Managing Reproduction Emergencies in the Field: Part 2: Parturient and Periparturient Conditions.

The research outlines different conditions that could affect broodmares during and after giving birth, including issues like arterial rupture, dystocia, and uterine prolapse. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluations after signs of colic post-labor and reveals that injury or rupture of the uterus is often identified within 1-3 days after birthing.

Description of Conditions

• Arterial rupture and dystocia are problems that can occur in the mare’s reproductive system during labor. In both cases, it can lead to serious complications such as hemorrhage or even death if not addressed promptly.
• Ex utero intrapartum treatment refers to the extra support that a foal might need during and after birth. This could include anything from common interventions like oxygen supplementation to more severe measures like surgical interventions.
• Uterine prolapse, another common condition in broodmares, occurs when the uterus comes out through the mare’s vulva typically observed shortly after the foal’s birth. Immediate veterinary attention is needed to prevent severe damage or infection.

Postpartum Conditions

• Postpartum colic is an abdominal pain that may continue beyond third-stage labor contractions, sometimes indicating injuries to the reproductive or intestinal tract.
• Metritis/Sepsis/Systemic inflammatory response syndrome complex is a severe condition involving inflammation of the uterus, serious infection in the bloodstream, and body-wide inflammation. This potentially life-threatening condition requires immediate treatment.
• Retained fetal membranes refer to cases where pieces of the placenta remain in the uterus after the birth resulting in infection or inflammation.

Identify and Deal with Uterus Ruptures

• Mares suffering from uterine perforation or rupture are often identified within 1 to 3 days post-foaling, often presenting depression, fever, and leukopenia (reduction in white blood cells).
• If not treated promptly, the mare may develop laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting the horse’s feet, which can progress to founder, a debilitating and lifelong condition that affects the hooves.
• Similar concerns are applicable in cases of mares with retained fetal membranes. The quickest possible veterinary intervention is demanded in these scenarios.