Combined Thickness Of The Uterus And Placenta Research Articles

Pregnancy monitoring in mares: Ultrasonographic and endocrine approaches.

Methods to diagnose and monitor equine pregnancy continue to advance with improved instrumentation enabling the development of novel, non-invasive approaches to assess fetal well-being and viability using ultrasound and endocrine testing. From early embryonic loss to placentitis, that is typically encountered later in gestation, fetal viability and development as well as placental function can be evaluated using two fundamentally different, structural and functional, approaches. Ultrasound provides structural information on embryonic and fetal growth using such parameters as combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP), visual assessment of fetal fluids, activity, heart rate and multiple biometrics involving the fetal head and eyes, limbs and joints among many others, depending on the stage of gestation. Endocrine profiles that include progesterone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone, other metabolites, androgens and estrogens can be evaluated simultaneously using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) providing more functional information on fetal and placental competence and development. Endocrine information can be used in making clinical decisions including the need for progestin supplementation or when it can cease, and even estimating gestational stage in mares that cannot be easily palpated or scanned, as with mini-breeds or rancorous animals most notably. When used together, monitoring gestation by ultrasound and hormonal analysis provides unusual insight into feto-placental well-being and the progress of pregnancy, helping to identify problems needing therapeutic intervention.

Cortisol and DHEA as markers of placentitis in pregnant mares: a preliminary study

Placentitis in mares is a subclinical cause of abortion, highlighting the importance of early detection for successful treatment. Sexual steroids could serve as biomarkers, but cross-reactivity and a limited detection range of immunoassays may hinder accurate measures. This study evaluated some steroids as potential markers of placentitis using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS), known to improve detection and quantification of steroids with good selectivity, specificity, and allowing multiplexing capabilities (Conley et al., Reproduction. 2019;158:197-208; Ledeck et al., Theriogenology. 2022;189:86-91). From the 7th month of pregnancy, mares were transrectally scanned to measure the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP), and blood samples were collected at a fixed time of day. Ten healthy mares (HM) and nine mares diagnosed with non-experimentally-induced placentitis (PM) between 8 and 10 months were enrolled, based on ultrasonographic placentitis signs: heterogeneous echogenicity and/or thickened CTUP. Post-partum allantochorion examination confirmed the diagnosis. Subsequently, PM were further excluded from the study as they received treatments for placentitis. Serum concentrations of progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17αOHP), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and cortisol were assayed using LC-MS. Non-normally distributed data were presented as medians, and groups were compared at the same month of pregnancy using the Mann-Whitney test. There were no significant differences in 17αOHP and progesterone concentrations between groups at any month.DHEA concentrations were significantly higher (p=0.0297) at 8 months in PM (3.552μg/L) compared to HM (2.240μg/L). A similar trend was observed at 9 months, with DHEA concentrations of 2.126μg/L and 1.445μg/L in PM and HM, respectively (p=0.0604). In contrast, HM had significantly higher (p=0.022) cortisol concentrations at 7 months (71.75μg/L) compared to PM (38.62μg/L). This difference tended (p=0.0529) to be observed at 8 months with cortisol concentrations of 52.25μg/L (HM) and 37.28μg/L (PM). The DHEA/cortisol ratio was significantly higher in PM than in HM at 9 months (p=0.013) and tended to be increased at 7 and 8 months (respectively, p=0.0659 and p=0.0529). Placentitis has been shown to increase pregnenolone production (Ousey et al., Theriogenology. 2005;63:1844-1856). In this preliminary study, PM were observed to metabolize pregnenolone into DHEA rather than cortisol, without changes in 17αOHP concentrations. Reduced cortisol concentrations at 7 months could be an early but non-specific biomarker of placentitis. Conversely, elevated DHEA Ievels only appear together with ultrasonographic signs at 8 months but could become a more specific biomarker, which differs from previous findings in mares with experimentally-induced placentitis (Canisso et al., Equine Veterinary Journal. 2017;49:244-249). These changes result in a higher DHEA/cortisol ratio in PM at 9 months. However, further research should explore modifications of steroids’ pathways in PM to confirm the value of DHEA and cortisol for early diagnosis of placentitis in mares.

