Periparturient problems in the mare Flashcards

(41 cards)

1
Q

Pre-parturient colic is common in mares in their late term. They can get normal colic or specific ones to pregnancy. Name 2

A

Foal movement colic
Uterine torsion
Ischaemia, necrosis or rupture of caecum and colon

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2
Q

What is the treatment for foal movement colic?

A

Medical analgesia - buscopan, phenylbutazone

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3
Q

What causes ischaemia, necrosis and rupture of the caecum and colon in pregnant mares?

A

Foal weight causes pressure on viscera

Stretches blood vessels

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4
Q

Uterine torsion causes signs of colic and is usually in the last trimester of pregnancy. How is it diagnosed?

A

Rectal palpation

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5
Q

How is uterine torsion treated in horses?

A

Surgery - flank or midline laparotomy

Rolling under GA not recommended

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6
Q

Why do some mares develop ventral oedema in late pregnancy?

A

Foal compression of lymphatic vessels

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7
Q

What is the treatment for ventral oedema in late pregnancy?

A

None - will self-resolve after foaling

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8
Q

Pre-pubic tendon rupture is due to foetus’ weight. Is it common in older or younger mares? What are the clinical signs?

A

Older mares
Colic signs
Large painful oedema continuous with udder ‘dropped udder’
+/- bloody discharge in milk

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9
Q

What is the treatment for pre-pubic tendon rupture in mares?

A

Analgesia (phenylbutazone)

Assistance with foaling +/- caesarean

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10
Q

What is hydrops amnion/allantois?

A

Excess fluid in amniotic/allantoic space

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11
Q

Hydrops amnion/allantois causes colic, dyspnoea, recumbency and even circulatory collapse. What effect does it have on the foal?

A

Deformed foals

heritable?

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12
Q

How is hydrops amnion/allantois diagnosed?

A

Rectal exam - huge fluid filled uterus out of reach

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13
Q

How can hydrops allantois/amnion be treated?

A

Induce foaling/abortion
Drain fluid off slowly via cervical dilation/foal removal
IV fluids to maintain systemic BP

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14
Q

What causes placentitis? Give examples of bacteria

A

Ascending infection from the cervix

Streptococcus, E. coli, Aspergillus

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15
Q

Placentitis eventually leads to abortion. What clinical signs suggest placentitis?

A

Placental thickening on ultrasound

Cervical swabs of discharge

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16
Q

A pregnant horse has premature udder development, lactation and vaginal discharge although she is not near term. What is your diagnosis?

A

Placentitis

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17
Q

What is the treatment for placentitis?

A

TMPS or other potentiated sulphonamide

Phenylbutazone

18
Q

What is the most common cause of vaginal bleeding in a horse? It is more common in pregnant or older mares

A

Varicose veins

19
Q

What is the treatment for varicose veins leading to vaginal bleeding?

A

No treatment required

Usually no concern to mare

20
Q

Can NSAIDs be used in pregnant mares?

A

Yes - may be necessary to give phenylbutazone

Weight of foal can exacerbate ortho disease

21
Q

What respiratory stimulant can be given to foals following dystocia?

22
Q

If during a vaginal exam for dystocia you discover a foal is able to pass per vaginum, how long should you leave a mare with no progress before starting a caesarean?

A

15 mins

If no progress with dystocia

23
Q

A mare has become suddenly unwell with a distended abdomen. She is definitely pregnant, but you cannot feel the foal on rectal exam in the uterus or in the birth canal. What is your most likely diagnosis?

A

Complete uterine rupture

Foal in abdomen so cannot feel via rectum

24
Q

What is the treatment for a complete uterine rupture or tear?

A

Consider removing foal and euthanasia of mare

Ex-lap and repair

25
Why are uterine tears a problem?
They can cause haemorrhage and lead to peritonitis
26
How can uterine ruptures or tears be diagnosed?
Ultrasound Rectal/vaginal exam Peritoneal tap
27
Perineal lacerations are common during foaling. Most minor tears heal spontaneously. What should treatment be for 3rd degree perineal lacerations or rectovaginal fistulas?
DELAYED surgery - wait for granulation tissue to form | If don't wait --> wound breakdown
28
How are cervical lacerations treated? Do these affect fertility?
May heal spontaneously or require surgery Delay repair for 1 month until uterus involuted and inflammation has decreased May become sub-fertile
29
What is the treatment of post-partum 'uterine cramp' colic?
Analgesia - buscopan, phenylbutazone
30
Why are mares predisposed to colonic torsion post-partum and how is this treated?
Increased abdominal space | Surgical colic - requires fast correction or fatal
31
Rupture of the uterine artery is common in older mares. How is this diagnosed?
Colic signs - may progress to shock Rectal palpation of broad ligament Ultrasound
32
Rupture of the uterine artery may cause haemorrhage into the broad ligament or into the abdomen if the broad ligament also ruptures. How can ruptured uterine arteries be treated?
Keep quiet +/- sedation Analgesia Clotting agents IV floods or blood transfusion
33
Uterine prolapse may occur after a difficult foaling or if the mare is exhausted. How is this treated
Clean and replace under epidural Give oxytocin once placed (causes involution) Broad spectrum ABs + flunixin
34
On average mares pass foetal membranes within how many hours of foaling? After how long is the placenta classed as retained?
``` Average = 2 hours Retained = >4 hours ```
35
Describe how retained foetal membranes can cause laminitis and be fatal
Decompose and cause metritis | Cause endotoxaemia/SIRS - severe laminitis and death
36
What initial medical treatment should be given for retained foetal membranes?
Oxytocin Flunixin Broad spectrum antibiotics Check tetanus cover
37
If medical treatment for RFM doesn't work, the membranes can be manually removed (controversial). What should you do if the entire foetal membranes are removed?
Antibiotics + NSAIDs | Only re-examine if necessary!
38
If medical treatment for RFM doesn't work, the membranes can be manually removed (controversial). What should you do if the removal is incomplete and some foetal membranes remain?
``` Lavage Administer oxytocin Put on ABs and flunixin Re-examine Continue lavaging until uterus involuted and little fluid returned ```
39
A horse post-foaling prevents recumbent, with muscle fasciculations and diaphragmatic flutters (thumps). This condition is rare compared to other species. What are your most likely DDx?
Hypocalcaemia (Tx: give calcium diluted in saline) | Tetanus (only if not UTD with vaccine)
40
Why is hand reared foals not recommend?
Hand-reared foals develop socialisation/behavioural problems | Adults can be extremely dangerous
41
What should mares be screened for via a clitoral swab/blood test prior to mating?
Contagious equine metritis (Taylorella equigenitalis) - swab EHV - blood Equine infectious anaemia - blood