Category: Reproduction & Fertility

Abortion in Horses: Symptoms, Causes Treatment & Prevention (2023)

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Horses require intense care during pregnancy because abortion is a concerning issue that can occur due to different reasons. Abortion is the premature termination of pregnancy that may be difficult to pinpoint the cause. It can be experienced after weeks or months of exposure to toxins or infection, so you cannot find the reason that has disappeared. You can easily overcome this situation by following precautionary measures and extensive care.

5 Signs of Horse Miscarriage:

It is essential to recognize the signs of abortion or miscarriage early to manage a mare’s pregnancy. If you can work to identify the symptoms early, then sometimes the outcome can be different. So here are a few key signs of horse miscarriage that will help you to understand the reasons behind it.

1. Vaginal Discharge:

A change in vaginal discharge is considered the most noticeable and earliest sign of potential miscarriage, so if you experience bloody, cloudy, or thicker discharge, then you must monitor it.

2. Milk Production:

Premature milk production is another symptom of miscarriage where some mares start producing milk that is in the process of aborting a foal. If you see such signs in the mare, you should be worried about the health of the mare and foal.

3. Changes in Behavior:

Changes in the behavior of pregnant mares are also associated with miscarriage. In this situation, it becomes agitated and restless and shows signs of discomfort. These discomfort signs include frequently lying down and getting up.

4. Abdominal Pain:

Abdominal pain during pregnancy is unexpected as it indicates something problematic with pregnancy. When a mare faces abdominal pain, it may roll excessively and paw at the ground.

5. Fetal Tissues:

If you find fetal tissues in the paddock or stall, it is a clear sign that a miscarriage has happened. These tissues can vary due to the different stages of pregnancy that other mares are experiencing.

Causes of Abortion in Horses:

There is no single cause of abortion in horses because several factors contribute to equine miscarriage. Some of the most common reasons are below.

  • Inadequate Nutrition:

Fetal development problems can exist if the mare is not getting sufficient nutrients during pregnancy because a proper and balanced diet is crucial for the health of the mare and foal.

  • Health Issues:

If a mare is experiencing health-related issues like hormonal imbalances or uterine infections, the risk of miscarriage increases significantly.

  • Genetic Issues:

Genetic abnormalities can also lead to miscarriage in mares due to chromosomal defects or other genetic issues.

  • Infections:

Infectious diseases like leptospirosis and herpes virus have a significant role in early abortion in mares. In contaminated environments, these diseases can be transmitted from horse to horse.

  • Environmental Factors:

Stressful conditions and exposure to environmental toxins can also contribute to miscarriage in mares. These factors include chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides.

Equine Abortion Treatment:

Abortion treatment of equine is based on the underlying cause and stage of pregnancy. When a mare is experiencing a miscarriage, appropriate and quick treatment is necessary. So here, you will find a few common approaches to equine abortion treatment.

  • Surgical Intervention:

In a few cases, it is necessary to go for surgical intervention when the fetus is alive, and there are chances to save it.

  • Antibiotics:

Infectious diseases are common reasons behind abortion, so you may need antibiotics to treat infection.

  • Supportive Care:

When the fetus is not still visible, then supportive care is enough as a treatment that includes minimal stress and provision of a stress-free environment.

  • Uterine Leverage:

Uterine leverage is required in a few cases when pregnancy is old. This way, you can remove any remaining fetal tissues from the mare’s body.

  • Hormonal Therapy:

Hormonal imbalances lead to miscarriage in mares. So, hormonal therapy can manage pregnancy-related issues.

How to Prevent Miscarriage and Abortion in Mares?

Veterinary care and proper management are necessary to prevent abortion and miscarriage in mares. You can go for the following options:

1. Regular Checkups:

Regular veterinary checkups play a vital role in preventing miscarriage in mares. It will allow early detection of disease and timely intervention.

2. Proper Nutrition:

Proper nutrition throughout the pregnancy is crucial for the health of the fetus and mare. Balanced feed high-quality forage can support a healthy pregnancy.

3. Stress-Free Environment:

Stress is a major contributory factor in abortion, so always provide a stable and calming environment. It would be best if you avoided changes in routine and unnecessary transportation during the pregnancy.

4. Vaccination:

Vaccination of mares against various infectious diseases will help reduce the chances of miscarriage and abortion due to these pathogens.

5. Use of Natural Supplements:

Natural supplements are the best way to ensure smooth health during pregnancy as they contain sufficient minerals and vitamins. The mare will get the best health due to the use of such supplements.

Equinety Horse XL and Equinety Ultimate OEC are two unique products. You can combine them to make a powerful natural supplement for the well-being of the mare throughout the pregnancy. These products are capable of tackling all health-related issues that are caused by poor or insufficient diet.

Equine Abortion Viruses:

Certain viruses can lead to abortion in mares. So, understanding these viruses and their prevention is crucial for keeping your mare and fetus healthy.

  • Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA):

EVA is a virus that can lead to abortion and miscarriage in mares. Vaccination will help in the prevention of EHV breakouts.

  • Equine Herpes Virus (EHV):

EHV is another virus that mainly spreads through respiratory secretions, so testing and vaccination will be beneficial for avoiding any unfavorable outcomes.

FAQ’s:

How long can a mare carry a dead foal?

A mare can carry a dead foal for a few weeks. But it’s essential to consult with a vet immediately as there is a risk of infection.

Can a mare abort one twin and not the other?

Yes, it is possible and known as one-sided twinning. This condition happens due to a problem with the placenta of an aborted twin.

How do you tell if your mare is pregnant with twins?

Ultrasound is the best technique to determine whether a mare is pregnant with twins.