Ultrasonographic examination of equine fetal growth parameters throughout gestation in pony for Equine-Assisted Therapy.

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is gaining popularity. Ultrasound examination is used to decrease the abortion rate in horses. In this study, to monitor fetal well-being throughout the gestation for EAT, we measured fetal heart rate (FHR), fetal eye orbit (FEO), fetal gonad length (FGL), fetal kidney length (FKL), and the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) by ultrasonography in pony mares. Additionally, we measured the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations in pregnant horses using enzyme immunoassay. The FGL peaked at week 32 and then decreased to term, and a strong correlation (r=0.72, P<0.001) between the FGL and E2 concentration was observed. A strong correlation with gestational age was detected among the FEO (r=0.96, P<0.001), FKL (r=0.85, P<0.001), and CTUP (r=0.96, P<0.001). The P4 concentration peaked at week 10, decreased to low levels (below 5 ng/ml), and peaked before parturition. In conclusion, this study provides information on fetal growth throughout gestation in pony mares for EAT. In addition, it revealed the relationship between ultrasonographic profile and plasma hormone concentrations during gestation.

Clinical Outcome of Transcervical Infusion of a Combination of Procaine Penicillin and Gentamicin in Late-term Pregnant Mares

Transcervical intrauterine infusion of antibiotics may more effectively treat pathogens associated with fetal and neonatal disease in pregnant mares than standard systemic routes. The objective of this study was to assess the safety of transcervical antibiotic infusion by characterizing the gestational outcome in nine healthy pregnant pony mares following a single transcervical infusion of 2.4 million IU of procaine penicillin and 200 mg of gentamicin in a 10 mL volume during late gestation. Assessment of fetal-placental health was performed through serial measurement of the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and fetal heart rate and mares and foals were closely monitored in the periparturient period. Fetal heart rate and CTUP remained unchanged after infusion, with no evidence of fluid accumulation or significant increase at the time-points 24, 48, and 72 hours. All mares foaled without complication 12–58 days after antibiotic infusion at a mean gestational age of 322.7 ± 12.7 days. Two out of nine foals displayed signs of mild neonatal maladjustment syndrome that responded to minimal supportive care and all foals survived to weaning without further complications.

Plasma metabolomic profiling of healthy pregnant mares and mares with experimentally induced placentitis.

Metabolomics may represent an avenue for diagnosis of equine ascending placentitis. To characterise the plasma metabolomic profile in healthy mares and mares with induced ascending placentitis, with the goal of identifying metabolites with potential clinical value for early diagnosis of placentitis. Controlled in vivo experiment. Placentitis was induced in 10 late-term pregnant pony mares via Streptococcal equi subsp. zooepidemicus inoculation in five mares between days 285 and 290 of gestation, while five mares served as healthy controls. Repeated ultrasound examinations and jugular venipuncture were performed to obtain combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and plasma for NMR spectroscopy. Mares with increased CTUP were diagnosed with placentitis and treated in accordance with published therapeutic recommendations. NMR metabolomic analysis was performed to identify and quantify plasma metabolites at each time point. Concentrations were compared using ANOVA with repeated-measures and PLS-DA analysis. Four hours post-inoculation, a significant increase was detected in the metabolites alanine, phenylalanine, histidine, pyruvate, citrate, glucose, creatine, glycolate, lactate and 3-hydroxyisobutyrate that returned to baseline by 12hours. On day 4, a significant reduction in the metabolites alanine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, pyruvate, citrate, glycolate, lactate and dimethylsulfone was seen in infected mares compared with controls. There were small numbers of mares within groups. In addition, this work compares healthy animals with animals treated with multimodal therapeutics following diagnosis of placentitis without an untreated cohort. Two phases of metabolite changes were noted after experimental infection: An immediate rise in metabolite concentration involved in energy, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen metabolism within 4hours after inoculation that was followed by a decrease in metabolite concentrations involved in energy and nitrogen metabolism at 4days, coinciding with ultrasonographic diagnosis of placentitis.

