Periparturient problems in the mare Flashcards
(41 cards)
Pre-parturient colic is common in mares in their late term. They can get normal colic or specific ones to pregnancy. Name 2
Foal movement colic
Uterine torsion
Ischaemia, necrosis or rupture of caecum and colon
What is the treatment for foal movement colic?
Medical analgesia - buscopan, phenylbutazone
What causes ischaemia, necrosis and rupture of the caecum and colon in pregnant mares?
Foal weight causes pressure on viscera
Stretches blood vessels
Uterine torsion causes signs of colic and is usually in the last trimester of pregnancy. How is it diagnosed?
Rectal palpation
How is uterine torsion treated in horses?
Surgery - flank or midline laparotomy
Rolling under GA not recommended
Why do some mares develop ventral oedema in late pregnancy?
Foal compression of lymphatic vessels
What is the treatment for ventral oedema in late pregnancy?
None - will self-resolve after foaling
Pre-pubic tendon rupture is due to foetus’ weight. Is it common in older or younger mares? What are the clinical signs?
Older mares
Colic signs
Large painful oedema continuous with udder ‘dropped udder’
+/- bloody discharge in milk
What is the treatment for pre-pubic tendon rupture in mares?
Analgesia (phenylbutazone)
Assistance with foaling +/- caesarean
What is hydrops amnion/allantois?
Excess fluid in amniotic/allantoic space
Hydrops amnion/allantois causes colic, dyspnoea, recumbency and even circulatory collapse. What effect does it have on the foal?
Deformed foals
heritable?
How is hydrops amnion/allantois diagnosed?
Rectal exam - huge fluid filled uterus out of reach
How can hydrops allantois/amnion be treated?
Induce foaling/abortion
Drain fluid off slowly via cervical dilation/foal removal
IV fluids to maintain systemic BP
What causes placentitis? Give examples of bacteria
Ascending infection from the cervix
Streptococcus, E. coli, Aspergillus
Placentitis eventually leads to abortion. What clinical signs suggest placentitis?
Placental thickening on ultrasound
Cervical swabs of discharge
A pregnant horse has premature udder development, lactation and vaginal discharge although she is not near term. What is your diagnosis?
Placentitis
What is the treatment for placentitis?
TMPS or other potentiated sulphonamide
Phenylbutazone
What is the most common cause of vaginal bleeding in a horse? It is more common in pregnant or older mares
Varicose veins
What is the treatment for varicose veins leading to vaginal bleeding?
No treatment required
Usually no concern to mare
Can NSAIDs be used in pregnant mares?
Yes - may be necessary to give phenylbutazone
Weight of foal can exacerbate ortho disease
What respiratory stimulant can be given to foals following dystocia?
Doxapram
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?
15 mins
If no progress with dystocia
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?
Complete uterine rupture
Foal in abdomen so cannot feel via rectum
What is the treatment for a complete uterine rupture or tear?
Consider removing foal and euthanasia of mare
Ex-lap and repair