A Case of Equine Pregnancy Confirmation, Monitoring and Measurement of Some Fetal Parameters Using 2D Ultrasound in 22 Mares

Although there are advanced and improved diagnostic techniques in the understanding of equine reproduction which have resulted in increased pregnancy rates in mares, however, it is imperative to continue to monitor fetal well-being along the gestational growth stages in order to assess fetal well being through measurement of heart rate, fetal movement/tone, position, presentation and posture. This case report delved into these indices using a 2D ultrasound scan of 22 pregnant mares in their three different gestational stages. Expected date of delivery (EDD) and fetal heart rates were obtained for first trimester (192 ± 9), second trimester (113 ± 9), and third trimester (91 ± 9) mares. The prominent fetal features discernable in the three stages of gestation (3 Trimesters) included gestational sac, the allantois and amniotic fluid (positive confirmation of pregnancy, first trimester); fetal stomach rugae, abdominal organs-kidneys, bladder and viscera (second trimester), and the fully formed fetus with advanced skeletal development, skull, femur, clavicle assuming an anterior presentation (third trimester), which were all monitored using 2D ultrasonography.