Helping Problem Mares Deliver Healthy Foals:
Scone Equine Specialist announces innovation to International forum
Dr Joan Carrick is a specialist in equine medicine at Scone Equine Hospital and will present her research* into the preventative treatment of Placentitis in pregnant mares at the International Symposium on Equine Reproduction in Kentucky this year. The symposium is held every four years and attended by the world’s most prominent scientists in the area of equine reproduction.
Funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Dr Carrick’s research found that intensive treatment of mares guided by regular ultrasound monitoring was successful in helping mares with Placentitis deliver live healthy foals. (Placentitis is the single most important cause of pregnancy loss in mares.)
Dr. Joan Carrick’s research is based on the development of a monitoring program for pregnant mares that is similar to those used for pregnant women. Mares at risk for developing Placentitis are monitored and treated intensively throughout pregnancy to ensure delivery more healthy foals at full term. Five years into this important research project, Dr Joan Carrick is about to release her findings to the world’s most prestigious symposium for equine specialists.
This program has enormous benefit for the horse breeding industry with an increased number of healthy foals delivered by problem mares .
Dr Joan Carrick says this research outcome is a professional highlight for her career and the opportunity to present the findings at the highest international level has great benefits for Scone Equine Hospital, her colleagues and Australia’s equine industry.
“Before this research, mares were examined once at 45 days gestation and then not re-examined until close to foaling. This is in stark contrast to pregnant women who have regular ultrasound examinations throughout their term,” she said.
“At this stage, Scone Equine Hospital is the only practice using such an intensive preventative program for mares with problems carrying a pregnancy. It is critically important that I present this information and encourage other vets throughout the world to use the program,” Dr. Carrick said.
“I am also very excited to meet and exchange ideas with international equine veterinarians. This conference is an opportunity to strengthen our alliances and re-affirm Scones position as a highly significant equine centre.”
Before this treatment, mares at risk of Placentitus had a birthing rate of 50%. The monitoring treatment increased this rate to 90%.
