Manual of Equine Neonatal Medicine
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Assessment of Fetal Well Being

Author(s):
Madigan J.E.
In: Manual of Equine Neonatal Medicine - Revised by Madigan J.E.
Updated:
FEB 12, 2024
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For many years, a rectal examination for a live, moving foal had been the extent of assessment of fetal wellbeing. Newer techniques and methods have been described and clinically utilized, including placental, uterine, and fetal ultrasound evaluation and blood endocrine testing, which provide information on fetal growth and well-being.

Techniques for monitoring the health of the pregnant mare

1. Physical Exam

Body weight, parasite control, immunizations, nutritional status, and prior reproductive history.

2. Complete blood Count and Chemistry Panel 30-90 Days before Foaling

Inflammatory leukograms may represent placental or uterine problems or other maternal conditions which could adversely affect fetal health.

3. Maternal Factors for High-Risk Foals

Mare History (See Chapter 1 - Management Approaches to the Newborn Foal)

4. Fetal Ultrasound

(See Chapter 52 - Ultrasonography of the Fetus and the Neonate)

Fetal monitoring techniques 1,9

Endocrine Parameters

  • Decreasing serum progesterone sampled in series at 2-24 hours was associated with impending abortion.7
  • Single sample: Maternal serum progesterone levels are unreliable for determining fetal well-being.4
  • Pregnant mare blood and urine have estrone sulfate, which is mainly derived from the live fetus. Fetal death causes a decline in mare estrone sulfate.
  • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-derived from the fetal liver found to be elevated in late pregnancy in mares with twins, placentitis, premature placental separation, uterine trauma, and fetal death.8
References
  1. Adams-Brendemuehl C., Pipers F.S.: Antepartum evaluations in the equine fetus. J Reproduction & Fertility (Suppl) 35:565,1987.
  2. Colles C.M., Parks R.D.: Fetal electrocardiography in the mare. Equine Vet J 10:32-37, 1978.
  3. Parkes R.D., Colles C.M.: Fetal electrocardiography in the mare as a practical aid to diagnosing singleton and twin pregnancy. Vet Res 100:25-26, 1977.
  4. Pashen R.L.: Maternal and fetal endocrinology during late pregnancy and parturition in the mare. Equine Vet J 16(4):233-238, 1984.
  5. Buss D.D., Asbury A.C., Chevalier, L.: Limitations in equine fetal electrocardiography. J Amer Vet Med Assoc 177:174-176, 1980.
  6. Sanchii, E.: Abstract: Incidence and possible causes of abortion after colic in 105 pregnant mares. Proceed Soc Vet Perinatology Cambridge, England, 1990, p 28.
  7. Reef, VB, Vaala, WE, Worth, LT, et al.: Transcutaneous ultrasonographic assessment of fetal well-being during late gestation: A preliminary report on development of an equine biophysical profile. Proceed. Amer Assoc Eq Pract 42:152-153,1996.
  8. Vaala, WE: Proceedings of 9th annual ACVIM forum 483-485. 1991
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How to reference this publication (Harvard system)?

Madigan, J. E. (2024) “Assessment of Fetal Well Being”, Manual of Equine Neonatal Medicine - Revised. Available at: https://www.ivis.org/library/manual-of-equine-neonatal-medicine-revised/assessment-of-fetal-well-being (Accessed: 14 September 2024).

Author(s)

  • John Madigan

    Madigan J.E.

    Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
    MS DVM Dipl. ACVIM ACAW
    Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California
    Read more about this author

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