Malton Equine Veterinary Services
Mare Reproductive Services
The placenta is one of the most fascinating organs in nature, providing all of the maternal oxygen and nutrition the foetus needs to grow and thrive, while returning all of the foetus’ waste products to the dam for disposal.
Not uncommonly, however, the ability of the placenta to perform its critical role can be compromised by infection, either arriving through the cervix (ascending) or via the mare’s blood stream. Placental health can be reliably monitored via ultrasound scans either via the rectum, or transabdominally, sometimes coupled with blood tests to check for subtle signs of inflammation.
US scanning allows us to measure the thickness of the uterus and placenta, as inflammation usually causes oedema (swelling) of the tissue. This condition is known as ‘placentitis’ and is unfortunately one of the leading causes of abortion. Utilising doppler ultrasonography, we can also monitor blood flow to and from the placenta to further evaluate its health for diagnostic or therapeutic monitoring purposes.
Should any issues be identified, our experienced veterinarians will offer expert guidance on appropriate treatment and continue vigilant monitoring for the remainder of gestation. If identified in good time, many cases of placentitis can be managed successfully, leading to the birth of healthy foals at term.
Emergency veterinary attention for your horse may be required at any time of the day or night. We provide veterinary care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to registered clients.
Mare Reproductive Services
Pre-breeding Examination
Natural cover
Artificial Insemination
Embryo Transfer
Infertility Investigation
Hysteroscopic treatment of the Oviduct (Fallopian tube)
Twin reduction
Foetal gender determination
Surgical management of the vulva and perineum
Monitoring of the placenta during pregnancy
Monitoring of the high rick pregnancy
General care, worming and vaccinating the pregnant mare
Assisted Foaling
Post-Foaling disease management
Suppression of oestrus ('Moody' Mare Management)
Unfortunate circumstances can result in a foal being left without its own mare to rear it.