The effects of parturition and peripartum complications on the peritoneal fluid composition of mares

Post partum complications in the mare. Part 1: Conditions affecting the uterus

“…In mares with uncomplicated deliveries (oxytocin-induced or natural foaling) peritoneal fluid composition should remain within normal limits. Therefore, although the white blood cell (WBC) count in a post partum sample may be increased compared with prefoaling values, it should remain within the normal range for the laboratory (van Hoogmoed et al 1996;Frazer et al 1997). This physiological increase in peritoneal fluid mononuclear cell count (WBC still less than 5 x 10 9 /l), seen in foaling mares, may be due to normal haemodynamic changes in the immediate post partum period.…”

“…However, any dystocia-related bruising and inflammation within the uterine wall is generally not severe enough to cause leakage of protein-rich fluid. Therefore, the total protein (TPr) concentration of the peritoneal fluid should remain at <25 g/l (Frazer et al 1997). Clinicians should understand that dystocia itself does not necessarily cause significant changes in peritoneal fluid and after vaginal manipulations and/or fetotomy the fluid should remain normal.…”

“…All mares that have experienced dystocia are at risk of iatrogenic tears and the uterus should always be checked for any obvious lacerations immediately after extraction of the fetus (Fig 1). Early recognition is important because the prognosis is worse once peritonitis develops (Fischer and Phillips 1986;Dwyer 1993;Rossdale 1994;Frazer et al 1997).…”

“…Affected mares generally experience bouts of colic and become depressed, febrile and anorectic as peritonitis develops. The interval from occurrence of the tear to diagnosis and initiation of therapy has a marked impact on the prognosis for survival (Dwyer 1993;Hooper et al 1993;Perkins and Frazer 1994;Rossdale 1994;Frazer et al 1997).…”

Uterine tears in horses

“…2010). Indeed even partial thickness tears have been reported to cause peritonitis (Frazer et al . 1997).…”