Use of ultrasound echography for early diagnosis of single and twin pregnancy in the mare.

The research article discusses a 1981 study conducted on Thoroughbred stud farms where ultrasound echography was utilized to detect early pregnancy in mares, including instances of twin pregnancies. The technique was found to be practical and easy in interpretation, aiding to detect pregnancy as early as 14 days post-ovulation.

Objectives of the study

• The primary objective of the study was to test the application and effectiveness of real-time ultrasound echography in detecting early pregnancy in mares.
• The research also aimed to understand the ability of this technique to identify twin pregnancies, with added focus on discerning if the twin conceptuses are situated in separate horns or the same horn of the uterus.

Methodology

• The study was conducted in 1981 on six Newmarket Thoroughbred stud farms using real-time ultrasound echography.
• The researchers monitored mares post-ovulation and used ultrasound echography to detect any signs of pregnancy.

Findings

• The ultrasound scanning technique proved to be practical and the results relatively easy to interpret.
• The method could positively identify pregnancy as early as 14 days after the mare’s ovulation.
• The researchers were also able to recognize a number of twin pregnancies and determine whether the conceptuses were together in the same horn or in separate horns of the uterus.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that real-time ultrasound echography is an effective tool for early identification of equine pregnancy.
• The method not only allows the detection of non-pregnancy but can also spot twin pregnancies before the crucial stage of endometrial cup formation.
• Through the results of the study, it is predicted that ultrasound scanning will become a standard practice in stud farms for early diagnosis of equine pregnancy.