Management of retained fetal membranes by umbilical vessel infusion in mares submitted to elective C-section.
Authors: Neto Marcos Eduardo, Curcio Bruna R, Rafael Leandro A, Pivato Giovana M, Silva Gabriela C, Souza Rafaela P, Mousquer Mariana A, Nogueira Carlos E W
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Umbilical Vessel Infusion for Retained Fetal Membranes Post-Caesarean Section Retained fetal membranes (RFM) represent a significant complication following elective caesarean section in mares, with potential consequences including endometritis, sepsis and compromised fertility if not promptly resolved. Researchers compared two treatment approaches in ten Criollo mares that developed RFM after planned C-section: umbilical vessel infusion using low-pressure 0.9% saline solution versus the traditional counterweight method (1 kg attached to exposed membranes). The umbilical infusion group demonstrated substantially superior efficacy, with 80% of mares (4/5) expelling retained membranes within 40 minutes compared to zero response in the counterweight group, a clinically significant difference that reached statistical significance (P < 0.05). Importantly, mares receiving umbilical infusion experienced no adverse effects, pain or complications, indicating the technique is both safe and practical for clinical application. For practitioners managing post-surgical RFM in mares, umbilical vessel infusion offers a evidence-based alternative that warrants consideration as a first-line intervention, potentially reducing the need for more invasive or prolonged management strategies and improving outcomes for compromised post-partum mares.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Umbilical vessel saline infusion is a rapid, effective, and safe treatment option for RFM after elective C-section, with 80% success within 40 minutes
- •This method avoids additional medication and produces no adverse effects, making it a practical choice for managing post-surgical placental retention in mares
- •Consider umbilical vessel infusion as first-line treatment for RFM in mares post-C-section, as it significantly outperforms passive mechanical methods
Key Findings
- •80% (4/5) of mares treated with umbilical vessel infusion expelled membranes within 40 minutes versus 0% (0/5) in the counterweight control group (P < 0.05)
- •Umbilical vessel infusion using 0.9% saline solution achieved significantly faster membrane separation compared to mechanical counterweight method
- •No severe discomfort, pain, or secondary side effects were observed in mares receiving umbilical vessel infusion treatment