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Flashcards in Equine abortion Deck (13)
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1
Q

Placentitis is a major cause of abortion in mares during the earlier or later stages of pregnancy?

A

later

2
Q

What is most common route in which bacteria are introduced to the uteroplacental unit?

A

ascending infections, which result in inflammation and placental detachment at the cervical star region.
-hematogenous infections are also possible (Strep. zoo, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsilla, Aspergillus)

3
Q

Treatment options of mares with placentitis

A
  1. abx
  2. NSAIDs (flunixin) to suppress inflammation
  3. Altrenogest (progesterone) to promote uterine quiescence -unknown efficacy
  4. clenbuterol (sympathomimetic) to suppress uterine motility -unknown efficacy
    - pentoxyfylline to decrease inflammatory mediators and increase uterine blood flow - unknown efficacy
4
Q

What is the most common virus associated with equine abortions?

A

equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1)

-also EHV-4 and equine viral arteritis (EVA)

5
Q

What can be done to prevent EHV-1 and abortions?

A

Vaccination against EHV-1 at month 5,7,9 has been shown to reduce the incidence of EHV-1 induced abortions

6
Q

Any other symptoms with EHV-1?

A

yes - subclinical to clinical respiratory infections

7
Q

How is the fetus infected by EHV-1?

A

by either the chorionic vasculature or by inhalation of infected amniotic fluid

8
Q

Diagnosis of EHV-1

A

examination of the fetus: small necrotic foci on the liver, necrotizing bronchiolitis, intranuclear inclusion bodies on histologic examination
for confirmation:
-virus neutralization tests, indirect immunofluorescence, PCR, virus isolation

9
Q

What if they are born alive with EHV-1?

A

they will not survive for more than a few hours or days and will demonstrate signs of respiratory distress, icterus, fever, lethargy

10
Q

Treatment of EHV-1

A

No treatment, although anti-virals may theoretically be of benefit
-most people just vaccinate at the appropriate times

11
Q

Why do twin pregnancies often result in abortion?

A

there is limited endometrial surface for the allantochorion to attach (diffuse microcotyledonary placenta)

12
Q

What if somehow the twin fetuses are carried to full term?

A

often one or both of the fetuses are stunted in growth and size from intrauterine growth retardation

13
Q

How does umbilical torsion cause abortion in the mare?

A
  • fetus is able to rotate within the amniotic sac and can result in excessive twisting of the umbilical cord
  • results in constriction of the normal flow through the umbilical cord along with edema, hemorrhage and thrombosis