Induction of parturition in the healthy mare

Induction of Parturition with Daily Low‐dose Oxytocin Injections in Pregnant Mares at Term: Clinical Applications and Limitations

“…In mares at term, complications associated with the administration of low doses of oxytocin have been identified including dystocia, premature placenta separation, retained placental membranes and delivery of premature foals, especially when oxytocin injections were repeated at short-time intervals (Pashen 1980;Pashen 1982;Chavatte-Palmer et al 2002;Ousey 2002;Duggan et al 2007). In the present study, the absence of significant difference in the incidence of dystocia, of failure of allantochorion rupture and of retained foetal membranes in treated and control mares showed that single daily i.m.…”

“…In fact, the authors reported that low daily doses of oxytocin induced a calm, physiological delivery in 95% of the treated mares and did not affect the newborns health. However other studies reported that a similar daily dosage of oxytocin induced parturition in only in 60% of treated mares and was associated with an increase in the incidence of premature foals delivery and of retained foetal membranes (Chavatte-Palmer et al 2002;Ousey 2002).…”

“…However other studies reported that a similar daily dosage of oxytocin induced parturition in only in 60% of treated mares and was associated with an increase in the incidence of premature foals delivery and of retained foetal membranes (Chavatte‐Palmer et al. 2002; Ousey 2002).…”

“…In spite of these clear advantages this procedure has traditionally been discouraged in the horse due to the risks of peri‐partum or neonatal complications (Jeffcott and Rossdale 1977). It has been well documented that to minimize these risks, the induction of delivery should be performed only in mares which are close to deliver spontaneously (Ousey 2002). Mammary development and calcium concentration in mammary secretion are at present the most reliable indicators of foetal maturity and impending parturition.…”