8- Foetal abortion

Question 1

What is an embryo

Answer 1

It is the fertilized egg that is the early stages of the fetus

Question 2

What is a foetus

Answer 2

Embryo/zygote that has completed its differentiation

Question 3

Define resorption

Answer 3

loss of the embryo

Question 4

Define abortion

Answer 4

loss and expulsion of the fetus- after mineralisation has occured

Question 5

What hormone is high in pregnancy

Answer 5

progesterone

Question 6

In the cow what is a L-P shift

Answer 6

When the placenta takes over progesterone production from the CL at about 210-250 days gestation

Question 7

If foetal death occurs after mineralisation or before L-P shift, will it be expelled or will mummification occur?

Answer 7

Before the L-P shift the CL is still present > will continue to produce progesterone

Foetus will stay in uterus > fluid is absorbed = Dried out & Mummification occurs

Question 8

If foetal death occurs, in what scenario will the foetus be expelled?

Answer 8

Latter part of the pregnancy once the placenta has taken over P4 production

Placenta won’t fucntion & detaches allowing expulsion
Decrease of P4 & onset of uterine contractions

Question 9

If embryonic death occurs - prior to mineralisation, what happens to the embryo?

Answer 9

Resorption

Question 10

What is maceration?

Answer 10

Autolysis of the dead foetus which hasn’t been expulsed
- p4 is high/obstruction to expulsion

Question 11

Name 3 non-infectious causes of pregnancy loss

Answer 11

Genetic abnormalities
Uterine disease
Stress
Maternal illness
Nutritional phytotoxins

Question 12

define stillbirth

Answer 12

foetus reaches full term but dies during the process of delivery