Monitoring the early pregnancy

Abstract

Monitoring of the early pregnancy is an important aspect of stud medicine practice. This article provides an overview of a common routine examination schedule adopted in the early stages of equine pregnancy, and discusses why pregnancy examination should be performed early plus at specific intervals thereafter. A description (with pictures) of the most common ultrasonographic indicators of pregnancy loss found during the examination is provided, together with some treatment options currently adopted. Because of the limitations of diagnostic ability, and incomplete understanding around early pregnancy loss, treatment options for this condition can be controversial. Finally, how to effectively diagnose and manage twins is discussed, with an understanding of how natural reduction can play its part.