Birth of live triplets in a mare

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology in equids
• Neonatal veterinary medicine
• Equine perinatology

Background:

• Equine twin and triplet pregnancies are uncommon, often associated with high rates of abortion, prematurity, and neonatal mortality.
• Mares carrying multiple fetuses face increased risks of complications during gestation and parturition.

Observation:

• An 11-year-old American Buckskin mare delivered live triplets unattended at approximately 300 days gestation.
• All three foals presented as small and dysmature, necessitating intensive neonatal care.
• Complications included a third metatarsal fracture in one foal, leading to euthanasia.

Findings:

• One of the three foals died within four days of admission due to its small size and immaturity.
• A second foal required euthanasia after 24 days due to complications from a fractured metatarsal bone.
• The third foal survived and was discharged, showing normal development by one year of age, despite being small.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical need for intensive neonatal care in cases of equine triplet births.
• Early detection and management of complications are vital for improving survival rates in dysmature foals.
• Further research into the management of multiple equine pregnancies could enhance outcomes for both mares and foals.