title: Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: the case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares.
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.
authors.affiliation: Tails and Scales Veterinary Services, The Junction, New South Wales 2291, Australia. todhunter@westnet.com.au
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Todhunter
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Perkins
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Wylie
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chicken
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Blishen
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Racklyeft
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Muscatello
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gilkerson
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Bryden
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Begg
mesh_terms: D037881:Aborted Fetus / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D000818:Animals; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005321:Extraembryonic Membranes / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D006736:Horses; D011247:Pregnancy