Eastern tent caterpillars (ETC) were identified as the cause of foal loss during the mare reproductive loss syndrome outbreaks in 1999-2001. Over the last three years, ETC populations in Central Kentucky have been increasing gradually but there are
Early-term abortion in mares is a frustrating problem for breeders, as often the cause is nearly impossible to determine. But a team of researchers from the Czech Republic might have uncovered one possible reason why mares abort in certain management
Infection of the pregnant mare by pathogenic leptospires can result in abortion, stillbirth, or birth of a weak foal. Yearly assessments of leptospiral abortions is important, as disease incidence can vary based on fluctuating environmental factors
The equine reproductive health group at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center has developed a number of strategic goals to help enhance reproductive performance in horses. Conveniently centered in the largest Thoroughbred nursery in
Experts report that Eastern tent caterpillar eggs have begun hatching in Central Kentucky, just as leaf buds are swelling on wild cherry trees. While it is too early to tell what 2011 caterpillar numbers will be, populations have been increasing
Determining the cause of early fetal loss is very difficult, and in many instances the aborted fetus is reabsorbed or lost.
Veterinarians might be able to prevent abortions in some pregnant mares that show premature mammary development, Dietrich H. Volkmann, BVSc, MMedVet (Gyn), Dipl. ACT, told equine veterinarians at the 2010 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb
Broodmare farm operators in the southeastern United States are interested in managing tall fescue toxicity because of the pregnancy complications it can cause.
Dr. Karen Wolfsdorf discusses equine abortion causes and precautions.
The monitoring of abortions attributable to equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) initiated in 1957 among the Thoroughbred mare population of Central Kentucky has continued annually for the past 51 years. The number of EHV-1 abortions per 1,000 pregnant
Experts with the University of Kentucky (UK) report that Eastern tent caterpillars are now wandering in the area, and population levels are among the highest they’ve seen since the 2001, when mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) hit Central
Leptospirosis does affect horses, and it can be the cause of some serious health problems, including abortion in pregnant mares and chronic uveitis (moon blindness).
When a mare aborts a foal, it can be a traumatic event for both horse and owner. While emotionally and financially expensive, abortion is not terribly uncommon in the equine breeding business. As many as 30% of broodmares fail to produce a
A group of Dutch researchers reported evidence that the equine conceptus (i.e., the embryo and associated membranes) might be directly responsive to the reproductive hormones progesterone and estrogen,
Fetotomy (the vaginal removal from a mare of a dead fetus in two or more pieces) is a viable option for resolving severe dystocia (difficult birth), with better mare survival rates than those cases involving Cesarean section, according to
Careful management of pregnant mares and preparation for parturition is essential to help prevent cases of equine abortion–losses of pregnancy between 150-300 days of gestation. “The incidence of abortion in mares ranges from 5-15%, and this ha
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