Peri-parturient mare (Yr4)

Question 1

what can cause pre-parturient colic?

Answer 1

foal movement
normal GI colic
infarctions/necrosis
uterine torsion

Question 2

what can cause post-parturient colic?

Answer 2

uterine cramps
normal GI colic
uterine haemorrhage
colonic torsions
uterine inversion
infarctions/necrosis

Question 3

what would be the appropriate treatment for colic caused by foal-movement?

Answer 3

buscopan and phenylbutazone (mild analgesia)

Question 4

how severe is the pain caused by foal movement?

Answer 4

mild/moderate

Question 5

why is treatment and diagnosis of ischaemia, necrosis and rupture of the caecum and colon of pre-parturient mares difficult?

Answer 5

weight of foal causing stretching and pressure on vessels, the signs are vague so have look for signs of peritonitis/toxaemia
the lesions however are often inaccessible

Question 6

why is a vaginal exam not useful for diagnosing uterine torsion in mares?

Answer 6

they twist cranial to the cervix

Question 7

how are uterine torsions treated?

Answer 7

laparotomy (coupled with caesarian)

Question 8

when do some mares develop ventral oedema?

Answer 8

foal compresses lymphatic drainage system towards the end of gestation

Question 9

what mares is pre-pubic tendon rupture most commonly seen in?

Answer 9

older mares

Question 10

what causes pre-pubic tendon rupture?

Answer 10

the weight of the foal

Question 11

how does pre-pubic tendon rupture present?

Answer 11

large painful oedema with a dropped udder appearance
bloody discharge can be seen in milk
(mare often spend more time recumbent)

Question 12

how is pre-pubic tendon rupture treated?

Answer 12

phenylbutazone and assistance when foaling (or caesarian)
can resolve after foaling but can become progressively more painful and result in euthanasia
(shouldn’t be bred from again)

Question 13

how is hydrops amnion/allantois treated?

Answer 13

induce foaling/abortion
dilate cervix and slowly drain fluid whilst monitoring blood pressure
manual removal of foal

Question 14

what is a common clinical sign of placentitis?

Answer 14

premature udder development and lactation (alongside vaginal discharge and eventual abortion)

Question 15

how can placentitis be treated?

Answer 15

potentiated sulphonamides and phenylbutazone

Question 16

what is the most common cause of vaginal bleeding in mares?

Answer 16

varicose veins

Question 17

how problem are varicose veins for the pregnant mare?

Answer 17

typically no treatment required and of little clinical significance

Question 18

what is controlled vaginal delivery?

Answer 18

mare GA and hindquarters hoisted to allow easier manipulation of foal

Question 19

should perineal lacerations due to foaling be repaired?

Answer 19

if the anatomy has been substantially disrupted then repair is indicated, if not allow healing without intervention

Question 20

what is a third degree perineal laceration?

Answer 20

full thickness tear (by foal foot) into the rectum and through the anus

Question 21

how should third degree perineal lacerations be treated?

Answer 21

don’t repair immediately as they will breakdown, instead give antibiotics, NSAIDs and tetanus and delay for 4-6 weeks once its granulated

Question 22

how should recto-vaginal fistulas be treated?

Answer 22

don’t repair immediately as they will breakdown, instead give antibiotics, NSAIDs and tetanus and delay for 4-6 weeks once its granulated (same as third degree perineal lacerations)

Question 23

when should cervical tears be treated?

Answer 23

once involution as occurred (most heal on their own)

Question 24

how are uterine cramps causing colic treated?

Answer 24

phenylbutazone and buscopan (mild/moderate pain)

Question 25

why could inversion of the uterine horns occur after foaling?

Answer 25

forceful foaling or too forceful removal or retained membranes

Question 26

how should inversions of the uterine horns be treated?

Answer 26

analgesia, buscopan/clenbuterol, manual replacement and lavage

Question 27

why are postpartum mares prone to colonic torsions?

Answer 27

sudden increase in space within the abdomen post foaling

Question 28

what is the prognosis for rupture of the uterine artery?

Answer 28

if contained within the broad ligament if often responds well to treatment but haemorrhage into the abdomen can be rapidly fatal

Question 29

how severe is the pain caused by uterine artery rupture?

Answer 29

mild/moderate but can progress to signs of haemorrhagic shock

Question 30

how can rupture of the uterine artery be treated?

Answer 30

sedate (keep quiet) analgesia IV fluids an blood transfusion clotting agents

Question 31

how is a uterine prolapse treated?

Answer 31

clean and replace under an epidural give oxytocin when replaced NSAIDs and antibiotics

Question 32

when are foetal membranes considered retained?

Answer 32

if not passed within 4 hours

Question 33

why are retained foetal membranes an issue?

Answer 33

they rapidly decompose to produce a metritis which will induce an endometritis and eventual death

Question 34

how should retained foetal membranes be treated?

Answer 34

oxytocin, antibiotics, flunixin, tetanus can attempt manual removal by gentle traction

Question 35

what is the most likely part of the placenta to be retained?

Answer 35

tip of the non-pregnant horn

Question 36

if the foetal membranes don't look compete when removed, what should be done?

Answer 36

lavage (initially with tap water) until it runs clear then give oxytocin