Abstract
Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a common post-partum problem in mares for which the treatment is highly variable. The aim of this study was (i) to investigate the different treatments used by equine practitioners for RFM and (ii) to determine if there is a difference between treatments used by reproductive specialists and general equine practitioners. Information regarding treatment of RFM was sought from veterinary practitioners via a survey and this was compared to recommendations in the current literature. The survey was sent out to equine veterinarians and mixed practitioners with a high equine case load. Most treatments of RFM were in line with current recommendations, while some obsolete practices are still routinely performed by a small number of practitioners. Treatment recommendations for RFM have changed over the last few decades, but there are no universally accepted guidelines. The vast variety of treatments reported by practitioners in the present survey reflect this lack of guidance. More extensive research is needed in this area to establish evidence-based, uniformly agreed upon protocols.
Highlights
Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is the most common post-partum problem in mares (1)
The administration of broad spectrum antibiotics to all mares experiencing RFM is often recommended to prevent bacterial growth in utero and secondary septicemia/endotoxemia (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 14)
Various aspects of RFMs in the mare were investigated by conducting an international survey of veterinary practitioners
Summary
Retained fetal membranes (RFM) is the most common post-partum problem in mares (1). RFM is defined as the complete or partial failure to release the chorioallantois within a pre-defined timeframe post-partum. The duration of time before the membranes are considered to be retained varies widely from 30 min to up to 24 h (2–4). The cause of RFM is not known for certain, but a combination of uterine inertia and hormonal imbalances has been suggested previously (4). Other causes that have been reported include serum calcium and phosphate imbalances, dysregulation of extracellular matrix remodeling and activation, physical intervention, placental infection, and/or edema, trauma to endometrial tissue and uterine infections (4, 6–8). Pre-disposing factors for uterine inertia include low blood calcium levels, overstretching of the myometrium due to twins, myometrial degeneration due to infections, and myometrial exhaustion in the course of dystocia. Hormonal imbalances have been attributed to low oxytocin receptor expression (9)
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