Management of the Pregnant Mare Flashcards
1
Q
How does the embryo cause maternal recognition?
A
- embryo enters uterus around day 5-6 post ovulation
- conceptus moves dramatically around the uterine horns
- day 8 embryo turns into a blastocyst (smooth capsule of proteins)
2
Q
What is fixation caused by?
A
- increase in conceptus size
- continued Progestrone secretion increases uterine tone
- Increased tone reduces diameter of uterine horns
3
Q
What happens at placentation:
A
- At day 25 endometrium forms endometrial
cups at trophoblast region of embryo - Endometrial cups secrete equine chorionic
gonadotrophin until day 120 - At day 35 embryonic tissue begins invading
mare endometrium (placentation begins) - No return to oestrous cycles if pregnancy
loss occurs after day 35 - By day 60 feto-placental unit starts to
secrete progestins as secondary CL
production declines
4
Q
What hormone tests are used to detect pregnancy?
A
- ELISA (pos = no clumping)
- RIA
- MIP
-eCG (accurate 45-120 days)
5
Q
What do uterine tests look for?
A
Oestrogens
6
Q
What do milk tests present?
A
- oestrogens from day 80
- progestrones from day 17
7
Q
What do positive fecal tests present?
A
Oestrogens from day 120
8
Q
What other methods of pregnancy identification can be used?
A
- rectal palpation/ manual diagnosis
- ultrasonography
9
Q
What are the benefits of using ultrasonography?
A
- Early detection
- Accurate in trained hands
- Relatively cheap
- Instant result
- Identifies twins
10
Q
How can sex be determined?
A
- Use ultrasound
- short window day 55-75
- experienced vet
11
Q
How are twin pregnancies managed?
A
- dystocia common
- twin pregnancies have a low featal surrvival
12
Q
How can twin pregnancies be reduced to one?
A
- Manual reduction (pinching) (pinch day 14-16 - pinch smaller twin)
- Chemical reduction (prostaglandin on day 15 - administer equimate) - loss of both twins but a return day 20
