[Incidence of puerperal diseases during the first 10 days after foaling in the mare].

The research paper presents a comprehensive investigation on the frequency of puerperal diseases in breeding mares during the first ten days after birth. The diseases investigated include retained placenta, lochiometra, perineal ruptures among others.

Methodology

• The researchers looked into patient data from a university clinic, examining records of 308 breeding mares diagnosed with puerperal disorders within ten days postpartum over a span of ten years.
• The investigation differentiated between diseases diagnosed at the first examination and those that developed during the mares’ stay in the clinic.

Results

• Through this study, a total of 21 diseases were identified as common disorders. Retained placenta, lochiometra (an accumulation of pus in the uterus), and injuries to the perineum (area between the anus and the vulva) were the most prevalent.
• Some mares were found to have more than one disease, with mares suffering from retained placenta also frequently presenting with perineal ruptures and lochiometra.
• Mares with lochiometra often had concurrent retained placenta and birth-induced injuries.
• Further diseases were seen to develop in some mares, with lochiometra, puerperal laminitis (a painful inflammation in hoof structures), and thrombophlebitis (a vein inflammation) being the most common in mares with a retained placenta.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that mares with puerperal disorders are often diagnosed with several diseases, therefore, a higher proportion of additional diseases can be assumed in such mares.
• The findings emphasize the importance of close monitoring in the first ten days postpartum and a thorough veterinary examination during this period to ensure early detection of any conditions and prompt treatment.