Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of
puerperal diseases in breeding mares in the first 10 days after birth by
analysing patient data. Material and methods: In a university clinic
patient data of 308 breeding mares with puerperal disorders which
presented within the first 10 days postpartum were evaluated over a
period of 10 years. A distinction was made between diseases which
were able to be diagnosed at the first examination and diseases which
developed during the patient‘s stay in the clinic. Results: A total of 21
diseases were diagnosed, with a retained placenta, lochiometra and
injuries to the perineum being the most common. Many mares displayed
more than one disease. Mares with a retained placenta most
commonly also presented with perineal ruptures, followed by animals
who also had lochiometra. Mares suffering from lochiometra commonly
presented together with a retained placenta and injuries as a
result of birth. Some of the mares developed further diseases. In mares
with a retained placenta, this was most commonly lochiometra, followed
by puerperal laminitis and thrombophlebitis. Conclusion and
clinical relevance: The data collection shows that several diseases
could relatively frequently be diagnosed in mares with puerperal disorders.
Therefore, a higher percentage of further diseases must be assumed
for mares which have a puerperal disease.