Pregnancy Detection

Objective: The objectives of this laboratory are to:

1. Learn how to interpret Ultrasound scans for early pregnancy.
2. Learn how to manage twins during early pregnancy.

Before continuing with the lab, be sure to review the lectures on Pregnancy Detection. Interpretation of rectal palpation are beyond the material taught in this class and will not be covered. You should however be able to interact in a knowledgeable way with a veterinarian doing an ultrasound exam on a potentially pregnant mare.

Terminology: There is some terminology that we must get straight in order to communicate effectively

• Vesicle - Fluid filled ball of cells seen during early pregnancy (day 11- 18).
• Embryo - Early stages of embryonic development when initial differentiation begins. The cells are still pluripotent (able to differentiate into most cell types of the organism).
• Fetus - Stage of embryonic development when the embryo begins to have characteristics of the adult (distinguishable head, limb buds, eyes, etc)
• Allantois - fetal membrane that develops from the hindgut, it collects waste materials from the embryo.
  

Laboratory Activities:

1. Ultrasound of early pregnancy : You will watch movies which show the progression of a pregnancy from day to day.
2. Early pregnancy management: Watch a twin reduction at day 14.