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Renaudin CD, Conley AJ. Pregnancy monitoring in mares: Ultrasonographic and endocrine approaches. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:34-48. [PMID: 37191550 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Methods to diagnose and monitor equine pregnancy continue to advance with improved instrumentation enabling the development of novel, non-invasive approaches to assess fetal well-being and viability using ultrasound and endocrine testing. From early embryonic loss to placentitis, that is typically encountered later in gestation, fetal viability and development as well as placental function can be evaluated using two fundamentally different, structural and functional, approaches. Ultrasound provides structural information on embryonic and fetal growth using such parameters as combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP), visual assessment of fetal fluids, activity, heart rate and multiple biometrics involving the fetal head and eyes, limbs and joints among many others, depending on the stage of gestation. Endocrine profiles that include progesterone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone, other metabolites, androgens and estrogens can be evaluated simultaneously using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) providing more functional information on fetal and placental competence and development. Endocrine information can be used in making clinical decisions including the need for progestin supplementation or when it can cease, and even estimating gestational stage in mares that cannot be easily palpated or scanned, as with mini-breeds or rancorous animals most notably. When used together, monitoring gestation by ultrasound and hormonal analysis provides unusual insight into feto-placental well-being and the progress of pregnancy, helping to identify problems needing therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Renaudin
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Gao Y, Hannan MA, Murata K, Rajabi-Toustani R, Nambo Y. Ultrasonographic examination of equine fetal growth parameters throughout gestation in pony for Equine-Assisted Therapy. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 84:74-81. [PMID: 34819425 PMCID: PMC8810330 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is gaining popularity. Ultrasound examination is used to decrease the abortion rate in horses. In this study, to monitor fetal well-being throughout the gestation for EAT, we measured fetal heart rate (FHR), fetal eye orbit (FEO), fetal gonad length (FGL), fetal kidney length (FKL), and the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) by ultrasonography in pony mares. Additionally, we measured the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) concentrations in pregnant horses using enzyme immunoassay. The FGL peaked at week 32 and then decreased to term, and a strong correlation (r=0.72, P<0.001) between the FGL and E2 concentration was observed. A strong correlation with gestational age was detected among the FEO (r=0.96, P<0.001), FKL (r=0.85, P<0.001), and CTUP (r=0.96, P<0.001). The P4 concentration peaked at week 10, decreased to low levels (below 5 ng/ml), and peaked before parturition. In conclusion, this study provides information on fetal growth throughout gestation in pony mares for EAT. In addition, it revealed the relationship between ultrasonographic profile and plasma hormone concentrations during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhi Gao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - M A Hannan
- Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Khulna Agricultural University
| | - Kaishi Murata
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Reza Rajabi-Toustani
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Yasuo Nambo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University
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Deacon LJ, Reef VB, Leduc L, de Solis CN. Pocket-Sized Ultrasound Versus Traditional Ultrasound Images in Equine Imaging: A Pictorial Essay. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 104:103672. [PMID: 34416998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This pictorial essay aims to display the image quality of pocket-sized ultrasound devices and hospital-based equipment to provide clinicians visual information about the potential uses of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in equine practice. Twenty-two paired images were obtained using traditional ultrasound equipment and pocket-sized ultrasound devices from patients evaluated at veterinary teaching hospitals. Images of many common ultrasound windows and miscellaneous sonographic abnormalities were obtained using pocket-sized ultrasound equipment.
