Techniques and applications of transabdominal ultrasonography in the pregnant mare.

This research focused on using high-frequency ultrasound technology effectively for the transabdominal imaging of equine fetal development. Both in vitro and in vivo observations made, supported the feasibility and practical application of this procedure in determining fetal orientation, viability, and twin recognition in mares.

Background

• The researchers wanted to examine the use of transabdominal ultrasonography in pregnant mares to observe fetal development.
• Their research aimed to improve procedures for monitoring equine pregnancies, with a prime focus on developing reliable ultrasound techniques for detecting fetal orientation, viability, and the presence of twins.

Methods

• Initial experiments focused on in vitro testing. This stage of the research used three fetuses retrieved from mares that died out of various causes. These fetuses were scanned using high-frequency ultrasound to generate a variety of fetal images from different orientations.
• The in vivo testing segment covered observations of 50 mares aged between 4 to 16 years. The animals scanned intermittently starting from 100 days of gestation and continued up until the point of parturition.

Results

• The high-frequency ultrasound effectively captured images of fetal parts, observed amniotic fluid, placental membranes, and motion patterns. The researchers concluded these could be reliably identified using this technique.
• Detailed observations were made pertaining to decrease in fetal heart rates from 180 beats/min at the start (100 days’ gestation) until the very end (parturition) where it reduced to 60 to 80 beats/min from 2 weeks before parturition.

Practical Applications

• The researchers found this method to be feasible and practical. They highlighted that it could help ascertain fetal orientation, appraise fetal viability, and detect the presence of twins.
• The utilisation of high-frequency ultrasound technology could greatly benefit veterinary practice, substantially improving equine prenatal care and monitoring. It provides a reliable way to monitor fetal characteristics and health parameters through gestation period till delivery.