Contents In equine management, it is important to predict the approximate foaling date of mares to monitor parturition and allow early identification and intervention of problems during the perinatal period. There are no studies comparing accurate gestational length (GL) when mares are carrying mule foals and no controlled comparisons between GL of mares pregnant with equine or mule foals. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare GL of mares pregnant with equine or mule foals and establish normal reference values for GL of mares pregnant with male and female mules. Gestational length of Mangalarga Paulista breed mares pregnant with equine (n = 54) or with mule (n = 54) foals during the breeding seasons of 2007 to 2016 was evaluated. The mean GL was 347.2 ± 1.4 days (range of 326–368 days) and 341.1 ± 1.6 days (range of 307–360 days) for equine and mule pregnancies, respectively. The normal GL reference for mule pregnancies was 316.9–365.3 days. Therefore, GL of equine pregnancies was longer than of mule pregnancies. Gestational length was not different when pregnancies resulted in females or males within each group. This study established an important reference value for normal GL of mule pregnancies, which can be used by practitioners to estimate and predict foaling dates more accurately.

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The aim of the present study was to evaluate vitality, behavioral and laboratory parameters and oxidative profile of newborn mules, comparing with horses during the first month of life. The foals were monitored just after delivery and Apgar score was assessed at 0, 5, 10, 30 and 60 minutes postpartum. Foal's postpartum behavior were timed (time to get in sternal recumbency, to start suckle reflex, to stand, to ingest colostrum and to eliminate meconium) and the need of enema was evaluated.Time to eliminate placenta and weight were recorded and foal's weight. The relationship between placental and foal weight was calculated for the mule's group.Laboratory evaluation included hematological and biochemical parameters, while lipid peroxidation was measured using TBARS and protein oxidation. Glutathione peroxidase activity, superoxide dismutase and total, indirect and direct bilirubin were used to evaluate the antioxidant profile. Apgar score at birth, 5, 10 and 30 minutes after birth was higher in mules. Mules started nursing colostrum earlier than horses, however elimination of meconium started later. Mares pregnant with mules eliminated fetal membranes earlier. Foal's and placental weight were similar between groups.There was no correlation between placental and foal's weight. Mules had higher MCHC, platelets, albumin, calcium, chloride, iron and magnesium, while total leukocytes, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio, fibrinogen, BT, BD, BI, cholesterol and CK were lower in mules compared to horses.Interaction was found between group and time for red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total leukocytes, segmented neutrophils, glucose, urea, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, CK and iron. Oxidative profile results showed no interaction between group and time for the analyzed variables. TBARS was lower in mules, while GPx activity was higher. There was a progressive TBARS decrease over time in the studied neonates, with GPx remaining constant at birth and 7 days, with a significant increase at 30 days. Time and group did not affect protein oxidation. SOD did not have a group effect and its activity was constant between analyzed times, except at 1 hour, when activity was lower than 6 hours, 7 and 30 days. Bilirrubins were lower in mules. Based on the differences found between species, this study offers reference values for behaviour, hematology, biochemistry and oxidative aspects in healthy mule neonates during the first month of life, and it can be useful for diagnosis and treatment of compromised neonates.Keywords: Hematology. Biochemistry. Apgar. Oxidative balance. Behavior. LISTA DE TABELASTabela 1 -Média ± erro padrão do escore Apgar modificado durante a primeira hora 4-6 moderada asfixia; 0-3 severa asfixia.A literatura descreve a importância de avaliar a vitalidade associada ao comportamento neonatal equino após o parto, a fim de identificar um neonato anormal nos primeiros momentos da vida. O potro normal se posiciona em decúbito esternal em até 5 minutos, inicia reflexo de sucç...

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Torções uterinas compõe o quadro das principais emergências obstétricas na espécie equina. A rotação de um dos cornos uterinos ou do útero ao longo do eixo longitudinal pode variar de leve a grave, conforme o grau de rotação e comprometimento dos tecidos envolvidos. O prognóstico é considerado desfavorável, quando há comprometimento da homeostase do paciente, dificuldade no diagnóstico preciso e ausência de intervenção cirúrgica imediata. O presente relato tem como objetivo a descrição de um caso de torção uterina em uma égua, no terço médio gestacional, atendida a campo no município de Sinop, estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. A clínica observada foi de dor abdominal aguda, taquicardia, taquipinéia, ausência de motilidade gastrointestinal, edema vulvar e eversão de mucosa vaginal. A palpação retal evidenciou a impossibilidade de palpação uterina, a ultrassonografia identificou apenas a presença do ovário direito. A evolução clínica do quadro procedeu de forma negativa resultando em óbito materno e fetal.