THE MANAGEMENT OF EQUINE HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY

Equine high risk pregnancies are those that have the potential to result in death or disability of the mare or fetus. The danger can be caused by conditions of either the mare or the fetus. Maternal conditions are usually easier to diagnose than fetal conditions. These limitations in the determination of the extent of compromise can complicate decision making because the perinatologist's most important judgment is estimating the likelihood of maternal and fetal survival. A treatment plan is formulated by coordinating the owner's wishes and financial commitment with this clinical assessment.