Changes in cholesterol, triglycerides and body composition in pregnant mares

Background: Mares are very different from other species during pregnancy, and studies on the physiologicalchanges of this period are important. During late pregnancy, the distribution of weight and body fat are oftenused as indicators of adequate nutrition. This is a physiological period that results in an increase in metabolicdemand. There is a tendency for the Criollo breed to have a higher body condition score that becomes moreevident during pregnancy, a period when mares tend to gain more weight. The current study monitored serumcholesterol and triglyceride levels in pregnant mares during late gestation to determine a possible correlationwith the distribution of fat or body weight.Materials, Methods & Results: Four body parameters of 34 Criollo-type mares in late gestation were evaluated: body weight measured with a weight scale, body weight using a commercial weight tape, total body fatand fat thickness and the serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. The fat thickness was measuredin an ultrasound device and the prediction of total body fat was calculated using an equation. According to thedays prior foaling, biometric monitoring and blood collection were carried out in five periods: F-90 (± 90 daysprior to foaling) n = 33; F-60 (± 60 days prior to foaling) n = 33; F-30 (± 30 days prior to foaling) n = 31; F-15(± 15 days prior to foaling) n = 29 and Foaling (at day of foaling) n = 14. Mares were monitored daily andaccompanied foaling was also performed, ensuring collection at the right time. Comparisons of means wereperformed between variables in addition to the Pearson correlation test. Statistical significance was establishedat P < 0.05. There was no difference in relation to the period in body composition measurements (P > 0.05). Astrong positive correlation was observed between the average weights (P < 0.001). The fat thickness showeda correlation between the weights (P < 0.01). There was no correlation with...(AU)

Changes in cholesterol, triglycerides and body composition in pregnant mares

Background: Mares are very different from other species during pregnancy, and studies on the physiologicalchanges of this period are important. During late pregnancy, the distribution of weight and body fat are oftenused as indicators of adequate nutrition. This is a physiological period that results in an increase in metabolicdemand. There is a tendency for the Criollo breed to have a higher body condition score that becomes moreevident during pregnancy, a period when mares tend to gain more weight. The current study monitored serumcholesterol and triglyceride levels in pregnant mares during late gestation to determine a possible correlationwith the distribution of fat or body weight.Materials, Methods & Results: Four body parameters of 34 Criollo-type mares in late gestation were evaluated: body weight measured with a weight scale, body weight using a commercial weight tape, total body fatand fat thickness and the serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. The fat thickness was measuredin an ultrasound device and the prediction of total body fat was calculated using an equation. According to thedays prior foaling, biometric monitoring and blood collection were carried out in five periods: F-90 (± 90 daysprior to foaling) n = 33; F-60 (± 60 days prior to foaling) n = 33; F-30 (± 30 days prior to foaling) n = 31; F-15(± 15 days prior to foaling) n = 29 and Foaling (at day of foaling) n = 14. Mares were monitored daily andaccompanied foaling was also performed, ensuring collection at the right time. Comparisons of means wereperformed between variables in addition to the Pearson correlation test. Statistical significance was establishedat P 0.05). Astrong positive correlation was observed between the average weights (P < 0.001). The fat thickness showeda correlation between the weights (P < 0.01). There was no correlation with...

Monitoramento do parto em éguas / Monitoring the parturition in mares

O objetivo do presente é explorar aspectos da fisiologia do final da gestação em éguas, com foco na maturação do feto e monitoramento do parto nessa espécie. Inúmeras são as particularidades na endocrinologia da gestação, que culminam em uma ampla variação no tempo de gestação na égua e uma tardia maturação orgânica no potro, que se completa somente após o nascimento. A primeira fase do parto é considerada prodrômica, marcada pela inquietação e desconforto na égua, e movimentação do potro para apresentação longitudinal anterior, posição dorso-sacra e atitude estendida. A segunda fase do parto é o momento crítico e rápido que inicia com a ruptura do corioalantóide e não deve ultrapassar 30 minutos, desde a ruptura da placenta até a expulsão completa do potro neonato. A terceira fase é caracterizada pela expulsão da placenta, a qual deve ser avaliada pelo obstetra. O monitoramento do potro neonato é marcado pela observação dos reflexos posturais e comportamentais, além do exame físico e exames complementares. O momento do parto é decisivo na vida do potro neonato, sendo necessária a compreensão que o monitoramento dessa etapa é uma estratégia de ação que só alcança sucesso quando realizado de forma continuada ao acompanhamento obstétrico sistemático.

The purpose of this article is to examine the physiological characteristics of the final third of pregnancy in mares, with a particular emphasis on fetal maturation and parturition monitoring. There are numerous peculiarities in the endocrinology of equine pregnancy, culminating in a wide variation in the length of gestation in the mare and a delayed systemic maturation in the foal, which is completed only after birth. The first stage of labor, also known as prodromal stage, is characterized by restlessness and discomfort of the mare, as well as the foal's transition to anterior longitudinal presentation, dorso-sacral position, and extended attitude. The second stage labor is a critical and rapid period that begins with the chorioallantois rupture and should last no more than 30 minutes, from the rupture of the placenta to the complete expulsion of the neonatal foal. The third stage is characterized by the elimination of the placenta, which must be evaluated by the veterinarian. The assessment of the neonatal foal is performed by the observation of righting reflexes, in addition to physical examination and complementary exams. The parturition is a decisive moment in the life of the foal, and it is necessary to understand that monitoring this stage is an action strategy that only achieves success when carried out continuously with systematic obstetric follow-up.

