Changes

'''Increased cord length''' (>80cm) has been associated with '''excessive cord torsion''' which can cause twisting of the umbilical blood vessels. This twisting causes '''increased resistance to blood flow''' in both directions and '''poor placental perfusion''' leads to '''foetal death''' and abortion of the autolysed foetus.

'''Increased cord length''' (>80cm) has been associated with '''excessive cord torsion''' which can cause twisting of the umbilical blood vessels. This twisting causes '''increased resistance to blood flow''' in both directions and '''poor placental perfusion''' leads to '''foetal death''' and abortion of the autolysed foetus.

This represents the '''commonest non-infectious cause of equine abortion'''.

This represents the '''commonest non-infectious cause of equine abortion''' since diagnosing and treating [[Twin Pregnancies - Horse|twin pregnancies]].

==Clinical features==

==Clinical Features==

The aborted foetus may be '''autolysed''' due to foetal death and a period of time before abortion occurs.

The aborted foetus may be '''autolysed''' due to foetal death and a period of time before abortion occurs. The amniotic part of the umbilical cord is '''very long and very twisted''' and the cord shows '''local swelling and discolouration'''. The foetal '''abdomen may be dilated''' due to serosal effusion.

 

The amniotic part of the umbilical cord is '''very long and very twisted''' and the cord shows '''local swelling and discolouration'''.

 

The foetal '''abdomen may be dilated''' due to serosal effusion.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis is made on '''examination of the foetus''' and an excessive twisting of the cord.

Diagnosis is made on '''examination of the foetus''' and finding an excessive twisting of the cord.

'''Histological examination''' of the peripheral regions of the allantochorion may show microthrombi in stromal vessels, and necrosis and calcification in many villus cores.

'''Histological examination''' of the peripheral regions of the allantochorion may show microthrombi in stromal vessels, and necrosis and calcification in many villus cores.

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

This cause of abortion cannot be prevented, but it only constitutes approximately '''1% of abortions''' in mares. Torsion of the cord is often '''blamed''' for abortion if no other cause can be found, and the actual incidence may actually be lower.

This cause of abortion cannot be prevented, but it only constitutes approximately '''1% of abortions''' in mares. Torsion of the cord is often '''blamed''' for abortion if no other cause can be found, and the actual incidence may be lower.

{{Learning

{{Learning

Gore, T. (2008) '''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

Gore, T. (2008) '''Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook''' ''John Wiley and Sons''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Horse]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Horse]]