Equine Medical Guidelines – reproductive

Retained placenta

DIAGNOSTICS

Diagnosis can be made on clinical signs alone.

TREATMENT

Large volume uterine lavage is critical for stimulating placental detachment and removing endotoxins thereby preventing absorption. Systemic antimicrobials are always required. Penicillin, gentamicin and metronidazole should be administered. NSAIDs are also critical.

DURATION OF THERAPY

1 week past resolution of clinical disease.

Placentitis

DIAGNOSTICS

Ultrasonographic examination of the placenta is necessary. Samples should be collected for culture and susceptibility testing if the cervix is open. There is no evidence for prophylactic or pulse therapy for placentitis. 

TREATMENT

Trimethoprim / sulphonamide is preferable and gentamicin may not cross the placenta.

DURATION OF THERAPY

1 week past resolution of ultrasonographic and clinical disease or until foaling. Generally requires therapy until foaling.

Endometritis

DIAGNOSTICS

Cytological evaluation and culture and susceptibility testing is required for diagnosis.

Consider underlying disease.

TREATMENT

There is no evidence for routine treatment of mares post-service. Therapy should be guided by culture and susceptibility results.

Intrauterine penicillin and aminoglycoside appears effective in most cases.