[Incidence of puerperal diseases during the first 10 days after foaling in the mare].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of puerperal diseases in breeding mares in the first 10 days after birth by analysing patient data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a university clinic patient data of 308 breeding mares with puerperal disorders which presented within the first 10 days postpartum were evaluated over a period of 10 years. A distinction was made between diseases which were able to be diagnosed at the first examination and diseases which developed during the patient's stay in the clinic.

RESULTS: A total of 21 diseases were diagnosed, with a retained placenta, lochiometra and injuries to the perineum being the most common. Many mares displayed more than one disease. Mares with a retained placenta most commonly also presented with perineal ruptures, followed by animals who also had lochiometra. Mares suffering from lochiometra commonly presented together with a retained placenta and injuries as a result of birth. Some of the mares developed further diseases. In mares with a retained placenta, this was most commonly lochiometra, followed by puerperal laminitis and thrombophlebitis.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data collection shows that several diseases could relatively frequently be diagnosed in mares with puerperal disorders. Therefore, a higher percentage of further diseases must be assumed for mares which have a puerperal disease.