Peripheral blood markers of sepsis in foals born from mares with experimentally induced ascending placentitis.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal death during the first-week postfoaling. Despite recent advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in the newborn foal, the non-specific clinical signs and subtle nature of this disease may result in delayed diagnosis until severe progression of the disease; thus, early detection of sepsis remains critical for a favourable outcome. This study aimed to identify early blood markers as predictive of sepsis on foals. METHODS: Thirty-five foals were allocated into three groups: healthy control foals (n=7) and foals born from mares with placentitis: septic foals (n=9) and non-septic foals (n=19). Blood samples were obtained immediately after foaling and at 12, 24 and 48 hours. All samples were assessed for glucose, lactate, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, total solids, fibrinogen, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum amyloid A (SAA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations. RESULTS: At foaling, glucose and GGT concentrations were lower in septic foals (P<0.001). Of interest, SAA, AFP, creatinine and total cholesterol were higher in septic foals at parturition (P<0.05). At 12 hours, lactate, triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations were higher in septic foals. When evaluated at 24 and 48 hours, higher concentrations of SAA and AFP were found in placentitis foals than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Total cholesterol and lactate appear to be suitable markers for sepsis during the first 24 hours postpartum. Septic foals displayed altered energy metabolisms as determined by increased triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations, hypoglycaemia at birth and reduced activity of the GGT and increased lactate and urea concentrations. Sepsis was associated with high concentrations of SAA and AFP.

Monitoramento da gestação em éguas o que fazer na rotina de campo / Monitoring pregnancy in mares What to do in the field routine

As complicações gestacionais em éguas, em especial no terço final da gestação, representam um grande problema para a indústria equina, podendo acarretar em consequências maternas, fetais e em implicações no próprio potro neonato. A garantia de uma gestação adequada abrange as trocas metabólicas entre o potro e a égua, e a manutenção do adequado ambiente intra-uterino para o desenvolvimento fetal. Assim, objetivo do presente é apresentar métodos de monitoramento de éguas gestantes, com ênfase nas gestações de risco, buscando o nascimento de um potro saudável. Os procedimentos iniciam pela avaliação do histórico e exame regular das éguas. Essa conduta consiste no exame clínico obstétrico, ultrassonografia transretal e transabdominal. Além da avaliação de alguns biomarcadores séricos, ainda que controversos na literatura, como a dosagem de progesterona, estrógenos (estrógenos totais e/ou 17β- estradiol), amiloide A sérica e alfa-feto proteína quando disponíveis.(AU)

Complications in pregnant mares, especially in late gestation, remains a major cause of economic loss for horse breeders. Those could lead maternal, fetal and neonatal implications. Healthy intrauterine environment and on placental efficiency are essential for fetal development. Therefore, the aim of this review is described methods of monitoring pregnant mares to seek a healthy neonatal foal, particularly in a high-risk pregnancy. The first step is the collection of medical histories and systematic clinical examination of the mares. This regular examination realizes clinical obstetric evaluation, transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound exam. In addition to peripheral blood markers assessment, although sometimes controversial, as progesterone, estrogens (total estrogen and/or 17βestradiol), serum amyloide A and alpha-fetoprotein when available.(AU)

Monitoramento da gestação em éguas – o que fazer na rotina de campo / Monitoring pregnancy in mares – What to do in the field routine

As complicações gestacionais em éguas, em especial no terço final da gestação, representam um grande problema para a indústria equina, podendo acarretar em consequências maternas, fetais e em implicações no próprio potro neonato. A garantia de uma gestação adequada abrange as trocas metabólicas entre o potro e a égua, e a manutenção do adequado ambiente intra-uterino para o desenvolvimento fetal. Assim, objetivo do presente é apresentar métodos de monitoramento de éguas gestantes, com ênfase nas gestações de risco, buscando o nascimento de um potro saudável. Os procedimentos iniciam pela avaliação do histórico e exame regular das éguas. Essa conduta consiste no exame clínico obstétrico, ultrassonografia transretal e transabdominal. Além da avaliação de alguns biomarcadores séricos, ainda que controversos na literatura, como a dosagem de progesterona, estrógenos (estrógenos totais e/ou 17β- estradiol), amiloide A sérica e alfa-feto proteína quando disponíveis.

Complications in pregnant mares, especially in late gestation, remains a major cause of economic loss for horse breeders. Those could lead maternal, fetal and neonatal implications. Healthy intrauterine environment and on placental efficiency are essential for fetal development. Therefore, the aim of this review is described methods of monitoring pregnant mares to seek a healthy neonatal foal, particularly in a high-risk pregnancy. The first step is the collection of medical histories and systematic clinical examination of the mares. This regular examination realizes clinical obstetric evaluation, transrectal and transabdominal ultrasound exam. In addition to peripheral blood markers assessment, although sometimes controversial, as progesterone, estrogens (total estrogen and/or 17βestradiol), serum amyloide A and alpha-fetoprotein when available.