Page 78 - June 2015

HigH RiSk PRegnancieS in MaReS
by Heather Smith Thomas
“The discovery of a high risk mare can occur at different times during gestation.”
Dr. Ahmed Tibary, Professor of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University
Some pregnant mares develop problems that put their fetus at risk. These problems may lead
to abortion or premature delivery. Chance for survival for these foals can often be improved, however, if the problem is discovered early and if the mare is given proper treatment.
Dr. Ahmed Tibary, Professor of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washing­ ton State University, says all mares should be monitored after breeding. “My contract with clients, when I start
We may determine a condition at the time of breeding that would put her in this category, or she may fall into this category based on her history,” he explains.
“A mare may have had problems in the past, such as an abortion or complications in a previous pregnancy, or she may be at high risk due to her age (either too young or too old). She might be an old maiden mare; maybe she’s 15 years old or older and has never been bred before. Thus, the first occasion for flagging a mare as high risk is at breeding ­ look­ ing at her history,” he says.
“This is when I discuss the situation with the owner, who is investing time and money trying to get a foal. We may keep a mare on the high risk watch or remove her from it, based on further examinations throughout pregnancy,” he says.
Mares that are known to be high risk due to chronic health problems are a gamble. Tibary usu­ ally advises against breeding them, but sometimes the owner wants to try anyway. “A mare might have chronic airway disease, or we may know she’s had previous problems with laminitis. These disorders
working with them on breeding their mare, continues until delivery of a healthy foal. The discovery of a high­ risk mare can occur at different times during gestation.
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SPEEDHORSE, June 2015
equine health
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