Placentitis in Horses

Question 1

What are two common causes of placentitis in equines?

Answer 1

1. Streptococcal species and E.coli

Question 2

What is the most common viral cause of abortion in horses?

Answer 2

Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 - 5, 7 and 9 months of gestation

Question 3

What is the most common cause of non-infectious abortion in the horse?

Answer 3

Twin foetuses

Question 4

What is the most common route of placentitis in a mare?

Answer 4

Ascending infection - inflammation and cervical detachment at cervical star region

Question 5

What are the 5 main treatment options for mares with placentitis?

Answer 5

1. AB therapy
2. NSAID’s - Flunixin
3. Alternogest (Progesterone)
4. Clenbuterol (sympathomimetic)
5. Pentoxyfylline

Question 6

Rank the most common viruses causing abortion within the mare:

Answer 6

1. EHV1
2. EHV-4
3. Equine viral arteritis

Question 7

When in pregnancy should the EHV-1 vaccine be administered?

Answer 7

5, 7 and 9 months of pregnancy

Question 8

When does abortion occur after infection with EHV-1?

Answer 8

• Immediately after infection OR several weeks after maternal infection

Question 9

What are the main post-mortem findings seen with equine herpesvirus infection?

Answer 9

• Small necrotic foci of liver
• Necrotising bronchitis
• Intranuclear inclusion bodies