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Cruz-Aleixo AS, Lima MDCF, Albuquerque ALHD, Teixeira RT, Paula RAD, Grandi MC, Ferreira DOL, Tsunemi MH, Chiacchio SB, Lourenço MLG. Echocardiographic evaluation in Dorper ovine fetuses: Applications and limitations. Vet Med Sci 2020; 7:417-423. [PMID: 33118701 PMCID: PMC8025605 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we aim to show the application of ultrasound evaluation of the fetal heart in the ovine species, as well as its limitations in the field. Ten Dorper sheep, without any sedation, were evaluated starting from the second month of pregnancy through transabdominal ultrasound with an ultrasound device equipped with a convex transducer. Images of the fetal heart were obtained through maternal abdominal ultrasound by identifying the position of the fetus and conducting the following measurements: length and diameter of the heart, dimensions of the right and left ventricles and dimensions of the right and left atria. The measurements could only be conducted with acceptable precision starting from the third month of pregnancy. There was a significant difference only for left ventricle diameter, which was larger in the fifth month of pregnancy. The echocardiographic evaluation of the fetus enables monitoring the heart development identifying early fetal viability, assessing inadequate events that could put the pregnancy at risk, especially for production animals. For the experimental design of research employing production animals, it is important to consider, among other factors, the limitations of the evaluation on the field, such as restraining the animals, the stress caused by handling and environmental conditions, temperature, luminosity, facilities available and the qualifications of the team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Sarita Cruz-Aleixo
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Raphael Tortorelli Teixeira
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Alves de Paula
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Danilo Otávio Laurenti Ferreira
- Coordination of Integral Technical Assistance, Office of Development of Bauru, Secretary Agriculture of the State of São Paulo, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Miriam Harumi Tsunemi
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Biagio Chiacchio
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Lucia Gomes Lourenço
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Bucca S, De Oliveira IRS, Cunanan JC, Vinardell T, Troedsson MHT. Doppler indices of the equine fetal carotid artery throughout gestation. Theriogenology 2020; 156:196-204. [PMID: 32755719 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Assessment of pregnancy viability in the equine patient is currently based on gestational profiles of limited prognostic value. In recent years Doppler technology has been applied to uterine and umbilical arteries of pregnant mares to monitor fetal responsive haemodynamics, suggestive of compromise. To date, uterine artery Doppler indices failed to provide sufficient evidence of pregnancy viability and the umbilical cord of the equine fetus is inconsistently visualized past 250 days gestation. The objectives of this study were to: i) evaluate intracranial blood flow impedance by Doppler examination of the fetal carotid artery and ii) establish reference values for healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies. The middle cerebral artery (MCA), a branch of the carotid artery, is commonly employed to assess intracranial hemodynamics in the human fetus, exhibiting high resistance to circulation to the fetal brain in uncomplicated pregnancies. For the purpose of this study, 12 pregnant mares were examined at 2-3 weeks interval by B mode and Doppler ultrasonography until delivery and a novel technique was developed for Doppler evaluation of the carotid artery in the equine fetus, in order to provide objective evidence of the hemodynamic status of the equine fetus. Additional biophysical and biochemical parameters were collected to demonstrate appropriate pregnancy development. In this study Doppler waveform analysis of fetal intracranial vasculature demonstrated an elevated blood flow impedance, showing a significant correlation of carotid Doppler indices with gestational age. Results were comparable to human fetal trends for the middle cerebral artery (MCA) from mid gestation to term. Biochemical data showed expected patterns of uncomplicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bucca
- Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | | | - Tatiana Vinardell
- Equine Veterinary Medical Center, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health & Life Science, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Maxwell H.Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
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Denys M, Thomas-Cancian A, Tortereau A, Josson-Schramme A, Buff S. Prenatal Diagnosis of Megacystitis and Hydronephrosis in an Equine Fetus: How Transabdominal Ultrasonography Can Help to Diagnose Fetal Abnormalities. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 85:102877. [PMID: 31952643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Premature udder development constitutes an alarm signal in pregnant mares. The objective of this clinical case report is to highlight the importance of transabdominal ultrasound examination of the fetus in these cases and to report a unique case of prenatal diagnosis of obstructive uropathy based on the observation of severe fetal hydronephrosis and megacystitis in utero. A 4-year-old French chaser primiparous mare was referred for evaluation of premature udder development during the ninth month of pregnancy. The mare had clinical signs within normal limits, a developed and sensitive udder with secretions, and no vulvar discharge. Transrectal examination revealed the presence of an immobile fetus. Combined uteroplacental thickness was within normal limits. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed a single live fetus in posterior presentation with several abdominal abnormalities. Unilateral hydronephrosis and megacystitis lead to a hypothetical diagnosis of fetal multiple urinary tract malformation with outflow obstruction. Treatment was discontinued and the mare was monitored. Abortion occurred spontaneously a week later. Postmortem examination revealed a ruptured bladder of abnormally large dimensions and a severely distended left kidney without parenchyma (filled with free urine) and lack of permeability in the left ureter and urethra. Postmortem diagnosis was consistent with our prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis. Even though described during human pregnancy with various etiologies and severity, prenatal diagnosis of fetal hydronephrosis and megacystitis has not been reported in equine veterinary medicine before. These malformations need to be characterized more precisely in the future. This case highlights the importance of transabdominal ultrasonography to detect equine fetal abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Denys
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | | | | | | | - Samuel Buff
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France
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