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Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: The case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares |
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| Authors: | KH Todhunter NR Perkins RM Wylie C Chicken AJ Blishen DJ Racklyeft G Muscatello MC Wilson PL Adams JR Gilkerson WL Bryden AP Begg |
| Institution: | Tails and Scales Veterinary Services, The Junction, New South Wales 2291, Australia;; AusVet Animal Health Services, Toowoomba, Qld, Australia; Gundy Veterinary Services, Scone, NSW, Australia; Scone Veterinary Hospital, Scone, NSW, Australia; Satur Veterinary Clinic, Scone, NSW, Australia; Wilson's Equine Veterinary Services, Equivet (Aust), Southbrook, Qld, Australia; Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia; School of Animal Studies, University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, Australia; Symbion, Vetnostics, North Ryde, NSW, Australia; Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW. |
| Abstract: | A series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL. |
| Keywords: | abortion amnionitis fetal loss horses mares |