Management of retained fetal membranes by umbilical vessel infusion in mares submitted to elective C-section.

Overview

• This study investigates a new treatment method—umbilical vessel infusion—to manage retained fetal membranes (RFM) in mares following elective cesarean sections (C-sections).
• The findings suggest that umbilical vessel infusion is an effective and safe technique to promote the separation and expulsion of retained fetal membranes compared to a traditional counterweight method.

Background

• Retained fetal membranes (RFM) refer to the failure to expel the placenta after foaling, which can cause serious health issues in mares.
• C-sections, while sometimes necessary, increase the risk of RFM, necessitating fast and effective treatments to minimize complications.
• This study focuses on mares of the Criollo breed at around 315 days of gestation undergoing elective C-section to have controlled conditions for treatment evaluation.

Study Design and Methods

• Ten pregnant Criollo mares were subjected to elective C-section when they were ready to give birth.
• After delivery by C-section, all mares exhibited retained fetal membranes longer than three hours, indicating the need for intervention.
• Mares were randomly assigned into two treatment groups:
• Umbilical Vessel Infusion Group (n = 5): Received a low-pressure infusion of 0.9% saline solution directly into the umbilical vessel.
• Counterweight Group (n = 5): A light 1 kg counterweight was attached to the exposed fetal membrane intending to aid natural detachment.
• Success in treatment was defined as full separation and expulsion of the membranes within 40 minutes from the start of treatment.
• Key variables such as age, gestational length, foal weight, and surgical times were comparable between groups ensuring fairness in treatment evaluation.

Results

• In the Umbilical Vessel Infusion group, 80% (4 out of 5 mares) expelled the fetal membranes within 40 minutes, showing a strong positive response.
• In contrast, none (0 out of 5) of the mares in the Counterweight group expelled membranes within the 40-minute window.
• The difference in outcomes was statistically significant (P < 0.05), indicating the umbilical vessel infusion method was more effective.
• Mares treated with umbilical vessel infusion showed no signs of severe discomfort, pain, or other adverse secondary effects after treatment, emphasizing its safety.

Conclusions

• Umbilical vessel infusion is demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment method for managing retained fetal membranes in mares after elective C-sections.
• This technique provides a practical alternative to traditional methods, potentially improving recovery times and outcomes in equine reproductive management.
• Prompt intervention using umbilical vessel infusion can reduce risks associated with prolonged RFM, benefiting mare health and welfare.