[::Miss Kitty::]

We have a broodmare who is expecting in june. She was bred the year before but the foal was born premature and didn't make it (it had never happened to her before). So with this pregnancy we're being extra careful and getting her blood tested every few weeks to be sure its all going well. Everything had been going perfect until her most recent blood test came in, she has low progesterone levels. We started giving her progesterone today, but I was just curious if anyone had any experience with this kind of problem? Does she still have a good chance of foaling? Thanks

[PawNHoofPrints]

It has been an old wise tale that mares with progesterone are more likely not to carry foals to term. However, there has never been any real scientific evidence to back up the theory. However, most vets will supplement progesterone just to be on the extra safe side.

[Blistering Winds]

Progesterone is the Hormone that quiets that area and maintains pregnancy.

I have only heard in my repro class about it. I've heard very positive results under a good regimine.

Definitly give it on time and per vet orders to the amounts and you should be fine. Sounds like she has issues with her Corpus Luteum maintenance which produces more progesterone to maintain her pregnancies.

[::Miss Kitty::]

We give it to her every morning at 7:00 right before she goes outside. I hope that its enough to maintain the pregnancy and have her deliver a healthy foal! It was so sad to see her calling to her stillborn baby frown

[Blistering Winds]

Still born is a different issue all together. Progesterone may not have been the cause.

At day 120, progesterone DOES drop off and begins to decrease dramatically till day 180, then levels off.

Estrogen is a big factor in Equine pregnancy as well.

( I pulled out my repro notes for this).

Progesterone will drop until day 300, then will begin to increase as estrogen decreases.

Oxytocin will begin to increase and then SPIKE at the time of delivery.

I would also look at the Estrogen levels as well as Progesterone. Depending on how far along you are in.

Progesterone shouldn't hurt since there should be some level of progesterone in the body to maintain the levels, but there also should be an estrogen level higher than the PG level.

Did you ever do a necropsy on the last foal to find out why it was still born? MANY factors can go into effect in causing a baby to be still born. Not just on the mother's side. It's amazing everything that can and does go wrong on a daily basis among pregnant animals.

If it happens again, and I hope not...definitly do a necropsy and see if they can determine what caused it. Keep a close eye on the foal ultrasonically to make sure everything is moving and doing good. If one thing goes wrong, from kidney functions to circulatory functions...the foal can be aborted immediately. Even a slight deformity in the leg can cause abortions.

Good Luck....and I wish both you and your mare luck as well!