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Home / Equine Research Bank / Reprod Domest Anim / Overview of the causes of abortion in horses, their follow-u...
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2023; doi: 10.1111/rda.14406

Overview of the causes of abortion in horses, their follow-up and management.

Abstract: Abortions in horses represent an important health and economic challenge for equine industry. Primary causes of abortion are divided in non-infectious and infectious. Non-infectious causes include abnormalities of foetal appendices (umbilical cord and placenta essentially), abnormalities of gestation, maternal and foetal origins. Infectious abortions are caused in almost cases by bacterial infections, followed by viruses, fungi and parasites. New abortive pathogens (as Leptospira, Neospora caninum, Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydophila abortus, and) have been confirmed in equines by comparison already known for their abortive properties in human or in other species. Despite an increasing number of autopsies and continuous improvements in diagnostic tools, in management and surveillance, 20%-40% of the causes of equine abortion remain unknown depending on the country. To increase the likelihood of a definitive diagnosis in cases of abortion and stillbirth in horses, new diagnostic approaches are needed.
© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2023-06-13 PubMed ID: 37312640DOI: 10.1111/rda.14406Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The article captures an in-depth study on the causes of abortion in horses, their subsequent follow-ups, as well as management.

Main Causes of Abortion in Horses

  • The causes of horse abortion are divided into non-infectious and infectious, with significant consequences on the health and economics of the equine industry.
  • Non-infectious causes of horse abortion include abnormalities of foetal appendices such as the placenta and umbilical cord, gestational abnormalities, and issues originating from the mother and foetus.
  • Infectious causes of horse abortion almost always come from bacterial infections, but other culprits can include viruses, fungi, and parasites.
  • New abortive pathogens including Leptospira, Neospora caninum, Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydophila abortus have been identified in horses. These pathogens were previously known for their abortive properties in humans or other animal species.

Challenges in Diagnosing Abortion Causes in Horses

  • Despite significant strides in autopsy procedures and diagnostic tools enhancements, the cause of equine abortion remains unknown in 20%-40% of the cases, varying by country.
  • Continued improvements and developments are necessary in the management and surveillance of equine abortion.

The Need for New Diagnostic Approaches

  • The research emphasizes the need for innovative diagnostic approaches to improve the chances of making precise diagnoses for abortion and stillbirth in horses.
  • Current procedures and tools continue to leave a high percentage of causes unknown, impeding the progress towards comprehensive management and follow up of equine abortion.

Cite This Article

APA
Leon A, Pillon C, Tebourski I, Bruyas JF, Lupo C. (2023). Overview of the causes of abortion in horses, their follow-up and management. Reprod Domest Anim. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14406

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Leon, Albertine
  • Equine Health Research Department, LABÉO, Saint Contest, France.
  • Inserm UMR 1311 DYNAMICURE, Normandie University, UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, Caen, France.
Pillon, Clément
  • Equine Health Research Department, LABÉO, Saint Contest, France.
  • Inserm UMR 1311 DYNAMICURE, Normandie University, UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, Caen, France.
Tebourski, Inès
  • Evreux, France.
Bruyas, Jean-François
  • Oniris, Nantes, France.
Lupo, Coralie
  • RESPE-French Network for Surveillance of Equine Diseases, Saint Contest, France.

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