Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Study offers hope for equine pregnancy loss
Dr Mandi de Mestre, a reader in reproductive immunology at the RVC.

Findings will allow researchers to develop new diagnostic tests.

One of the most common causes of equine pregnancy loss has been highlighted in a pioneering study led by researchers at the RVC.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, identifies that a chromosomal defect is a key reason why a significant number of equine pregnancies fail within the first two months of development.

Researchers say the discovery could lead to the development of new diagnostic tests, offering hope to the thousands of owners of breeding mares that suffer this condition.

“Early pregnancy loss remains a very frustrating condition for clinicians to treat as the underlying cause is unknown in around 80 per cent of cases,” commented Dr Mandi de Mestre, a reader in reproductive immunology at the RVC.

“A diagnostic test would allow them to make informed decisions on treatment strategies and to advise on whether they should invest in further attempts to breed their mare benefiting both horses and their breeders alike in the future.”

Because the underlying cause behind equine pregnancy loss is often unknown, it is notoriously difficult for veterinary surgeons to manage. In this study, researchers determined 'aneuploid pregnancies' as the major factor for the condition, similar to Down’s Syndrome screened for in human pregnancy

Researchers collaborated with seven different veterinary practices to gain access to samples from across the UK and Ireland and found that around 20 per cent of the pregnancies lost were aneuploid.  To confirm the results, RVC PhD student Charlotte Shilton applied three different genetic approaches.

Scientists are now investigating the underlying cause of these aneuploid pregnancies, with early data suggesting it is most commonly introduced via the egg or sperm. Until now, chromosomal defects such as aneuploidy have only been reported as rare in young horses with developmental disorders.

Researchers say the study shows why the condition is so rare in horses and highlights the need to reconsider this condition both in pregnancy loss but also for early developmental disorders. 

Image (C) RVC.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.