?

To promote uterine contractions and potential expulsion of retained fetal membranes.

What are common signs indicating the need for castration in horses?

Behavioral issues related to stallion-like behavior and prevention of unwanted breeding.

What should be monitored following castration for complications?

Signs of hemorrhage, infection, or extreme swelling.

How should equine infectious anemia be considered in the context of abortion?

As a possible systemic infection leading to abortion.

What implications does multiple conceptuses have on pregnancy?

It can lead to non-infectious abortion.

What can cause umbilical cord obstruction during parturition?

Improper positioning of the fetus.

What does a diagnosis of metritis often follow?

Retained fetal membranes and hypocalcaemia.

What diagnostics may show thickened placenta in a mare?

Ultrasound examination.

What is the treatment for retained fetal membranes if they cannot be easily removed?

Administer oxytocin or intra-uterine antibiotics.

What should be done if a mare shows signs of more serious complications during labor?

Assess and possibly intervene with surgical assistance if necessary.

What type of discharge from the vulva can indicate placentitis?

Vulval discharge associated with inflammation.