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Ascending Placentitis in the Mare: An Update
Author(s) -
LeBlanc MM
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
reproduction in domestic animals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1439-0531
pISSN - 0936-6768
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01633.x
Subject(s) - foal , medicine , abortion , antibiotics , pregnancy , fetus , obstetrics , ultrasonography , gynecology , surgery , biology , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology
Contents Ascending placentitis is a common cause of premature birth, abortion and delivery of compromised, ill foals. Recent experimental models have investigated diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies in an attempt to improve live foal rate. Diagnostics such as transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonography are used to evaluate foetal well‐being and placental separation, while measurement of plasma progestins or oestrogen identifies a stressed or hypoxic foetus. Treatment is directed at stopping spread of infection, maintaining uterine quiescence and blocking production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. It must be instituted early if a pregnancy is to be saved. Treatments include antibiotics, tocolytics and immunomodulators. Prompt, aggressive treatment with antibiotics has improved foal viability in experimental models of placentitis.