The effects of parturition and peripartum complications on the peritoneal fluid composition of mares.
Abstract: Abnormalities in peritoneal fluid are diagnostically useful for managing equine colic; however, their significance in post-dystocia mares is not known. This study was to determine what changes, if any, occurred following obstetrical manipulations. Peritoneal fluid samples were collected from 2 groups of foaling mares to establish control values, and from a third group that had developed clinical abnormalities (CAb,n = 14) or had made an uneventful recovery (CN,n = 36) following fetal extraction. In Group 1 mares, samples were collected before and after induced parturitions (n = 7), and although the total nucleated cell count was increased (P < 0.02) the median values for peritoneal fluid composition remained within the normal reference range. In Group 2 mares, samples were collected after unassisted foalings (n = 10) on postpartum Days 1, 3, 5 and 7, and the peritoneal fluid values remained within the normal reference range. In the Group 3 (CN) mares neither assisted vaginal delivery or fetotomy caused median peritoneal fluid values to rise above the normal reference range. Although remaining within normal limits, the total nucleated cell count was increased (P < 0.01) on Day 2. The median peritoneal fluid total protein value for Group 3 (CAb) mares was greater than the median value for Group 3 (CN) mares on Day 1 (P < 0.05) and Day 2 (P < 0.001). The peritoneal fluid total nucleated cell count in Group 3 (CAb) mares with a uterine tear, vaginal laceration involving the peritoneal cavity, or a ruptured mesocolon was greater than in Group 3 (CN) mares (P < 0.02). The median peritoneal fluid percentage of neutrophils value for Group 3 (CAb) mares was higher than for Group 3 (CN) mares on both Days 1 and 2 (P < 0.02). Elevation of a single peritoneal fluid value in the postpartum mare may be incidental; however, increases in 2 or more of these (total protein > 3.0 g/dl; total nucleated cell count > 15,000 cells/microl; percentage of neutrophils > 80%) is clinically significant.
Publication Date: 2006-05-27 PubMed ID: 16728183DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(97)00320-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article is about how giving birth and complications during birth can affect the composition of the peritoneal fluid in horses. The researchers are trying to understand if changes in this fluid can help diagnose problems related to difficult births in mares.
Study Groups and Methodology
- The study involved different groups of mares with variations in pregnancy and parturition conditions.
- Group 1 mares were induced parturitions where samples were collected before and after birth.
- Group 2 mares underwent unassisted foalings. Their samples were collected on Days 1, 3, 5 and 7 postpartum.
- Group 3 was subdivided into mares that developed clinical abnormalities (CAb) after fetal extraction and those that made an uneventful recovery (CN). The mares in this group underwent either assisted vaginal delivery or fetotomy.
Findings of the Study
- In Group 1, despite an increase in total nucleated cell count, the peritoneal fluid composition remained within the normal reference range both before and after the induced parturition.
- For Group 2 mares, who underwent unassisted foalings, the peritoneal fluid values remained normal throughout their postpartum recovery cycle.
- In Group 3 (CN), neither assisted vaginal delivery nor fetotomy caused an abnormal rise in peritoneal fluid values, though an increased cell count was observed on Day 2 within normal limits.
- The median peritoneal fluid total protein value for Group 3 (CAb) mares was more than the median value for Group 3 (CN) mares on Day 1 and 2. The total nucleated cell count was higher for Group 3 (CAb) mares that suffered uterine tear, vaginal laceration involving the peritoneal cavity, or a ruptured mesocolon compared to Group 3 (CN) mares. The neutrophil percentage in peritoneal fluid was also higher in Group 3 (CAb) mares on both Days 1 and 2.
- The researchers conclude that a single rise in peritoneal fluid values may not signify a problem but persistent increases in two or more values, specifically total protein, total nucleated cell count and the percentage of neutrophils could indicate a clinical concern postpartum.
Cite This Article
APA
Frazer G, Burba D, Paccamonti D, Blouin D, Leblanc M, Embertson R, Hance S.
(2006).
The effects of parturition and peripartum complications on the peritoneal fluid composition of mares.
Theriogenology, 48(6), 919-931.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(97)00320-8 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Rapezzano G, Marcatili M, Stephenson R, Pereira R, Hallowell G, Duz M. Evaluation of peritoneal l-lactate concentration in horses in the early post-partum period. Vet Med Sci 2024 May;10(3):e1352.
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