Fairhaven Equestrian specializes in the breeding and development of Sport Horses in Northern Alberta.
02/03/2025
🩺 Mammary Development & Placentitis Awareness 🩺
Placentitis is the most common cause of foal loss and neonatal sepsis in horses. Mares with multiple previous foals, older mares, and mares with poor perineal conformation are most at risk of developing Placentitis, however all mare's can be suseptible.
In most cases, Placentitis is caused by bacteria entering the vaginal canal, thus contaminating the cervix. Eventually, this bacteria makes it's way into the uterus, causing infection within the placenta. The infection can affect the fetus' well being, and can also cause a production of hormones that stimulate labour, leading to premature delivery.
Symptoms of Placentitis include:
🦠 Premature and Sudden Udder Development
🦠 Vaginal Discharge
Checking your mare's udder regularly for premature or sudden mammary development is crucial in detecting Placentitis. If Placentitis is suspected, your veterinarian can confirm it via ultrasound. Placentitis rarely develops slowly; in most cases the udder will go from 'empty' to very full in less than 10 days. Placentitis is most likely to develop between 240 & 300 days gestation.
Due to most mare's having very minor mammary development starting as early as 265 days gestation, astute owners can often mistake normal hormonal changes for Placentitis... the biggest indication that sets them apart is the rapidness of which the udder fills.
⭐️ PREVENTION: Having a Caslick put on your mare after being confirmed in foal can lessen the risk of developing Plasentitis.
⭐️ TREATMENT: If caught in time, Placentitis is treatable through the administration of multiple medications, which must be given until your mare reaches a safe foaling date of 320 days gestation.
Pictured: Normal mammary development at 265 & 318 days gestation.
