Peri-parturient mare (Yr4) Flashcards
what can cause pre-parturient colic?
foal movement
normal GI colic
infarctions/necrosis
uterine torsion
what can cause post-parturient colic?
uterine cramps
normal GI colic
uterine haemorrhage
colonic torsions
uterine inversion
infarctions/necrosis
what would be the appropriate treatment for colic caused by foal-movement?
buscopan and phenylbutazone (mild analgesia)
how severe is the pain caused by foal movement?
mild/moderate
why is treatment and diagnosis of ischaemia, necrosis and rupture of the caecum and colon of pre-parturient mares difficult?
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
why is a vaginal exam not useful for diagnosing uterine torsion in mares?
they twist cranial to the cervix
how are uterine torsions treated?
laparotomy (coupled with caesarian)
when do some mares develop ventral oedema?
foal compresses lymphatic drainage system towards the end of gestation
what mares is pre-pubic tendon rupture most commonly seen in?
older mares
what causes pre-pubic tendon rupture?
the weight of the foal
how does pre-pubic tendon rupture present?
large painful oedema with a dropped udder appearance
bloody discharge can be seen in milk
(mare often spend more time recumbent)
how is pre-pubic tendon rupture treated?
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)
how is hydrops amnion/allantois treated?
induce foaling/abortion
dilate cervix and slowly drain fluid whilst monitoring blood pressure
manual removal of foal
what is a common clinical sign of placentitis?
premature udder development and lactation (alongside vaginal discharge and eventual abortion)
how can placentitis be treated?
potentiated sulphonamides and phenylbutazone
what is the most common cause of vaginal bleeding in mares?
varicose veins
how problem are varicose veins for the pregnant mare?
typically no treatment required and of little clinical significance
what is controlled vaginal delivery?
mare GA and hindquarters hoisted to allow easier manipulation of foal
should perineal lacerations due to foaling be repaired?
if the anatomy has been substantially disrupted then repair is indicated, if not allow healing without intervention
what is a third degree perineal laceration?
full thickness tear (by foal foot) into the rectum and through the anus
how should third degree perineal lacerations be treated?
don’t repair immediately as they will breakdown, instead give antibiotics, NSAIDs and tetanus and delay for 4-6 weeks once its granulated
how should recto-vaginal fistulas be treated?
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)
when should cervical tears be treated?
once involution as occurred (most heal on their own)
how are uterine cramps causing colic treated?
phenylbutazone and buscopan (mild/moderate pain)
why could inversion of the uterine horns occur after foaling?
forceful foaling or too forceful removal or retained membranes
how should inversions of the uterine horns be treated?
analgesia, buscopan/clenbuterol, manual replacement and lavage
why are postpartum mares prone to colonic torsions?
sudden increase in space within the abdomen post foaling
what is the prognosis for rupture of the uterine artery?
if contained within the broad ligament if often responds well to treatment but haemorrhage into the abdomen can be rapidly fatal
how severe is the pain caused by uterine artery rupture?
mild/moderate but can progress to signs of haemorrhagic shock
how can rupture of the uterine artery be treated?
sedate (keep quiet)
analgesia
IV fluids an blood transfusion
clotting agents
how is a uterine prolapse treated?
clean and replace under an epidural
give oxytocin when replaced
NSAIDs and antibiotics
when are foetal membranes considered retained?
if not passed within 4 hours
why are retained foetal membranes an issue?
they rapidly decompose to produce a metritis which will induce an endometritis and eventual death
how should retained foetal membranes be treated?
oxytocin, antibiotics, flunixin, tetanus
can attempt manual removal by gentle traction
what is the most likely part of the placenta to be retained?
tip of the non-pregnant horn
if the foetal membranes don’t look compete when removed, what should be done?
lavage (initially with tap water) until it runs clear then give oxytocin
