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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Vet Med Sci / Ultrasonographic evaluation of equine fetal growth throughou...
The Journal of veterinary medical science2014; 76(7); 947-953; doi: 10.1292/jvms.13-0259

Ultrasonographic evaluation of equine fetal growth throughout gestation in normal mares using a convex transducer.

Abstract: It has not been common to perform regular ultrasound examination of the fetus in equine practice, due to the increasing volume of the uterus caused by fetal development. The convex three-dimensional transducer is bulb-shaped and is able to observe wide areas. In addition, its operation is simple, making it easy to create appropriate angles for various indices using a transrectal approach. The aim of this study was to measure Thoroughbred fetal growth indices throughout gestation using a convex transducer and to clarify the detectable period of some indices for clinical use. We demonstrated changes in fetal indices, such as crown rump length (CRL), fetal heart rate (FHR), fetal eye and kidney and the combined thickness of uterus and placenta (CTUP). CTUP increased from 30 weeks of gestation, and FHR peaked at 8 weeks and then decreased to term. CRL could be observed until 13 weeks due to its wide angle, longer than in previous reports. Fetal eye and kidney could be observed from 10 and 28 weeks, respectively, and these increased with pregnancy progress. The present results showed the advantage of transrectal examination using a convex transducer for evaluation of normal fetal development. Although ultrasonographic examination in mid- to late-gestation is not common in equine reproductive practice, our comprehensive results would be a useful basis for equine pregnancy examination.
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Publication Date: 2014-03-24 PubMed ID: 24662520PubMed Central: PMC4143655DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0259Google 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.

This research study explores the use of a convex transducer in ultrasound examinations to monitor fetal growth in horses throughout gestation. The study illuminates the changes in various fetal indices like crown rump length, fetal heart rate, and organ development, which became detectable for a longer duration than previous reports had indicated.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

  • The study was conducted to measure the growth indices of equine fetuses throughout gestation using a convex transducer, a bulb-shaped device used for ultrasonic examinations.
  • The aim also included determining the detectable periods of specific growth indices for potential clinical application.
  • The main method utilized was a transrectal approach, which is simple to perform with a convex transducer and offers the advantage of observing wide areas of the uterus.

Findings and Observations

  • During the study, several fetal indices like the crown rump length (CRL), fetal heart rate (FHR), and the development of the fetal eye and kidney were closely monitored.
  • The combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) was also observed, which increased from 30 weeks of gestation.
  • The FHR reached its peak at 8 weeks, then decreased until term.
  • CRL could be observed until as late as 13 weeks, a more extended period than what previous reports recorded. This is made possible because of the wide-angle view provided by the convex transducer.
  • The development of the fetal eye and kidney could be observed from 10 and 28 weeks, respectively. Both of these indicators increased as the pregnancy progressed.

Significance and Implication of the Research

  • This study establishes the advantages of using a transrectal examination with a convex transducer in evaluating normal fetal growth in horses.
  • While such ultrasound examinations in mid- to late-gestation are not typically common in equine reproductive practice, the findings of this comprehensive study could serve as a valuable basis for future equine pregnancy examinations.

Cite This Article

APA
Murase H, Endo Y, Tsuchiya T, Kotoyori Y, Shikichi M, Ito K, Sato F, Nambo Y. (2014). Ultrasonographic evaluation of equine fetal growth throughout gestation in normal mares using a convex transducer. J Vet Med Sci, 76(7), 947-953. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.13-0259

Publication

The Journal of veterinary medical science
ISSN: 1347-7439
NlmUniqueID: 9105360
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 76
Issue: 7
Pages: 947-953

Researcher Affiliations

Murase, Harutaka
  • Equine Science Division, Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, 535-13 Nishicha, Urakawa-cho, Urakawa-gun, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan.
Endo, Yoshiro
    Tsuchiya, Takeru
      Kotoyori, Yasumitsu
        Shikichi, Mitsumori
          Ito, Katsumi
            Sato, Fumio
              Nambo, Yasuo

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Embryo, Mammalian / diagnostic imaging
                • Female
                • Horses / embryology
                • Horses / physiology
                • Pregnancy
                • Transducers / veterinary
                • Ultrasonography, Prenatal / veterinary

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                Citations

                This article has been cited 8 times.
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