🩺 How to Perform a Pregnancy Check on a Mare

Performing a pregnancy check on a mare is an essential part of managing her reproductive health and ensuring the successful development of the foal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a pregnancy check on a mare.

🕵️ Methods of Pregnancy Checking

1. Rectal Palpation

2. Ultrasound Examination

3. Hormone Assays

🏥 Preparing for the Pregnancy Check

1. Veterinary Assistance

Professional Help: Always seek assistance from a qualified veterinarian for accurate results and to ensure the mare’s safety.

2. Timing of the Check

Optimal Timing: The best time for a pregnancy check is between 14 to 18 days after ovulation. A follow-up check is usually done around 30 days to confirm pregnancy.

👩‍⚕️ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Rectal Palpation

Procedure:

Preparation: Ensure the mare is calm and restrained properly.
Insertion: The vet will gently insert a gloved hand into the mare’s rectum.
Palpation: The vet will feel for changes in the uterus, such as increased tone and the presence of the embryonic vesicle.

Pros:

Immediate Results: Provides quick confirmation of pregnancy.

Cons:

Requires Skill: Should only be performed by an experienced veterinarian to avoid injury to the mare or the developing embryo.

2. Ultrasound Examination

Procedure:

Preparation: Position the mare calmly and securely.
Insertion: The vet inserts a specialized ultrasound probe into the rectum.
Imaging: The ultrasound creates a visual image of the uterus, showing the presence of the embryo.

Pros:

Early Detection: Can detect pregnancy as early as 14 days post-ovulation.
Detailed Information: Provides visual confirmation and can detect twin pregnancies.

Cons:

Cost: More expensive than palpation.
Equipment: Requires specialized equipment and a skilled operator.

3. Hormone Assays

Types:

Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG): Detected around 40-120 days of pregnancy.
Progesterone Levels: Elevated levels indicate pregnancy, but false positives can occur.

Procedure:

Blood Sample: A blood sample is taken from the mare.
Laboratory Analysis: The sample is analyzed for hormone levels indicative of pregnancy.

Pros:

Non-Invasive: Simple and safe method.
Useful for Late Pregnancy: Effective for confirming pregnancy in later stages.

Cons:

False Positives/Negatives: Hormone levels can sometimes give inaccurate results.
Time: Requires waiting for lab results.

📋 Follow-Up Checks

1. Confirming Pregnancy

30 Days: A second check around 30 days post-ovulation to confirm the presence of a heartbeat.
60 Days: Another check around 60 days to ensure the embryo is developing properly.

2. Monitoring Twin Pregnancies

Early Detection: Ultrasound can detect twin pregnancies, which can be managed early to reduce risks.

🛡️ Post-Check Care

1. Regular Monitoring

Health Checks: Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the mare’s health and the developing foal.
Nutrition: Ensure the mare receives proper nutrition to support pregnancy.

2. Preventive Measures

Vaccinations: Keep the mare up-to-date with vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases.
Deworming: Regular deworming as recommended by your vet.

By following these steps and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure a successful and healthy pregnancy for your mare.