Non-infectious Equine Infertility Flashcards
Natural reduction usually occurs ____
After day 16
Twinning
Almost always results in late term abortion
Late term abortion can lead to
- dystocia
- retained placenta
- delayed uterine involution
- metritis
- death of both twins, and/or mare
Source of twins
- mostly dizygotic from multiple ovulations
- reported monozygotic
____ have highest incidence of double ovulations (16%)
Thoroughbreds
Synchronous vs asynchornous ovulations
- 2 ovulations within 24 hrs: synchronous
- 2 ovulations within >24 hrs: asynchronous
Incidence of twins
- 3-11% of mares conceive twins
- account for 1-2% of equine births –> 14% of live foals still alive after 2 weeks
- fetal and perinatal losses approach 90%
- up to 30% of abortions are attributable to twins –> 2nd to placentitis!!
Breed affects
- thoroughbreds and drafts (15-25%)
- standardbred, quarter horse, appaloosa (5-15%)
Seasonal imact
- Jan-March (7%)
- April-May (22%) –> higher incidence during physiological breeding season
Reproductive status
Rare to see twins following foal heat mating
- rarely seen in mares foaling early in the year
Other influencing factors
- body condition
- heritability: seen in certain lines
Ultrasound
Led to decrease in number of twin pregnancies in the last 30 years
- can detect twins much earlier
Causes of embryo/fetal losses
- lack of contact with endometrium
- decreased nutrient exchange
- placental insufficiency
- unilateral twins (lost usually by 40 days)
- bilateral twins (loss by 5-9 months)
- natural reduction is efficient, especially in unilateral twins
_____ has no benefit
Breeding strategies
- breed regardless of # of follicles
- don’t try to catch 2nd follicle by passing the 1st follicle
- advantage of greater preg rates when double ovulations occur, so breed anyway
- use ovulation induction agents as you normally would
Post breeding exam
Continue to check mare to determine if additional ovulations occur
- record ovulations
- document location of uterine cysts
- plan pregnancy checks early if twins are suspected/anticipated (13-14 day check)