Equine Postpartum Disorders

Question 1

What is your diagnosis?

Answer 1

Schistosomus reflexus

Schistosomus reflexus is a birth defect resulting in the malformation of the entire body​. The presence of an affected fetus results in dystocia, frequently requiring surgical intervention or fetotomy

Question 2

Uterine prolapse occurs secondary to __________

Answer 2

uterine inertia

Mare lying down and uterus passively starts to evert. Once enters vaginal canal, Ferguson’s reflex causes further eversion

Question 3

What is your diagnosis?

Answer 3

Hydrocephalus

Abnormal fluid in the cranial vault accompanied by enlargement of the head​

Question 4

What is the treatment of choice for retained fetal membranes in the mare?

Answer 4

Oxytocin

• Oxytocin 10-20 IU IM every 30-60 min
  
  • Perform gentle traction - but DO NOT PULL ON THE FETAL MEMBRANES

Question 5

How does a mare with rectal mucosal sloughing typically present?

Answer 5

Mare presents post-foaling with inability to defecate; may be bright and alert

• Theory is damage to mesocolic artery during delivery. Loss of blood supply to rectum. No collateral circulation
• Large amount of feces in rectum at delivery will enhance damage
• Poor outcome – most euthanized or die

Question 6

What agent is administered in the case of uterine artery rupture that has inhibitory effects on plasminogen activators?

Answer 6

aminocaproic acid

Anti-fibrinolytic rather than enhancing clotting

Question 7

____ degree perineal lacerations involve skin and mucous membranes of dorsal commisure of vulva/vestibule

Answer 7

1st degree

Caslick surgery to correct

Question 8

Wtf?!

Answer 8

partial duplication/double monsters

Question 9

Diagnosis?

Answer 9

Vaginal prolapse

Question 10

What is the normal range of TP and nucleated cell count in foaling mares?

Answer 10

• TP: <2.5g/dL
• Total nucleated cell count: <500 cells/μL

Question 11

What is your diagnosis in this mare?

Answer 11

cervical hyperplasia

Unknown cause; incidental finding

Question 12

____ degree perineal lacerations involve complete disruption of rectovestibular shelf

Answer 12

3^rd degree

Initial treatment of antibiotics/NSAID, debride. Surgical repair once healed in 6-8 weeks

Question 13

Following normal foaling, fetal membranes in the mare are expelled after how many hours?

Answer 13

Three

Question 14

What vessel is most commonly affected leading to post-partum hemorrhage?

Answer 14

right middle uterine artery

Cecum pushes the uterus to left, possibly increasing tension on the right artery

Question 15

__________ is/are the most common post-partum problem in mares

Answer 15

Retained placenta

• Retention beyond 3 h is abnormal
• Incidence lower than cattle
• Consequences more severe
  
  • Toxic Metritis, Septicemia, Laminitis, Delayed uterine involution!
• Incidence increases with dystocia, abortion, placentitis

Question 16

What is the drug of choice to attempt to treat the mare if she rejects the foal?

Answer 16

Reserpine

Treats agalactia, causes some sedation, may have loose stool after treatment

Question 17

What is the histological classification of the equine placenta?

Answer 17

Epitheliochorial

Question 18

T/F: 3^rd degree perineal lacerations in the mare should be repaired immediately

Answer 18

False

Initial treatment of antibiotics/NSAID, debride. Surgical repair once healed in 6-8 weeks​