Retrospective study of abortions and perinatal death in equines in Uruguay (2000-2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29155/VET.62.226.1Keywords:
Abortion, Equine, Uruguay, Retrospective analysisAbstract
This study presents a retrospective analysis of abortion and perinatal mortality cases in horses, based on data from the Diagnostic Records and Analysis Unit (Uniradd) of Dilave, collected in Uruguay between 2000 and 2024. A total of 113 cases meeting minimum diagnostic criteria were analyzed using necropsy, histopathology, bacteriology, serology, and complementary methods. Infectious causes were the most frequently identified (64 %), with Streptococcus spp., Leptospira spp., and Salmonella spp. being the most common bacterial agents. Seven cases of abortion due to equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) (6.2 %) and four fungal abortions were diagnosed (3.5 %). Non-infectious causes included umbilical cord torsion, trauma, and congenital malformations. In 38 % of the cases, a definitive diagnosis could not be established, mainly due to incomplete or poorly preserved samples. Most submissions came from Thoroughbred mares (59/83) and from departments in the southern region of the country. This is the first systematic study on equine abortion causes in Uruguay and underscores the importance of sample quality and official diagnostic surveillance systems.
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