| Abortion |
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The incidence of abortion in the last third of pregnancy is relatively low. However, even with the best of care, some mares will not carry their foals to term. Possible causes of abortion These include: • A twisted or abnormally long umbilical cord which restricts the circulation between the foetus and placenta. The average cord length is 70cm but some are up to 110cm. It is thought that a longer cord is more likely to become tangled around the foetal limbs or compressed • Infection – bacterial, fungal or viral (EHV-1, EVA) • Twins – the placenta is rarely able to nourish two foals to full term • Maternal stress eg • Malnutrition • Pain • Colic • Endotoxaemia eg from serious types of colic • A high temperature • Emotional disturbance from weaning or management changes • Transport • General anaesthesia • Surgery • Developmental abnormalities in the foal or foetal membranes • Uterine torsion Prompt veterinary attention is necessary in many of these cases as the life of the mare is also at risk |
