Induction of abortion during midgestation in mares

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Prostaglandins are crucial for reproductive processes, including luteolysis and parturition.
• Synthetic prostaglandin analogues are used in veterinary medicine for reproductive management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of prostalene, a synthetic prostaglandin analogue, in inducing abortion in pregnant standardbred mares.
• To assess the physiological effects of prostalene administration on the reproductive tract and progesterone levels.

Main Methods:

• Four pregnant standardbred mares (99-153 days gestation) were administered varying doses of prostalene via subcutaneous injection.
• Physiological parameters including cervical tone, uterine tone, and plasma progesterone concentrations were monitored.
• Abortions were subsequently induced using intrauterine infusions of warm hypertonic saline if not achieved by prostalene.

Main Results:

• Prostalene administration resulted in cervical relaxation and increased uterine tone.
• A decrease in plasma progesterone concentrations was observed post-treatment.
• None of the mares aborted spontaneously within seven days of prostalene treatment.
• All mares subsequently aborted following intrauterine hypertonic saline infusion.

Conclusions:

• Prostalene alone is not sufficient to induce abortion in mid-term pregnant mares.
• Prostalene treatment may prepare the uterus for subsequent abortion induction.
• Warm hypertonic saline infusions are an effective method for inducing abortion in mares following prostalene treatment, with no observed complications.