Elective Termination of Pregnancy

Elective termination of pregnancy may be necessary in the event of an accidental or undesired breeding or if the health status of a mare is compromised by pregnancy. Examples may include impending rupture of a pre-pubic tendon, a twin pregnancy, a hydrops condition, or a musculoskeletal issue such as advanced laminitis. Pregnancy may be terminated by pharmacological or manual techniques. This chapter discusses step by step procedure for terminating pregnancy at three different stages: prior to Day 35; between days 35 and 120 and mid to late gestation pregnancy. It also discusses some other methods to terminate equine pregnancy.