Some observations on the local use of ultrasound uterine scanning in thoroughbred stud veterinary practice

Authors: Douglas IV
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 31, Issue 4, pp 62, Apr 1983
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Diagnostic procedures, Pregnancy, Reproduction, Reproduction - female, Imaging
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: At the Reproduction Conference in Auckland, February 1982, Dr Allen presented a paper describing a new technique whereby the pregnancy status of the uterus could be determined as early as 22 days from service (in some cases earlier). During the 1982 breeding season we were able to use the Fisher Vetscan machine for early pregnancy diagnosis. The practical value of this diagnostic technique is twofold. By being able to accurately determine the status of the uterus 22 days from service we are able to: - differentiate the pregnant mare from the non-pregnant mare that has not returned to service. Mares that are empty at this early stage are thus able to be recycled, saving valuable time. In essence, it enables extra opportunities at serving such mares. - differentiate between twin and single pregnancy. Twin pregnancies may develop separately in each horn or together in one horn, the latter being very difficult to determine by rectal palpation. In dealing with twin pregnancy the advantage lies in early detection. In the case of separate horn twin pregnancies, survival of a single embryo after crushing of the other is high if the procedure is carried out soon after 22 days. On the other hand a single horn twin pregnancy may be terminated early with prostaglandin, allowing the mare to return to oestrus…

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