Uterine and fetal dynamics during early pregnancy in mares

Fetal activity and mobility and changes in diameter of the allantoic fluid compartment in the uterine horns were studied in mares between days 69 and 81 of pregnancy by use of transrectal ultrasonography (n = 12) and transcervical videoendoscopy (n = 8). The insertion tube of the videoendoscope was positioned within the allantoic sac to permit viewing of the fetus and entrance to each uterine horn. Each uterine horn was divided ultrasonographically into 3 segments of equal length, and the horns were designated on the basis of side of umbilical attachment (cord vs noncord horns). The diameter of the allantoic fluid compartment in the cornual segments increased (P < 0.05) over the cranial (18.6 +/- 1.9 mm), middle (35.6 +/- 2.9 mm), and caudal (51.7 +/- 4.4 mm) segments, but differences between cord and noncord horns were not evident. Dynamic changes in diameter of the allantoic fluid compartment in cornual segments (ultrasonography) and at the entrance to each uterine horn (videoendoscopy) were detected (no significant difference between methods). During continuous videoendoscopic viewing (17 to 60 min/mare), extreme changes in allantoic fluid compartment diameter (76 to 100% of maximum to 0 to 25% of maximum or vice-versa) occurred an equivalent of 2.6 times/h/horn entrance; changes had an average duration of 3.4 minutes. A change from 100% (maximal diameter) to 0% (no visible lumen) or vice-versa occurred an equivalent of 1.3 times/h/horn entrance. Sometimes the uterine wall was so closely constricted around the fetal-amniotic unit that no intervening allantoic fluid was ultrasonographically detectable, whereas at other times, the uterus in the same location was widely dilated. Results indicated that extensive allantoic fluid shifts were associated with frequent diameter changes in various segments of the uterus. On the basis of 30-second activity trials every 10 minutes, the fetus was active 27% and was quiet 73% of the time (combined ultrasonographic and videoendoscopic data). Activity sometimes involved only movements of extremities, head, or mouth, whereas at other times, a sudden burst of intense whole-body activity was observed. The vigorous whole-body movements buoyed the fetus into the allantoic fluid, and movements of the extremities often caused the fetus to push away from the allantoic wall, resulting in marked changes in location, recumbency, and presentation (direction faced by fetus). Several instances were observed during videoendoscopic examination, in which the fetal-amniotic unit appeared to be forced through a constricted horn entrance into the allantoic fluid compartment at the dilated uterine body. On the basis of continuous videoendoscopic viewing, the fetus changed locations among the major portions of the uterus (body and each horn), on average, 5.0 times/h. Changes in recumbency and presentation occurred, on average, 10.5 and 5.0 times/h, respectively. The frequency of type of recumbency decreased (P < 0.005) as follows: lateral, 23 of 39 (59%); dorsal, 15 of 39 (38%); and ventral, 1 of 39 (3%). Frequency of cranial, caudal, and transverse presentation was not different between cord and noncord horn. Caudal presentation was more common (P < 0.005) when the fetus was in a uterine horn (47/70, 67%) than when it was in the uterine body (15/50, 30%; combined ultrasonographic and videoendoscopic data). Transverse presentation was more common (P < 0.005) when the fetus was in the uterine body (14/50, 28%) than when it was in a horn (4/70, 6%). Results indicated that the early stage equine fetus (days 69 to 81) is extremely mobile within the allantoic fluid, with frequent (several times per hour) changes in location, recumbency, and presentation.