Common mal presentation in the horse include:
presentation - seen as the hind limbs or the rump entering the
birth canal first. This may lead to hypoxia of the foal. Presentation - seen as only a single hoof in the birth canal or the flexion of the carpus or shoulder. This often results in fracture of the retracted forelimb. Mal-positioning of the head or - seen as the absence of the foal’s nose between the forefeet in the birth canal. This may result in fracture of the vertebrae and transection of the spinal cord. Dorsal or ventral - seen as the back or all 4 feet present in birth canal
Diagnosis of fetal mal-positioning can be made through vaginal
, clinical
presentation and ultrasound.
Treatment includes the manual repositioning of the fetus, assisted vaginal delivery of the foal, caesarean section delivery or in case of death of foal.
Postpartum Disorders
Retained Placenta
Normally the fetal membranes are expelled within
hours of parturition, but expulsion may
be delayed for up to twelve hours without signs of illness.
Retention of the placenta is considered idiopathic.
Retention of some or all of the fetal membrane causes of the uterus, metritis and peritonitis. Prolonged retention of the membrane predisposes for secondary infection of the necrotic placenta and the uterus which causes pyometria, endotoxemia and laminitis. Dystoicia, infection, abortion, abnormal gestational length or uterine atony all predispose for retention of the placenta. The clinical presentation of retention of the placenta includes failure to expel the placenta, absence of pieces of the expelled placenta, signs of metritis, peritonitis, or laminitis occurring shortly after parturition. Signs of systemic illness including fever, anorexia and depression are also commonly present. Diagnosis is made through clinical signs and symptoms and thorough examination any expelled membranes.
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