Reduction of twin pregnancy in the mare by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration.

This research study examines the effectiveness of using transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (TUGA) as a technique in managing twin pregnancies in horses. The results indicate that TUGA can be successfully used to reduce twin pregnancy, specifically between 16 and 25 days of gestation.

Background and Problem Statement

• Identifying and managing twin pregnancies in mares (female horses) is a significant challenge in equine reproduction.
• Typically, the method used for managing such pregnancies involves the early detection of twins and employing a manual crush of one vesicle.
• The practice of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (TUGA) has undergone little study, particularly concerning its use in reducing twins in horses.

Methodology

• The study investigates the efficacy of TUGA for twin pregnancies in horses.
• Specially, the study focuses on the reduction of unicornuate twins (meaning, pregnancies where one fetus has occupied one of the uterine horns only).
• The examined gestation period was between 16 to 25 days, after which the results were evaluated.

Results

• The study found a 70% success rate; out of 20 twin pregnancies, 14 resulted in viable foals.
• However, when the reduction was attempted after 40 days of gestation, all mares lost both pregnancies. This included one unicornuate and three bicornuate pregnancies (where fetuses occupied both uterine horns).

Conclusion

• The findings suggest that TUGA can be successfully used to manage and reduce twin pregnancy between 16 and 25 days of gestation.
• This indicates a useful alternative method when the standard procedure of manual crush of a twin vesicle is not possible or the window for performing it has been missed.