Ultrasonographic investigation of early embryonic death in mares

Abstract EN

The aim of the study was to characterize clinical symptoms for an impending embryonic death using Real-Time ultrasound technique.

The present study was conducted in two different farms, including (257) foaling mares (Arabian, Thoroughbred and Cross breed) in Al-laith equine herd and Equestrian club in Al-Ameria, 4-14 years old foaling mares which are situated in areas around Baghdad and extended one calendar from July 2011 to July 2012.

These mares were examined for pregnancy diagnosis by using trans-rectal ultrasonography a 5MHz linear-array transducer between days 10 and 60 after breeding (last breeding day=day 0).

The incidence of early embryonic death (EED) in this study occurred most frequently ≤ day 40 (6/ 13, 46.2%), while low occurrence of early embryonic loss was during the period from 41-50 day and 51-60 day (2/13,15%), (5/13,38.45) respectively as the total number of mares suffered from EED were (13) mares.

The results of this study showed a significant differences (P<0.05) between the percentage of early embryonic death and gestation period through 10-60 days.

Sonographic characteristics of an impending embryonic death were as follows: the size of conceptus was underdeveloped, the endometrium become heterogenic and estrous-like.

A reduced volume of conceptual fluid and disorganization of the conceptual membrane were the most important criteria after embryonic death.

In conclusion, that B-mode ultrasound is a useful and essential method to diagnose and predict embryonic mortality in mares.