Morphological Characteristics of the Placenta and Umbilical Cord of Arabian Mares Foaling in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

A total of 127 normal placentas from Arabian mares resident in the United Arab Emirates were examined. The mean linear dimensions of the placenta were, on average, 84% of those previously recorded for the placentas of the Thoroughbred. Significant differences in the size of the allantochorion between primigravid and multiparous mares were seen only in the linear dimensions of the body portion. The pregnant horn was more commonly on the right than left side of the uterus (P = .01; 74/127; 58%). Cord attachment was primarily at the base of the two placental horns (112/127; 88%), with the remainder showing anomalies from this position. The mean (±SEM) total length of the umbilical cords was 62.2 ± 1.2 cm, being composed of the allantoic portion (29.7 ± 0.9 cm) and amniotic portion (32.5 ± 0.6 cm), which averaged 53 ± 0.01% of the total length. The amniotic portion was usually, but not always, longer than the allantoic portion (79/127; 62%). Longer cords were associated with a greater proportion of allantoic length. An enlarged yolk sac remnant (YSR) was present in 16/127 (13%) placentas. Cords with YSRs displayed a significantly longer allantoic portion than those without (P = .02). The total cord length was not correlated with the weight or area of the allantochorion or amnion, any linear measurement of the allantochorion, gestation length, the month of foaling, parity of the dam, or birthweight or sex of the foal. The purpose for which the mare was bred (i.e., racing or showing) influenced the cord length, those of show mares being significantly longer.