Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Investigation and management of a cluster of cases of equine retained fetal membranes in Highland ponies.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2005
- Authors:
- Hudson, N P H et al.
- Affiliation:
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a recent case, four Highland ponies that were at risk all had a problem where they didn't pass their fetal membranes after giving birth during the same breeding season. To help them, the veterinarians used a mix of treatments, including a hormone called oxytocin, adding fluid to a specific part of the placenta, gentle pulling in one case, and general supportive care. They looked into possible reasons for this issue by running tests and analyzing the grass they were eating for harmful substances. They didn't find any clear causes, except for one pony that had low calcium levels in its blood. Overall, they were unable to identify a specific reason for the problem.
Abstract
Four at-risk Highland ponies on the same premises all retained their fetal membranes in the same breeding season. The ponies were treated with a combination of oxytocin, infusion and distension of the allantochorionic sac with fluid, gentle traction in one case, and supportive therapy. The possible causes of the condition were investigated with clinicopathological tests and analyses of the herbage for its species composition and fungal contamination. No obvious possible causative abnormalities were identified apart from a low total serum calcium level in one case. No fescue grass was found and no pathogenic fungi were detected.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16024674/