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Theriogenology2005; 64(3); 542-557; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.05.011

Assessment of feto-placental well-being in the mare from mid-gestation to term: transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonographic features.

Abstract: Ultrasound assessment of feto-placental well-being has found its application in the equine field, as a valid diagnostic tool. Most reports on equine fetal parameters focus on advanced to late gestation. The aim of the present study was to further validate the technique of ultrasound evaluation of the equine fetal environment, by extending its application to earlier stages of pregnancy. Fetal parameters were collected (on 150 pregnancies) over a 3-year period. Data included in the study were selected according to the clinical behaviour of the mare, the neonate/fetus and fetal membranes at the termination of gestation. Validation of the ultrasound technique was also undertaken on a number of specimens collected at an abbatoir. At the completion of the study, a substantial number of measurements and observations were collected. No fetal parameters associated in previous reports with a negative outcome were observed at any of the examinations during this study. Therefore, data collected during the present study should be of value in feto-placental assessment of well-being, in mid- to late-gestation.
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Publication Date: 2005-07-05 PubMed ID: 15993936DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.05.011Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research aims to test and validate the use of ultrasound for monitoring the well-being of horse fetuses, from mid-pregnancy to birth. The focus was on expanding its application to earlier stages of pregnancy, with observations showing no signs of negative outturns as previously reported, suggesting its value in assessing horse fetal health.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study’s primary objective was to validate and broaden the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for examining the environment of equine fetuses, particularly at the earlier stages of pregnancy. This goal stems from the prevalent focus of most reports on late-stage gestation.
  • To achieve this objective, fetal parameters from 150 pregnancies were collected over a period of three years. Several factors influenced the selection of the data included in the study, such as the clinical behavior of the mare, the neonate/fetus, and their membranes at the end of gestation.
  • Validation of the ultrasound technique was carried out using specimens collected from an abattoir.

Results and Findings

  • By the end of the study, a large amount of measurement and observational data was collected. This substantial compilation allowed for a detailed evaluation of the ultrasound assessment technique applied throughout the gestation phases.
  • The gathered data revealed no instances of negative outcomes associated with fetal parameters that have previously been reported. This result suggests that the ultrasound technique can effectively predict feto-placental well-being during pregnancy in horses.

Conclusion and Implication

  • The findings from the study underscore the relevance and effectiveness of using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool when tracking and assessing feto-placental health from mid to late gestation in mares.
  • Such an approach can provide valuable insights into how horse fetuses are developing and coping over the course of a pregnancy. In turn, it can help in predicting their well-being, ensuring veterinarians can institute necessary interventions when needed.

Cite This Article

APA
Bucca S, Fogarty U, Collins A, Small V. (2005). Assessment of feto-placental well-being in the mare from mid-gestation to term: transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonographic features. Theriogenology, 64(3), 542-557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.05.011

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 0093-691X
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 64
Issue: 3
Pages: 542-557

Researcher Affiliations

Bucca, S
  • The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland. stefbucca@hotmail.com
Fogarty, U
    Collins, A
      Small, V

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
        • Aorta / embryology
        • Female
        • Fetal Development
        • Fetal Movement
        • Gestational Age
        • Heart Rate, Fetal
        • Horses
        • Placenta / diagnostic imaging
        • Pregnancy
        • Reproducibility of Results
        • Ultrasonography / methods
        • Ultrasonography / veterinary
        • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 21 times.
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