27: non infectious pregnancy loss Flashcards

1
Q

what is early embryonic mortality?

A

loss of conceptus prior to maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what assumption regarding the mare’s fertility usually follows early embryonic mortality?

exception?

A

assumption is sub fertility / infertility

except: mares

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

t/f

after early embryonic mortality, a FM will have regular return to estrus

A

true

NO MRP occurred so cycles continue as normal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what does the term early embryonic death imply?

A

embryonic losses that occur prior to time of abortion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

late embryonic mortality is defined as what?

A

embryonic loss btwn MRP and completion of organogenesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

how does late embryonic mortality affect FM return to cycling?

A

pseudo pregnancy occurs b/c MRP has occurred

irregular return to estrus occurs as a result

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what is a resorption?

what is dispelled from the FM?

A

embryonic (or early fetal) tissues break down and components are dispersed

“flimsy” parts of embryo can be absorbed thru endometrium after embryonic loss

FM may have discharge (this is often inapparent) but no discernible conceptus is expelled

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what is mummification?

A

death of 1 or more fetuses in the absence of ascending bacT infection

fetuses and placentas become dessicated via absorption of fetal fluids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

when mummification occurs, what is usually occurring in FM repro tract during this time?

A

CL present (pseudopregnancy occurs)

cervix NOT dilated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

mummification MC occurs in which species?

A

cattle
swine
Pygmy goats

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

t/f

PgF2a can be given to cows to resolve cases of mummification

A

false - some require surgical removal, especially if cow is valuable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what is maceration?

A

occurs w death of fetus in the presence of bacT infection

macerated fetus may, rarely, be retained w/in uterus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

what occurs in FM repro tract when maceration occurs?

A

luteolysis eventually -> cervical dilation -> additional colonization of fetal tissues by ascending organisms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

what species MC experiences maceration?

A

cattle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

what is an abortion?

A

expulsion or delivery of a fetus, live or dead, that is incapable of life outside of the uterus due to pre maturity

it is NONVIABLE

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

when does an embryo become a fetus?

A

once differentiation / organogenesis is complete?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

what is late term abortion?

A

abortion occurring in late gestation or near to term

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

what is still birth?

A

offspring born dead or found deceased shortly after birth at term

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

what is MC reason for still births?

A

severe hypoxia during parturition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

what makes a fetus viable or non viable?

A

its ability to live outside the FM

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

at what point can you determine that a fetus is viable?

A

you cannot - you can say that it is alive but you cannot say it is viable until it shows that it is viable once it is born

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

what are some non infectious mechanisms of pregnancy loss?

A
  • genetic abnormalities of embryo / fetus
  • physiologic stress, including systemic (non repro) illness
  • toxins
  • placental insufficiency
  • endocrine abnormalities
  • iatrogenic through administration of abortifacient pharmaceutical cocktail -> intentional or inadvertent
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

why is the embryonic period relatively tenuous in the mare, especially during her first 35 days of pregnancy?

A

preg maintenance dep on CL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

what is the embryonic mortality rate in the mare?

due to what problems most commonly?

A

2.5-25%

intrinsic reproductive, extrinsic, embryonic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

what are the intrinsic causes to embryonic mortality loss in the mare?

A

foal heat breeding
endometrial degeneration
progesterone deficiency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

how common is progesterone deficiency in the mare, leading to embryonic mortality in the mare?

A

rare

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

what is intrinsic embryonic mortality loss in the mare due to (d/t) foal heat breeding issues caused by?
when can it occur relative to MRP?

A

some loss is to be expected

d/t incomplete involution, residual inflammation when embryo arrives in uterus 5 d post fertilization

loss may occur before or after MRP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

what is the condition of endometrial degeneration in the mare?

A

poor histotroph production - endometrial gland duct constricted by fibrosis - interferes w effective implantation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

t/f

endometrial degeneration is age related

A

somewhat true - somewhat age related by not entirely

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

does endometrial degeneration in the mare affect pregnancy before or after MRP?

what type of pseudopregnancy occurs?

A

after MRP

pseudopregnancy type 1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

why is some loss during foal heat expected?

A

less fertile b/c of hospitality of uterine environment - less likely for the embryo to survive the uterus during this time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

what are some extrinsic causes of pregnancy loss in the mare?

A

physiologic “stress”

nutrition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

how does physiologic stress cause embryonic mortality in the mare?

A

lysis of the primary CL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

what might cause physiologic stress in a mare?

A

inc ambient temperature
heavy work
transport
endotoxemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

t/f

nutrition has a significant effect on embryonic mortality in the mare

A

false

this is unlikely

embryo is small and nutritional needs are very small AND is equipped with its own supply in the yolk sac

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

what are embryonic or fetal causes of embryonic and early fetal mortality in the mare?

