Very Common
Related Diagnoses
This treatment might be used to treat these conditions or ailments.
Treatment
A way to improve or resolve a condition or diagnosis. This might include resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment).
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY Recommend
Twin Embryo Management
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
Twin pregnancies in horses is common but undesirable. In a normal pregnancy, a single fetus is surrounded by a diffuse placenta, its source of nourishment from the mare. It has the entire placenta all to itself.
Twin fetuses have to share this space, and the reduced placental surface area does not give both fetuses what they need to survive. Twin fetuses are usually naturally reabsorbed or aborted before term. If born, twin foals often die shortly after birth or do poorly.
Generally, a twin pregnancy can be diagnosed within 14-16 days of ovulation with rectal palpation and a transrectal ultrasound. If twins are detected early, vets try to eliminate one of them for the good of the other. The twins are reduced to a "singleton."
The procedure involves grasping one of the embryonic vesicles through the rectal and uterine walls and putting pressure on it until it ruptures. The other embryo is left to develop normally.
If twins are detected later in a pregnancy, more invasive treatments are required and the pregnancy may need to be terminated.
Twin fetuses have to share this space, and the reduced placental surface area does not give both fetuses what they need to survive. Twin fetuses are usually naturally reabsorbed or aborted before term. If born, twin foals often die shortly after birth or do poorly.
Generally, a twin pregnancy can be diagnosed within 14-16 days of ovulation with rectal palpation and a transrectal ultrasound. If twins are detected early, vets try to eliminate one of them for the good of the other. The twins are reduced to a "singleton."
The procedure involves grasping one of the embryonic vesicles through the rectal and uterine walls and putting pressure on it until it ruptures. The other embryo is left to develop normally.
If twins are detected later in a pregnancy, more invasive treatments are required and the pregnancy may need to be terminated.
my vet's role
CONSIDER POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS & COMPLICATIONS
Possible loss of the remaining embryo, and the termination of the pregnancy. The rupture of one embryo disrupts the uterus, and may cause the pregnancy to be lost.CONSIDER REASONS NOT TO USE THIS TREATMENT
Early embryo rupture is not advised when the twins are too close together. If the pregnancy is less than 16 days, vets may choose to allow the embryos to move over a period of hours to days and recheck to see if they are in a better position for this treatment.your role
Is it working? Timeframe for effect.
Assess viability of the remaining fetus in 1 week. Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What is the danger to the mare in terminating the pregnancy?
- What is the danger to the mare in eliminating the twin?
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
