MATERNAL CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY IN MARES

Pregnancies that result in maternal or fetal injury are considered to be high risk. Fetal health can be compromised by primary maternal cond itions that affect nonreproductive systems, the uterus, or the abdomin al supports and pelvic canal. Secondary complications, such as endotox emia, hyperlipemia, and hemostatic alterations, can cause further feta l insult. Recognizing maternal disease conditions usually is straightf orward; however, determining the effect on the fetus is more difficult . By aggressive and appropriate treatment of the primary condition, in jury to the mare and fetus can be limited. The effects of treatment of maternal disease on fetal health are largely unknown; however, hypoxi a during general anesthesia in late gestation has been linked to fetal compromise. When treating maternal conditions that may affect the fet us, fetal health can be supported by maintaining maternal oxygenation and vascular perfusion. The optimum way to treat the foal is to provid e excellent maternal care.