Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Twin Fetuses Aborted or Stillborn
Summary
Twin embryos are a common cause of mid to late term abortion in mares. Only rarely are twin foals born alive and viable. The lifeline of the equine fetus is a velcro-like attachment of the placenta to the surface of the mare's uterus. This puts the foal's circulation in contact with that of the mare's for exchange of nutrients.
In twin pregnancies, each fetus has its own individual placenta that must compete with that of the other for precious attachment surface area on the uterine lining. As each fetus matures in late gestation, its metabolic demands become greater and greater. Finally, one or both of the competing fetuses become stressed and signal the mare to deliver, usually prematurely.
In twin pregnancies, each fetus has its own individual placenta that must compete with that of the other for precious attachment surface area on the uterine lining. As each fetus matures in late gestation, its metabolic demands become greater and greater. Finally, one or both of the competing fetuses become stressed and signal the mare to deliver, usually prematurely.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If the mare has also retained her placenta for longer than 3 hours.
- Questions coming up around foaling should usually be discussed right away with your vet.
your role
What To Do
If your mare has aborted twin fetuses, assess the mare's general health first using the Whole Horse Exam on Post-Foaling Mare (WHE), paying particular attention to her attitude, appetite, heart rate, gum (mucous membrane) color, and temperature. Assess the vulva for tears or swelling, due to a difficult birthing process (dystocia). If both placentae are shed, do they look complete?The birth of a small stillborn fetus at 8-10 months of gestation is always cause to consider that there may be a second fetus still in the mare. Retained placenta and subsequent uterine infection is a risk after twin abortion.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
In this situation, your mare's general health and reproductive health should be evaluated by a vet, who may suggest diagnostics to determine the cause of the abortion. By identifying the cause, you and your vet may be able to limit future damage to your mare's reproductive health, ensure fertility for rebreeding, or even protect other broodmares in the group (assuming the diagnosis relates to an outside environmental cause).
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the mare's attitude and appetite like now?
- Has the mare passed both complete placentas?
- Did the mare undergo an ultrasound in early pregnancy to ensure no twins?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