Gestation in a Mare with Facial Deviation (Wry Nose)

Background: Wry nose is a congenital deformity that causes respiratory obstruction and decreased oxygenation rate. Gestation in a wry nose mare may be considered a risk to the neonate since it depends on the maternal environment for development. Compromised oxygenation during pregnancy can lead to fetal distress and cause consequences on fetal development. However, depending on the degree of the impairment, the fetus may still be able to adapt. The aim of the present study was to report the gestation in a mare with facial deviation until term and to assess blood gases in the mare and neonate, and to evaluate the histomorphometry of the placenta.Case: A Criollo breed mare presenting facial deviation (Wry Nose) was donated to Equine Medicine Research Group (ClinEq) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) due to the presence of the physical deformity. When the mare was five years old, it was inseminated and had a pregnancy confirmed. At the fifth month of gestation, evaluation of fetal aorta diameter, fetal orbital diameter and combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) started to be performed monthly to assess gestation health. The assessment of the fetal orbit and aorta diameter revealed a linear increase of both variables with the progress of gestation indicating a normal fetal development. CTUP remained in the normal reference range, presenting no alterations during the gestational length. The mare foaled at 324 days of gestation a coat showing no congenital deformities. The foaling was monitored until the complete passage of fetal membranes. A complete clinical and hematological evaluation of the foal was carried out after birth. The foal showed normal adaptive behavior, clinical and hematological parameters during the first hours of life, although presenting physical signs of immaturity. Venous blood samples were collected from the mare at 315 days of gestation, immediately after foaling and 24 h post-partum for lactate and blood gas analysis. Mild changes were observed in the mare’s blood gas analysis at foaling that were compensated within 24 h post-partum. Venous blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord and from the foal after birth, at 12 and 24 h post-partum to measure blood gases and lactate. The newborn foal presented respiratory acidosis immediately after birth, which was metabolically compensated at 24 h post-partum. Both mare’s and foal’s lactate evaluation were within the normal reference ranges. After expulsion of the placenta, samples from the gravid horn, uterine body and non-gravid horn were collected for histological and histomorphometric evaluation. In the histological evaluation, avillous areas were detected in the gravid horn and uterine body and mild hypoplasia was found in the uterine body. Placental histomorphometry revealed larger total microcotiledonary and capillary areas on the non-gravid horn when compared to the remaining areas of the placenta (gravid horn and uterine body). No abnormalities on the placental vasculature were detected. Discussion: To date, there are no reports of a pregnancy in a mare with facial deviation in the literature. This report showed that the wry nose mare gave birth to a viable foal showing no congenital abnormalities, which suggests that wry nose animals can be bred normally. The mare presented a healthy pregnancy, with mild changes in the blood gas analysis at foaling that were compensated at 24 h postpartum. Similarly, despite the foal showed physical signs of immaturity and respiratory acidosis at birth, these changes were compensated in the later assessments. Furthermore, no abnormalities on the placental vasculature were detected.

Transrectal ultrasound of the combined thickness of the uterus and interplacentome region in healthy pregnant Holstein cows

Combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) has been used for many years to assess fetal well-being and placental health in the mare and most recently the combined thickness of the uterus and interplacentome region (CTUIR) in water buffalo. The aim of this study was to develop normal reference ranges in regards to the CTUIR in 25 Holstein cows throughout pregnancy. The CTUIR was measured every 30 days from 60 days of gestation until 270 days of gestation. Measurements were obtained by transrectal ultrasonography with the position of the ultrasound probe being placed cranial and lateral to the cervix. CTUIR measurements increased every month beginning with an average of 4.6mm at 60 days and culminating with an average thickness of 11.7mm at 270 days of gestation. The greatest increases in CTUIR thickness occurred during the first and second trimesters.

Allantoic Metabolites, Progesterone, and Estradiol-17β Remain Unchanged After Infection in an Experimental Model of Equine Ascending Placentitis