A

chromosomal abnormalities
poor oocyte quality in mares of advanced age
spontaneous, sporadic chromosomal abnormality

immunogenetic influences
mare stallion incompatibility - RARE
mare-jack breeding - failure to produce endometrial cups

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

when might placental insufficiency occur in the mare?

what is the result

A
  • body pregnancy
  • twinning

abortion

38
Q

what is body pregnancy in a mare?

what does it cause and when?

A

embryo implants in abnormal loc in the uterine body

placenta expands into both horns but is relatively insufficient

abortion at 8-9 months
fetus may be alive at delivery but NOT viable

39
Q

what is the MC diagnosed cause of equine abortion?

what % of cases?

A

twinning

20-30% of cases

40
Q

what is the mechanism of twinning that leads to placental insufficiency in mares?

A

one fetus occupies a uterine horn and the boody and the other only the uterine horn

as the fetus occupying the horn only grows, its demands for o2, waste disposal and nutrients begins to exceed the capacity of its placenta to provide them

41
Q

how does twinning lead to abortion in mares?

what is the condition of the foals born?

A

distress of the smaller fetus signals birth so both fetuses are delivered

often one is alive but is not viable and small one is dead

42
Q

why is a mummy foal sometimes born with twins?

A

if the distress signal from the smaller fetus is not strong enough, the smaller fetus dies and mummifies and is delivered at term w a live foal

43
Q

when is abortion of twins signaled in mares?

A

mid to late gestation

44
Q

what signal from the stressed fetus of twins in the mare cause endocrinologically?

when does this event normally occur?

A

dec e2
inc 5a pregnanes

normally occurs at end of gestation - shifted to mid/late gestation

45
Q

what are the possible outcomes of twinning in mares?

A
  • birth of one live foal and one mummy foal at term
  • delivery of 2 live foals in later term abortion -> poor viability
  • incredibly rarely, birth of 2 live, viable foals at term
  • inc risk for dystocia the later in gestation the abortion occurs and w foals delivered at term
46
Q

which outcome of twins in the mare is the MC result?

A

delivery of 2 live foals, neither of which is viable

47
Q

what complications of the mare’s health are associated w twinning?

A
  • retained fetal membranes -> metritis -> endoeoxemia -> laminitis
  • delayed uterine involution, therefore do NOT breed back on foal heat
48
Q

what are 2 likely causes of embryonic mortality in cattle?

A

nutrition deficiencies

heat stress

49
Q

what nutrition deficiencies are associated with embryonic mortality in cattle?

A

def in Cu, Se, Mn

50
Q

how does heat stress lead to embryonic mortality in cattle?

A

cow unable to cool off - malformations in embryo, embryonic death

CL may be susceptible to lysis

51
Q

what toxins lead to embryonic mortality in cattle?

A
  • endophyte-infected tall fescue

- nitrates

52
Q

what is the pathogen in endophyte infected tall fescue?

A

Acremonium coenophialum

53
Q

what does endophyte infected tall fescue cause in cattle, that leads to embryonic mortality?

before or after MRP?

A
  • significantly lower preg rates if grazing heavily infected grasses
  • before or after MRP
54
Q

how does ergovaline affect pregnancy?

what season is it MC?

A
  • ergot-induced hyperthermia => luteolysis

- MC in mid to late summer

55
Q

what are some sources of nitrate intoxication?

A
  • nitrate accumulating plants [sudan grass, johnson grass, pigweed]
  • drought-damaged corn [green stalks and stubble]
  • heavily fertilized pastures
56
Q

what is the patho-physiology of nitrate intoxication?

A
  • nitrate converted to nitrate in rumen => nitrate enters circulation, oxidizes ferrous (Hb) to ferric iron (MHb) => MHb does NOT bind o2 -> hypoxemia => fetal hypoxia -> stress, death -> triggers abortion
57
Q

what stage abortions tend to occur in cattle with nitrate intoxication?

A

late gestation abortions

58
Q

t/f

nitrate intoxication that causes abortion often causes acute death of the dam

A

false

low levels of intoxication cause abortion that do NOT kill the dam

59
Q

what toxins cause systemic maternal compromise?

A
  • cyanogenic sugars from johnson and sudan grass
  • pesticides applied to alternative forages being fed due to poor crop performance and drought [soybeans]
  • aflatoxins in drought-damaged corn
60
Q

how does pine needle consumption lead to abortion?

A

vasoconstriction of caruncular vascular bed - > dec blood flow to placenta - > fetal stress - > peripheral endocrine cascade - > fetus premature delivery / abortion

61
Q

how much pine needles does a cow need to consume to experience side effects?

