Abstract
Treatment of pregnant mares to prevent abortions due to equine piroplasmosis is a novel idea practised empirically at some Thoroughbred studs in South Africa. This paper presents the results of an investigation to ascertain whether imidocarb dipropionate crosses the equine placenta. Three pregnant mares were injected intramuscularly with imidocarb and their foetuses were mechanically aborted at varying time intervals thereafter. Imidocarb was found in foetal blood at a level similar to that in the dam's blood, suggesting that imidocarb administered to the dam would be available for anti-parasitic activity in the foetal circulation. Uncertainty concerning the time of treatment to achieve the desired effect currently makes this a questionable exercise.
Highlights
Piroplasmosis is regularly diagnosed inSouth Africa in new-born foals and aborted foetuses[4,7]
In a recent survey of abortions in Thorougbred mares in South Africa, it was found that 11 % were due to Theileria equi2‡
The results clearly show that in the 2 cases tested, imidocarb did cross the equine placenta and was detectable in the foetal circulation at a level similar to that found in the dam’s blood
Summary
South Africa in new-born foals and aborted foetuses[4,7]. In a recent survey of abortions in Thorougbred mares in South Africa, it was found that 11 % were due to Theileria equi2‡. (Forray-65, Hoechst Roussel Vet) to brood mares 6–8 weeks before the expected foaling date in an attempt to prevent abortions due to piroplasmosis (personal observations). A recent study[6] demonstrated the presence of T. equi in healthy equine foetuses as early as the 120th day of gestation, whereas most abortions occur much later. This implies that the most appropriate time for prevention or treatment of transplacental infection is not known. It has been suggested that the peak plasma concentration in horses would be reached between 1 and 4 h post injection It has been suggested that the peak plasma concentration in horses would be reached between 1 and 4 h post injection (M Allen, Hoechst Roussel Vet, South Africa, pers. comm., 1998)
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