The objective of this study was to characterize the metabolomic profile of equine allantoic fluid in the pregnant mare with and without experimentally induced ascending placentitis with the goal of identifying biomarkers of this disease. We compared the onset of metabolomic changes with common modalities for diagnosis of ascending placentitis, including measurement of the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP), hormonal profiling, and measurement of serum acute phase proteins. Ten pregnant pony mares were randomly divided into two groups: five healthy control mares (CONT) and five mares induced to develop ascending placentitis (PLAC) via inoculation with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus bacteria at Days 280–285 of gestation. Allantoic fluid, whole blood, and serum were collected from both groups at 270–275 days of gestation and at the following time points postinoculation: 4 hours, Days 2, 4, 6, and 10. Differences between groups in identified metabolites, progesterone, estradiol-17β, lactate, and serum amyloid A (SAA) were assessed using an analysis of variance with repeated measures. A total of 27 metabolites were identified in allantoic fluid. No differences were detected between groups at any time point (P > .05) for any identified metabolite, progesterone, estradiol-17β, or lactate concentrations. Significant elevations in CTUP (P = .003) and SAA (P = .0001) were detected by Days 4 and 6 postinoculation, respectively. The results of this study established a database of equine allantoic fluid metabolites and confirmed the utility of uteroplacental ultrasound for detection of placentitis before the onset of hematologic changes.

Diagnosis and treatment of placentitis

This article provides an overview of equine infectious placentitis in the United Kingdom. The clinical signs and diagnosis of the condition is described along with the challenges associated with this. The method of acquisition of the correct ultrasound images to appropriately measure the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) is described along with some common confounding issues. The additional diagnostic aids of serum amyloid A and plasma concentrations of progesterone and oestrogens are discussed. Multiple treatment options are currently available for this condition and suggested combinations of treatments are presented.

Combined thickness of the uterus and placenta and ultrasonographic examinations of uteroplacental tissues in normal pregnancy, placentitis, and abnormal parturitions in heavy draft horses.

ABSTRACTThe combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and ultrasonographic images of uteroplacental tissues were investigated in 35 pregnant heavy draft horses in Months 7–12 of pregnancy. The mares were divided into three groups: those pathologically diagnosed as placentitis (placentitis group, n=3); those who had abortion, premature birth, or fetal malformation (abnormal group, n=7); and those who had no abnormal findings (normal group, n=25). In the normal group, CTUP increased as pregnancy progressed from Months 7 (median, 7.08 mm; range, 5.68–11.27) to 12 (13.31 mm; 7.44–16.31 mm) (P<0.05) and was higher than those reported previously in Thoroughbred, quarter, and American paint horses. Values of CTUP greater than the 75th percentile of the normal group from Months 7 (7.54 mm) to 12 (15.19 mm) were detected in 100% of the placentitis group (3/3) and in 86% of the abnormal group (6/7). Ultrasonographic images showing placental separation were obtained in 67% of the placentitis group (2/3), 29% of the abnormal group (2/7), and 20% of the normal group (5/25). Pathological placental edema and ultrasonographic images showing uteroplacental roughness or distinguishability were observed even in the normal group. These findings suggest that increased CTUP and placental separation would reflect placentitis and abnormal pregnancies and may help to detect them in heavy draft horses.

The nitric oxide serum level and combined utero-placental thickness in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) affected by pregnancy pathology

The present study aimed mainly to study the level of nitric oxide (NO) and combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) in buffaloes affected by pregnancy pathology. Females (n = 104) were classified into three main groups: nonpregnant (n = 10), healthy pregnant (n = 54), and pathologically pregnant (n = 40). The healthy pregnant animals were subgrouped according to the stage of pregnancy to early stage (n = 15), mid stage (n = 15), late stage (n = 19), and full term (n = 5). The animals in which pregnancy was associated with placental pathology were subgrouped to uterine torsion (n = 27), hydroallantois (n = 5), and abortion (n = 8). Blood samples were collected from all animals to estimate the NO level using Griess reaction test. Combined thickness of the uterus and placenta was measured at the most caudal part of the pregnant horn using a rectal ultrasound probe. Placental tissue samples were collected from all pregnant animals just after delivery or abortion for histopathologic section. The results revealed that the level of NO was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in pregnant than in nonpregnant animals (6.89 ± 0.18 μM). Additionally, NO level was decreased significantly at full term (18.26 ± 0.27 μM) when compared to the other stages of pregnancy. Moreover, there was a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the level of NO in cases of uterine torsion (22.22 ± 0.46 μM) and hydroallantois (24.20 ± 0.07 μM) in comparison with the normal pregnant buffalo. The CTUP was significantly increased as pregnancy progressed. The CTUP in cases of uterine torsion (18.2 ± 3.3 mm) was higher (P < 0.05) than in healthy pregnant buffalo at the same stage of pregnancy. Additionally, CTUP significantly differed between different types of uterine torsion. There was no significant difference between CTUP in hydroallantois and abortion cases besides healthy pregnancy. Histopathologic examination revealed a great proliferation and hyperplasia of cytotrophoblastic cells only in uterine torsion and hydroallantois cases. In conclusion, NO level and CTUP can be used as indicators for pregnancy pathology that is usually associated with presence of cytotrophoblastic cells and placental insufficiency.

