Echocardiographic evaluation of mares at different gestational ages

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to monitor cardiac adaptations in mares from the fifth to the ninth month of gestation. Materials and Methods: Echocardiographic parameters of 10 Quarter Horse mares were established, followed during different gestational months, all kept in a semi- extensive regime, with ages ranging from 3 to 17 years. Data were collected in five stages, all with resting animals. The mares were evaluated at 5 months of gestation, at 6 months, at 7 months, at 8 months and at the last 9 months of gestation, seeking to establish a comparative parameter of possible adaptations.Results: The results passed through statistical analysis by the Dunett’s Multiple Test and analysis of variance one way ANOVA, considering P0, 05).Conclusion: It was possible to observe that in the evaluated mares, the echocardiography was efficient in determining the cardiac functional indices acquired at different gestational ages.