Factors Affecting Survival and Future Foaling Rates in Thoroughbred Mares with Hydrops.
Abstract: Prognosis for life and future fertility in broodmares following hydrops is reportedly good, but evidence to support these reports is limited. The objective of this case series was to describe the prognosis for survival and fertility in mares presented to a referral hospital following diagnosis of hydrops. Medical records were reviewed to identify mares diagnosed with hydrops. Data collected included history (gestation, sire of the foal), clinical findings at presentation and throughout hospitalization (complications, treatments, survival to discharge) and future foaling rates. Thirty mares were presented for hydrops between 2009 and 2019. Ninety percent (27/30) of mares survived (94.7% [18/19] hydrallantois, 75% [6/8] hydramnios) and 95% (20/21) of mares successfully had a future foal, of which 75% (15/21) had a foal the following year. There was no reoccurrence of hydrops. Mares managed with transcervical gradual fluid drainage demonstrated higher survival rate compared to those not managed with transcervical drainage (100% with vs. 78.6% without). The most frequent complications observed in mares that did not survive included hypovolemic shock (n = 7), hemorrhage (n = 4) and laminitis (n = 3). Complications observed in mares not returning to breeding included hypovolemic shock and hemorrhage. Causes of non-survival included peritonitis secondary to abdominal wall rupture or uterine tear, and tibial fracture. These results suggest that prognosis for survival and future fertility following a diagnosis of hydrops is good, provided the hydrops is diagnosed and treated appropriately with no damage to the reproductive tract or abdominal wall.
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022-03-31 PubMed ID: 35367520DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103941Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article investigates the prognosis for survival and fertility in thoroughbred mares diagnosed with hydrops, a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fluid. It found that, provided appropriate diagnosis and treatment, a good prognosis is generally given for both survival and future foaling rates.
Research Objective and Methodology
- The goal of this study was to provide a critical analysis of the survival and future fertility rates in thoroughbred mares diagnosed with hydrops, as there is limited evidence currently supporting the generally positive prognosis given.
- The researchers carried out a case series study, reviewing the medical records of mares presented to a referral hospital with a hydrops diagnosis. Key data such as gestation history, clinical findings, complications, survival to discharge, and future foaling rates were collected and analyzed.
Findings and Data Analysis
- Over a ten year period (2009-2019), 30 mares were presented for hydrops.
- Most of the mares survived (90%) and went on to successfully have a future foal (95%). 75% had a foal the following year.
- There were no instances of hydrops recurring.
- Mares that were managed with a treatment called transcervical gradual fluid drainage showed a higher survival rate compared to those that did not receive this treatment. The survival rate was 100% for those who received the transcervical treatment versus 78.6% for those without the treatment.
Observed Complications and Causes of Non-survival
- Some mares faced complications, most notably hypovolemic shock, hemorrhage, and laminitis. For mares that did not survive, these complications were more frequent and severe.
- Peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening infection that occurs when a rupture or tear happens in the abdominal wall or uterus, was identified as a cause of non-survival. Tibial fractures also contributed to non-survival.
Conclusion
- The study concludes that the prognosis for survival and future foaling rates is generally good in mares diagnosed with hydrops, provided appropriate diagnosis and treatment are given.
- The research underscores the importance of early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment of hydrops to prevent damage to the reproductive tract or the abdominal wall, which can impair survival and future fertility.
Cite This Article
APA
Lemonnier LC, Wolfsdorf KE, Kreutzfeldt N, Fedorka C, Chigerwe M, Bozorgmanesh R.
(2022).
Factors Affecting Survival and Future Foaling Rates in Thoroughbred Mares with Hydrops.
J Equine Vet Sci, 113, 103941.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103941 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Internal Medicine, University Animal Hospital, Oniris, Nantes, France; Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY. Electronic address: louise.lemonnier@oniris-nantes.fr.
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY.
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA.
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Fertility
- Horse Diseases
- Horses
- Pregnancy Complications / veterinary
- Reproduction
- Retrospective Studies
Citations
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