Effects of age, parity, and pregnancy abnormalities on foal birth weight and uterine blood flow in the mare

Color Doppler sonography has become routine for the evaluation of high-risk pregnancies in human medicine. Previous studies documenting uterine blood flow parameters in the pregnant mare have found a decrease in peripheral blood flow resistance in the first pregnancy weeks and an increase in uterine blood flow, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. However, these studies involved only a small number of mares. No naturally occurring pregnancy abnormalities occurred that would allow blood flow changes to be retrospectively examined and analyzed. The objective of the present study was to monitor the diameter of the uterine artery, uterine blood flow, and the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) throughout gestation in a large number of pregnant mares of different age and parity. In the present study, 51 warmblood mares were examined by ultrasonography on Days 16 and 30, at monthly intervals until Day 300, and then every 10 days from Day 300 until parturition. After localization of the uterine artery ipsilateral and contralateral to the conceptus, the diameter of each artery, the uterine blood flow (pulsatility index [PI], blood flow volume [BFV], and the presence of early diastolic notch), and the CTUP were measured and correlated to placental and foal birth weight after delivery. Furthermore, the effect of age (3–7 years [n = 16], 8–11 years [n = 17], 12–16 years [n = 18]) and parity (0–2 foals [n = 22], 3–4 foals [n = 15], 5–8 foals [n = 14]) on these parameters were analyzed. The diameter of the uterine artery increased more than threefold in the ipsilateral artery (0.40 ± 0.07–1.33 ± 0.08 cm) and 2.7-fold in the contralateral artery (0.39 ± 0.07–1.07 ± 0.08 cm [P < 0.0001]). The early diastolic notch disappeared in the pulse waves in 98% of the ipsilateral arteries and 85.7% in the contralateral arteries on Day 150 when placentation is complete. Blood flow volume increased 50-fold in the ipsilateral artery during pregnancy and increased dramatically in the last trimester. The median foal weight was 52.6 kg. Mares with heavier foals (>52.6 kg) had a 1.38-fold higher BFV in the last 2 months (P < 0.05) compared with lighter foals. Pulsatility index decreased 2-fold until completion of placentation at around Day 150 and continued to decline until Day 240 where it then stayed constant and at a low level until delivery. Age predominantly influenced PI, whereas the diameter of the uterine arteries, which is correlated to BFV (r ipsilateral = 0.919, P < 0.0001 and r contralateral = 0.909, P < 0.000), was strongly affected by parity. Four mares spontaneously aborted (Days 200, 208, 213, and 246) and four mares spontaneously developed placentitis that was diagnosed by the presence of an increased CTUP and/or placental pathology after delivery. Although not statistically relevant, the aborting mares showed a slightly increased total BFV, but no differences in PI were seen compared with mares without abnormalities of pregnancy. Mares that developed placentitis had a late (Days 150–210) disappearance of the early diastolic notch and an increased PI in the first half of pregnancy. In conclusion, the study documented differences in uterine artery diameter and blood flow in a large number of pregnant mares. Furthermore, this is the first known report to document uteroplacental blood flow changes associated with naturally occurring placentitis and abortion in mares.

Combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) as indicator of placentitis in Thoroughbred mares

Combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) as indicator of placentitis in Thoroughbred mares

B‐mode and Doppler ultrasonography in pony mares with experimentally induced ascending placentitis

Early, accurate diagnosis of ascending placentitis in mares remains a key challenge for successful treatment of the disease. Doppler ultrasonography has shown promise as a tool to diagnose pregnancy abnormalities and is becoming more available to equine clinicians. However, to date, no studies have prospectively compared this technique to standard B-mode measurement of the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP). The objective of the current study was to compare Doppler and B-mode ultrasonography for the detection of experimentally-induced ascending placentitis in mares. Eleven healthy pony mares in late gestation were used in this study. Placentitis was induced in 6 mares between Days 280 and 295, while 5 mares served as negative controls. All mares were intensively monitored until delivery. Fetal heart rate, CTUP, uterine artery blood flow (resistance index, pulsatility index, arterial diameter and total arterial blood flow) and physical examination findings were recorded at each examination. Mares with an increased CTUP above published values were treated in accordance with published recommendations. Foals and fetal membranes were examined at birth. Ultrasonographic parameters were compared between groups using ANOVA. Foal viability and histological presence of placentitis were compared using a Fisher's exact test. The CTUP was increased above normal in 5 of 6 inoculated mares within 3 days after inoculation (P = 0.05). The sixth inoculated mare was excluded from subsequent data analysis. Uterine artery blood flow, physical examination findings and fetal heart rate were not different between groups. Gradual increases in CTUP, arterial diameter and total arterial blood flow were detected with increasing gestational age in the control mares (P = 0.02, P = 0.00001 and P = 0.00001, respectively). The CTUP, but not uterine blood flow, was different between groups (P = 0.00001). Recorded CTUP values for control pony mares were similar to previously published values for light breed horses.

Transrectal combined thickness of the uterus and placenta in normal pregnant Egyptian buffalo-cows

The combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) is one of the characteristics that can be used to assess fetal development and/or placental function in bovine. The current study was designed to establish reference values for the CTUP throughout pregnancy in normal pregnant buffalo-cows. The CTUP at the intracotyledonary space was measured monthly from the second month until full term using electronic calipers of the ultrasound machine. The CTUP increased monthly from 2.5 mm at the second month to 12 mm at the full term. During the last trimester, the monthly increase in the CTUP was higher than that recorded during the first and second trimesters. The result of the current study can be used as normal values for future studies of CTUP in pathologically pregnant buffalo-cows.

Transrectal ultrasonography and plasma progestin profiles identifies feto-placental compromise in mares with experimentally induced placentitis

Transrectal ultrasonography of the caudal uterus and a progestin profile were evaluated for accuracy in identifying mares with feto-placental compromise in a model of placentitis. Twenty-two pregnant ponies were divided into four groups: (1) control mares ( n = 5); (2) instrumented controls ( n = 2); (3) instrumented inoculated mares ( n = 11); (4) inoculated mares ( n = 4). Mares in Groups 3 and 4 were inoculated with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Maternal plasma progestins, vulvar discharge, mammary gland development, combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and placental separation were evaluated weekly before instrumentation, inoculation or Day 320 (Groups 1 and 2) and, thereafter, either daily (first three measurements) or several times weekly (last two measurements). Plasma progestin profiles were plotted to identify pattern characteristics. An abbreviated profile was created, consisting of four progestin samples collected at 48-h intervals, with Sample 1 collected the day before inoculation or on Day 285 in controls. Profiles were considered abnormal if Samples 2, 3, or 4 increased or decreased by more than 50% of Sample 1. A CTUP > 1.0 cm or placental separation were considered abnormal. Placentitis was confirmed by histology of fetal membranes. Control mares had normal progestin profiles, transrectal ultrasonographic and clinical examinations. Control foals were born after Day 329; six were viable and one died after dystocia. All inoculated mares developed placentitis and foaled before Day 314. Thirteen of 15 foals were not viable. All inoculated mares had abnormal progestin profiles and 13 of the 15 were identified by the abbreviated progestin profile. Transrectal CTUP was affected by gestational age and increased after inoculation ( P < 0.05). Nine of 15 inoculated mares had a CTUP > 1.0 cm by 5-day post-inoculation. By performing both tests, 20 of 22 mares were correctly identified with respect to pregnancy outcome. However, three inoculated mares exhibited minimal clinical signs and likely would not be examined in a clinical setting. These tests were diagnostic for identifying feto-placental compromise in the mare.

Evaluation of transrectal ultrasonographic combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) in a model of induced ascending placentitis in late gestation in the pony mare

Evaluation of transrectal ultrasonographic combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) in a model of induced ascending placentitis in late gestation in the pony mare