Pregnancy Detection Methods
The methods that are commonly used to detect pregnancy in the mare rely on 1) dectection of the embryo directly through ultrasonography or rectal palpation, or 2) detection of hormonal changes in the mare such as progesterone or eCG levels. All methods of pregnancy detection have their strengths and weaknesses. Detection of pregnancy and management of the mare may require using more than one method. The three major categories of pregnancy detection methods for the mare are shown below along with the major strengths and weaknesses.
| Method | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|
Ultrasound |
Can detect pregnancy early, may detect impending EED, Can detect twins early, can monitor uterine edema, ovarian structures |
Need experienced technician and specialized,expensive equipment, injury to mare, confuse cysts with embryo |
| Rectal palpation | fast and easy, economic | Need experienced technician, injury to mare, cannot detect twins early (>35 days) |
| Lab Tests: progesterone, eCG | Can be used when the equine is traumatized by handling, wild equines | false + and -, time to get results back, limited time of detection, can remain positive after EED, cost |
In this chapter we will focus on ultrasoundography and rectal palpation as the routine methods to detect pregnancy. Although measurement of progesterone or eCG can be done it is not routine and the other methods are simple and give faster results.
