Update on Placentitis - What Has Been Accomplished in the Last 3 Years?

Abstract
Bacterial placentitis is among the leading causes of abortion in the mare. Further, despite intense research and clinical focus, diagnosis for most forms of placentitis remains difficult and clinical treatment success remains limited. As clinical signs are non-specific and may occur late in the course of disease, screening tests have been developed, including ultrasonographic evaluation of the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta, hormonal assays and measurement of acute-phase proteins. Mares diagnosed with placentitis are generally treated with a combined regimen including an antibiotic, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, anti-inflammatory therapy, such as flunixin meglumine or pentoxifylline, and altrenogest. However, despite a large body of research, clinical outcomes remain poor. Key challenges that must be addressed to improve clinical outcomes for mares with placentitis are 1) the development of affordable, sensitive screening tests; 2) identification of effective anti-inflammatory therapy to prevent abortion and fetal compromise, and 3) identification of more effective antibiotic therapy. [...]