Transrectal ultrasonography for measuring of combined utero-placental thickness in pregnant Mangalarga Marchador mares.

The research article presents a study conducted to monitor the physiological change in the thickness of the uterus and placenta during the normal pregnancy of Mangalarga Marchador mares. An ultrasound technique is used for the measurement, and correlation is observed between the thickness and the stage of pregnancy.

Research Overview

• The study primarily focuses on capturing the physiological changes in the combined utero-placental thickness (CUPT) of Mangalarga Marchador mares throughout their pregnancy. The CUPT is the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta.

Procedure

• Transrectal B-mode ultrasonography, a specialized ultrasound technique, was employed to measure the CUPT in a sample of 42 pregnant mares. The chosen subjects had a mean age of 8.7 (±3.5 years).
• CUPT was measured every month starting from the 150th day of gestation up until delivery. These measurements were taken from the middle part of the uterine artery out to the allantoic fluid.

Statistical Analysis

• A General Linear Model was utilized to assess the primary impact of the age and gestational stage of the mares on CUPT.
• The model showed a coefficient of determination (R2) valued at 0.571 (P<0.001), implying a moderate level of correlation.

Findings

• No correlation was found between the CUPT and the chronological age of the mares.
• However, a positive correlation was seen between the CUPT and the stage of gestation, accounting for roughly 29.6% of the observed variation.
• The research indicated that the CUPT significantly increased during periods from 210 to 240 days, and from 270 to 300 days of gestation.
• The increase in CUPT throughout the pregnancy of Mangalarga Marchador mares suggests a correlation with advancing pregnancy stages.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that the rise in CUPT throughout the gestation period in Mangalarga Marchador mares may serve as a physiological parameter for ultrasonographic assessment of the placenta in these mares.