Emergent causes of placentitis and abortion

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Health
• Reproductive Pathology

Background:

• Placentitis and abortion pose significant threats to equine reproductive success.
• Emerging infectious agents require updated understanding for effective management.
• Leptospirosis and Nocardioform placentitis are increasingly recognized causes of equine fetal loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical aspects of two emerging causes of equine placentitis and abortion.
• To provide information on diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control strategies.
• To highlight the distinct characteristics of Leptospirosis and Nocardioform placentitis in horses.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical signs and laboratory findings associated with equine placentitis and abortion.
• Epidemiological data collection on reported cases in affected regions.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment outcomes for identified cases.

Main Results:

• Leptospirosis, caused by serovars kennewicki or bratislava, is a significant cause of equine fetal loss in Kentucky, Northern Ireland, and England.
• Nocardioform placentitis, associated with gram-positive, filamentous bacteria, is the most common cause of placentitis in central Kentucky.
• Nocardioform placentitis presents with characteristic changes in placental membranes.

Conclusions:

• Leptospirosis and Nocardioform placentitis represent critical emerging threats to equine reproduction.
• Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential for managing these conditions.
• Understanding the epidemiology and causative agents aids in prevention and control efforts for equine abortion.