Clinical Outcome of Transcervical Infusion of a Combination of Procaine Penicillin and Gentamicin in Late-term Pregnant Mares.

The research is about a study that investigated the safety and efficacy of using a specific method and dosage of antibiotic treatment in late-term pregnant mares to better address potential fetal and neonatal diseases. The study results suggest this method could be viable without causing undue complications to the mares or their foals.

Objective of the Research

• The primary aim of this research was to determine whether a unique approach called transcervical intrauterine infusion of certain antibiotics would be safe and more effective than standard treatment paths in combating pathogens that could cause fetal and neonatal diseases in late-term pregnant mares.

Overview of the Method

• Nine healthy pregnant pony mares were administered a single dose of 2.4 million IU of procaine penicillin and 200mg of gentamicin passed into the uterus through the cervix.
• The health of the placenta and fetus was regularly monitored by measuring the thickness of the uterus/placenta and fetal heart rate. Further observations were made during the periparturient phase (the period around delivery).

Findings

• No significant changes were observed in the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta or the fetal heart rate after the antibiotic infusion. Also, no sign of fluid buildup was noticed after 24, 48, and 72 hours of treatment.
• The mares gave birth without any complications between 12 and 58 days after the treatment, reaching a mean gestational age of 322.7 ± 12.7 days.
• Out of the total foals, only two showed signs of a mild condition known as neonatal maladjustment syndrome, which subsided with minimal supportive care. All foals were healthy and survived to weaning, with no further issues.

Implication of the Research

• The study brings out positive potential implications suggesting that a single transcervical infusion of a combination of penicillin and gentamicin in late-term pregnant mares may be a safe and efficient treatment approach for related fetal and neonatal diseases.