A

a lot….. over 2 kg/day

for 3 days

62
Q

what compound is the toxin in pine needles?

A

isocupressic acid

63
Q

what stage pregnancy loss occurs with pine needle intoxication?

A

late-term abortions

64
Q

what is a common management strategy for cattle and pine needle abortion?

A
  • abortions will begin about 2 days after ingestion begins - remove cows - abortions stop 2 days later
  • balance cost of grazing/not grazing against the possibility of abortion - calculated risk
65
Q

what does locoweed cause in cattle [Astragalus and Oxytropis]?

A

abortion at any stage of gestation, fetal malformations

depends on the stage of gestation during consumption

66
Q

is locoweed intoxication acute or chronic?

A

chronic - due to 4-6 wks of ingestion

67
Q

what compound in locoweed is toxic?

A

indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine

68
Q

what is the patho-physiology of locoweed intoxication?

A
  • inc fetal vascular resistance - > cardiac insufficiency -> fluid accummulation -> fetal death -> abortion
69
Q

what iagrogenic causes of abortion occur in cattle?

A
  • anadvertent administration of PgF2a btwn 1 wk and 3-5 mos of pregnancy
  • AI of cows believed to be in heat but that were actually pregnant [depends upon how far into cervical canal insemination was performed]
70
Q

PG should induce abortion until 5 mos, so why is 3 months the rule?

A

b/c some failure occurs d/t individual variation and it will cause abortion at 3 mos

so do NOT give PG btwn 1 wk and 3 mos of pregnancy

71
Q

what is the embryonic loss in does?

why?

A

20-30%

stress or trauma b/c preg maintenance is solely CL dependent

72
Q

what causes embryonic loss in small Ru?

A
  • heat stress, trauma - rough handling, shearing of ewes, predator attacks
  • extreme maternal malnutrition
  • genetic abnormalities of the embryo
  • medication administration
  • toxins
73
Q

what medications can cause embryonic loss in small Ru?

A
  • inadvertant PgF2a

- high doses of albendazole

74
Q

toxins that cause embryonic loss in small Ru?

A
  • phytoestrogesn in plants inc embryonic mortality

- veratrum californucum - teratogenic effects 6

75
Q

what is the background rate of abortion in small Ru?

A

less than 5%

76
Q

what toxins cause embryonic loss in small Ru?

A

nitrate poisoning

locoweed

77
Q

what does pregnancy toxemia cause in small Ru?

MC in goat or sheep?

A

abort in latter / terminal stage of pregnancy: goat more sensitive to this b/c all she requires is luteolysis

less common in sheep b/c also have p4 from placenta so harder to abort sheep than goats

78
Q

what are non infectious causes of preg loss in sow?

A
  • stress / trauma
  • CO poisoning
  • inadvertent administration of PgF2a at ANY stage of gestation b/c CL dependent all the way thru pregnancy
79
Q

non infectious causes of preg loss in the hembra?

A
  • stress / trauma

- medication administration

80
Q

what medications causes preg loss in hembra?

A
  • exogenous corticosteroids even small amounts in ophthalmic ointment in 2nd half of gestation
  • single dose of PgF2a at ANY stage of gestation [b.c CL dep all way thru gestation]
81
Q

what is the expected rate of pregnancy loss in the bitch by 8 wks of gestation?

A

11-13%

82
Q

what are non infectious causes of preg loss in bitch d/t?

A
  • genetic abnormalities [in line breeding]
  • hypoluteodism [luteal insufficiency]
  • medication administration
83
Q

how common is hypoluteodism in the bitch?

A

not common - only a few documented cases

84
Q

what occurs during hypoluteodism?

A
  • p4 begins to decline abnormally btwn d25-35

- is lower than average by day 35-40

85
Q

what might supplementation with altrenogest cause in pregnant bitches?

A
  • masculinization of FM fetuses
  • cryptorchidism in M puppies
  • requires twice weekly p4 measurement and fetal monitoring
86
Q

what does exogenous corticosteroids cause in pregnant bitches?

A

abortion

87
Q

what does chloramphenicol cause in pregnant bitches?

A

fetal death

88
Q

what is the typical profile of p4 in pregnant bitch?

A

p4 rises and peaks at 25 days

89
Q

t/f

it is commonplace to give a pregnant bitch drugs to help her through her pregnancy

A

false

it is best to give her no drugs during her pregnancy unless absolutely necessary

90
Q

what are genetic defects d/t in the offspring of a queen?

A

inbreeding

91
Q

what causes embryonic mortality, abortion, congenital malformations in the pregnant queen?

A

nutritional deficits

vit A
taurine

92
Q

t/f

avoid giving drugs in the queen during pregnency

A

true