Equine average abortion rate (According to Survey):

The average abortion rate of equines varies depending on factors like health, age, vaccination, and management practices. If we talk about the general average abortion rate of horses, then it is around 10%. (Survey of the equine broodmare industry by national Library of Medicine)

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Pregnant Mare Nutrition Care and Supplements (2023)

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A pregnant mare requires adequate health and nutrition care. Breeding your mare with the best physical condition is for the betterment. The first forty days of pregnancy are essential in a mare’s life because they are more susceptible to early embryonic death loss due to many factors.

In the first 30 days, you can confirm the mare’s pregnancy. You can again reconfirm it at 90 days with the help of a vet.

Nutrition care is most important for the health of the mare and foal because a mare’s body requires more energy, which is only possible with a high-quality, balanced diet. Supplements have a significant role in the overall well-being and care of the mare. They have all the necessary vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, and other ingredients during pregnancy. Here you will get info about the best pregnant mare supplements in 2023 to help your mare quickly through this life phase.

Pregnant Mare Care and Well-Being:

 A mare experiences many emotional and physical changes during pregnancy as she has to carry and give birth to a foal, so paying particular attention to her health and well-being is necessary.

Following are a few tips for caring for a pregnant mare, so look at them.

1. Clean and Peaceful Environment:

Mares have too much association with their environment is strongly recommended to provide a clean and peaceful environment to her during pregnancy. A dry and clean stall will make her feel more comfortable, and try to avoid the presence of tractors and machinery near the booth.

2. Balanced Diet:

You cannot expect a healthy and sound pregnancy period of mare without providing a balanced diet, so go for high-quality forage and low-starchy food. Mare needs more food to meet her increased nutritional needs.

3. Exercise:

Exercise is essential for all horses, but in the case of a pregnant mare, its role is more important because the muscles get stronger and the weight remains under control. A moderate level of exercise will help the mare eliminate the stress that is quite dangerous for the foal.

4. Vaccination:

The body of a pregnant mare is more attractive to infections, which is why proper vaccination is mandatory during this period to protect the foal and mare from infectious diseases. Regular deworming is also helpful in preventing parasites that are not good for the health of the foal and mare.

Feed and Nutrition a Pregnant Mare Needs

Mare also needs more feed and Nutrition during pregnancy to support foal growth inside her body. With the passage of pregnancy, these nutritional requirements increase, and in the last trimester, you have to pay special attention to your mare’s diet.

  • Grains:

Grains have little role in Nutrition during pregnancy because they can are digested quickly and leave the stomach of a mare empty for most of the time. You can use them to provide additional protein and energy to a mare’s body. So a high-quality grain mix containing at least 10% fat and 16% protein will be a good choice.

  • Forage:

Forage provides a strong basis for a safe pregnancy of a mare because it contains all the necessary ingredients for a balanced diet. High-quality hay containing fiber will help the mare’s gut health but ensure the hay you supply is free from dust and molds. Experts mainly recommend Alfalfa hay as it contains calcium and protein in high quantities.

  • Water:

An abundant water supply to a pregnant mare will support nutrient absorption and digestion, so provide free access to the water for 24 hours. Water must be clean and fresh to help the mare stay hydrated and healthy.

  • Vitamins and Minerals:

A pregnant mare requires an increased quantity of various vitamins and minerals because they are essential for the growth of the fetus. You should provide minerals like calcium through a balanced diet, and vitamins A, B, D, and E are also essential in the mare’s diet. Choosing the correct quantity of vitamins and minerals is difficult, so always consult a vet and follow their instructions.

  • Protein and Amino Acids:

Protein is helpful in tissue growth and repair. It is more required during pregnancy because it supports milk production and fetal development. Add supplements to your pregnant mare’s diet high in protein and amino acids for the secure tenure of pregnancy.

  • Feed Management:

Feed management helps the mare get sufficient food often daily because the horse’s body can support frequent moderate feeding instead of one or two large meals. Ensure your mare has free access to high-quality forage throughout the day.

How many Vitamins and Minerals does a Pregnant Mare Need?

The amount of vitamins and minerals a pregnant mare requires depends on the pregnancy stage and workload. Other factors determining the number of vitamins and minerals for a pregnant mare are overall health, age, and weight. Adequate levels of vitamins and minerals will help your mare go through the pregnancy well.

Best Supplements for Pregnant Mare

We cannot deny the role of natural supplements for pregnant mares because they contain all the necessary ingredients to support the health of the foal and the mare herself. It is better to consult your vet before choosing the supplement for a pregnant mare. The following accessories are for a pregnant mare.

1. Equinety Horse XL:

Equinety Horse XL is a very effective natural supplement specially designed for horses to maintain their health and performance at the desired level. This product has different herbs, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It is for horses of all ages, including pregnant mares.

With the help of increased nutrient intake, this product benefits the mare’s health and its foal. It also improves the immune system of a pregnant mare, which is essential to protect the mare’s body and foal from infections.

2. Equniety Ultimate O.E.C.:

Equinety Ultimate O.E.C. is another excellent natural product for pregnant mares because it contains colloidal silver, flaxseed-based omega-3 oil, and vitamin E to support the health of foal and mare. Omega 3 fatty acids have a significant role in developing the nervous system and the foal’s brain. It also helps reduce inflammation, a common issue of pregnant mares. Colloidal silver helps the mare to get safe from different infections.

Conclusion:

Supplements have a significant role in fulfilling any nutritional deficiency that may arise due to pregnancy in mares. Adequate intake of necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and protein is essential to support a mare’s body during pregnancy, ensured with a natural supplement.

Natural supplements like Equinety Horse XL and Equinety Ultimate O.E.C. will be excellent choices for your pregnant mare. It contains all minerals.

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