High Risk Pregnancy - Mare

Question 1

Milk Electrolytes:

Answer 1

Normal changes
* Ca, Na and K
* Rapid prepartum increase in Ca of >10mmol/l
* K>Na 3-5 days before parturition.

Abnormal changes
* Premature rise in calcium of more than 10mmol/l = placental abnormalities.

Question 2

High Risk Pregnancy Signs:

Answer 2

**Premature mammary gland development
- placentitis
- impending abortion
- premature placental separation

Colicky mare - uterine torsion

Acute abdominal enlargement
- prepubic tendon rupture
- abdo wall herniation
- hydrops

Question 3

Placentitis

Answer 3

Middle-aged multiparous mares
Ascending infection
Bacterial: Streptococcus equi. Zooepidemicus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Question 4

Infectious Causes of Abortion

Answer 4

Bacterial - ascending placentitis
Viral infections - EHV1, EHV4, EVA, EIA
Fungal/ parasitic infections

Question 5

Non-Infectious Causes of Abortion

Answer 5

Abnormal foetal appendices - umbilical cord, placenta
Abnormal gestation - twinning, uterine body pregnancy
Maternal origins - nutrition, trauma, stress
Foetal origins - malformations, genetic abnormalities

Question 6

Vaginal Varicose Veins

Answer 6

Ddx:
- Placentitis/ impending abortion

Diagnosis:
- Speculum exam
- Dilated veins on dorsal vaginal wall

Tx:
- Minimal bleeds - no tx
- Large vol blood - laser cautery/ topical tx