Assessment of feto-placental well-being in the mare from mid-gestation to term: transrectal and transabdominal ultrasonographic features

Abstract

Ultrasound assessment of feto-placental well-being has found its application in the equine field, as a valid diagnostic tool. Most reports on equine fetal parameters focus on advanced to late gestation. The aim of the present study was to further validate the technique of ultrasound evaluation of the equine fetal environment, by extending its application to earlier stages of pregnancy. Fetal parameters were collected (on 150 pregnancies) over a 3-year period. Data included in the study were selected according to the clinical behaviour of the mare, the neonate/fetus and fetal membranes at the termination of gestation. Validation of the ultrasound technique was also undertaken on a number of specimens collected at an abbatoir. At the completion of the study, a substantial number of measurements and observations were collected. No fetal parameters associated in previous reports with a negative outcome were observed at any of the examinations during this study. Therefore, data collected during the present study should be of value in feto-placental assessment of well-being, in mid- to late-gestation.