[Incidence of puerperal diseases during the first 10 days after foaling in the mare].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of puerperal diseases in breeding mares in the first 10 days after birth by analysing patient data.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In a university clinic patient data of 308 breeding mares with puerperal disorders which presented within the first 10 days postpartum were evaluated over a period of 10 years. A distinction was made between diseases which were able to be diagnosed at the first examination and diseases which developed during the patient's stay in the clinic.

RESULTS

A total of 21 diseases were diagnosed, with a retained placenta, lochiometra and injuries to the perineum being the most common. Many mares displayed more than one disease. Mares with a retained placenta most commonly also presented with perineal ruptures, followed by animals who also had lochiometra. Mares suffering from lochiometra commonly presented together with a retained placenta and injuries as a result of birth. Some of the mares developed further diseases. In mares with a retained placenta, this was most commonly lochiometra, followed by puerperal laminitis and thrombophlebitis.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data collection shows that several diseases could relatively frequently be diagnosed in mares with puerperal disorders. Therefore, a higher percentage of further diseases must be assumed for mares which have a puerperal disease.