Ultrasonic fetal gender diagnoses during Months 5 to 11 in mares

Abstract

The effect of fetal age on the ability to diagnose gender during the last half of pregnancy was evaluated in 85 mares using a 3.5 MHz linear-array transducer. Diagnosis of fetal gender was completed in 19 of 21 attempts (90%) during Months 5–6 and was independent of fetal presentation; the percentage of cranial, caudal, and transverse presentations was 52, 29 and 19%, respectively. Fetal gender was diagnosed in only 4 of 64 (6%) attempts during Months 7 to 11; fetal presentation was predominantly cranial (95%). Attempts at gender diagnoses were always successful when the fetus was in caudal or transverse presentation. Overall accuracy for fetal gender diagnoses was 89%. Absolute accuracy verified after birth of the foal was 100% when expected accuracy, estimated at the time of the examination, was ≥80%. During Month 5, the penis was a hyperechogenic trilobulated structure located near the fetal umbilical attachment. During Months 6 to 11, the penis was pendulous; it appeared circular in cross section and rectangular in longitudinal section. The anogenital raphe was a narrow hyperechogenic structure between the hind limbs and along the perineum. During Months 5 to 11, the clitoris was hyperechogenic, trilobulated, and located in the perineal region. The labia could be delineated when the entire perineum was imaged. The mammary gland was a triangular hyperechogenic structure between the hind limbs in frontal and cross-sectional planes. In both genders the anus was identified as a hyperechogenic structure located immediately below the tail. Ultrasonic fetal gender diagnosis was readily accomplished and most accurate during Months 5 to 6, but thereafter the diagnostic areas were usually inaccessible.