A racing start in life? The hurdles of equine feto-placental pathology.
Abstract: Significant progress has been made in understanding and monitoring the causes of equine abortion over past decades. However, not all in utero pathology results in abortion. It has long been recognised that some in utero pathology, such as twinning or chronic placentitis, can result in the birth of live but growth-retarded foals and there is historical evidence that birth weight may influence future athletic performance. Clinical experience (e.g. from twins) and experimental studies (pony-Thoroughbred embryo transfer) have highlighted the importance of reduced functional placental area in limiting growth in utero in horses. Many other nonfatal in utero pathologies (e.g. umbilical cord-related circulatory compromise) can potentially affect either placental function or other organ systems. Their influence on the short- and long-term health of the foal and its future athletic performance is in many cases poorly documented or understood. This review summarises the main causes of in utero pathology and reflects on how these may potentially affect the foal if born alive, highlighting the need for long-term studies on this important subject.
Publication Date: 2012-05-19 PubMed ID: 22594040DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00507.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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This research article reviews various factors that can affect the in utero health of horses, and how these factors may potentially impact the horse’s health and athletic performance later in life.
Overview of Equine in Utero Pathology
- This research study provides an account of various in utero pathologies that can impact the growth and health of horses. These pathologies can range from twinning and chronic placentitis to other nonfatal conditions like umbilical cord-related circulatory compromise.
- While significant strides have been made in understanding the causes of equine abortion, this study posits that not all in utero pathology necessarily leads to abortion. Some of these pathologies can result in live, albeit growth-retarded, offspring.
- The study underlines the need for continuing investigation into in utero pathologies and their role in potentially influencing the long-term health and athletic performance of horses.
Influence of In Utero Pathology on Future Athletic Performance
- The research paper highlights historical evidence that the birth weight of a horse could influence its future athletic performance.
- Through clinical experiences and experimental studies, the article points to the critical role that reduced functional placental area can play in limiting the in utero growth of horses. This reduced functionality can lead to the birth of growth-retarded foals.
- The article discusses how nonfatal in utero pathologies, such as umbilical cord-related circulatory compromise, can affect other organ systems and the placental function.
- However, the long-term impact of these pathologies on the health and athletic performance of horses is still mostly undocumented and poorly understood.
Need for Long-Term Studies
- The study prudently argues the need for more long-term studies on this crucial subject matter.
- It underlines the important link between in utero health and the future performance of the foal. Therefore, understanding these pathologies’ nuances can offer valuable insights and possibly lead to strategies to improve the future athletic performance of horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Foote AK, Ricketts SW, Whitwell KE.
(2012).
A racing start in life? The hurdles of equine feto-placental pathology.
Equine Vet J Suppl(41), 120-129.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00507.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Beaufort Cottage Laboratories, Rossdale and Partners, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. alastair.foote@rossdales.com
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Fetal Diseases / pathology
- Fetal Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Placenta Diseases / pathology
- Placenta Diseases / veterinary
- Pregnancy
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Roach J, Arango Sabogal JC, Smith K, Foote A, Verheyen K, de Mestre AM. Multivariable analysis to determine risk factors associated with abortion in mares.. Reprod Fertil 2022 Nov 1;3(4):301-12.
- Neto da Silva AC, Costa AL, Teixeira A, Alpoim-Moreira J, Fernandes C, Fradinho MJ, Rebordão MR, Silva E, Ferreira da Silva J, Bliebernicht M, Alexandre-Pires G, Ferreira-Dias G. Collagen and Microvascularization in Placentas From Young and Older Mares.. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:772658.
- Sarli G, Castagnetti C, Bianco C, Ballotta G, Tura G, Caporaletti M, Cunto M, Avallone G, Benazzi C, Ostanello F, Zambelli D. Canine Placenta Histological Findings and Microvascular Density: The Histological Basis of a Negative Neonatal Outcome?. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 15;11(5).
- Mitchell ARM, Delvescovo B, Tse M, Crouch EE, Cheong SH, Castillo JM, Felippe MJB, Ainsworth DM, de Amorim MD. Successful management of hydrallantois in a Standardbred mare at term resulting in the birth of a live foal.. Can Vet J 2019 May;60(5):495-501.
- Holz CL, Sledge DG, Kiupel M, Nelli RK, Goehring LS, Soboll Hussey G. Histopathologic Findings Following Experimental Equine Herpesvirus 1 Infection of Horses.. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:59.
- Hamond C, Pinna A, Martins G, Lilenbaum W. The role of leptospirosis in reproductive disorders in horses.. Trop Anim Health Prod 2014 Jan;46(1):1-10.
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