Low doses of oxytocin can induce foaling at term

Levels of the major circulating metabolite of prostaglandin F-2 alpha, 13, 14 dihydro-15-oxo-prostaglandin F-2 alpha (PGFM) were measured during the induction of foaling using small (2.5-10 iu) intravenous doses of oxytocin. PGFM levels rose rapidly in all animals within 15 min of injection and were associated with typical signs of second stage labour. Because these small doses of oxytocin are effective in successfully triggering parturition it is suggested that higher doses (40-120 iu) used to induce birth in other studies are unnecessary and could be potentially dangerous to the foetal foal.