Necropsy Examination and Sample Submission of the Fetus, Fetal Membranes, and Foal

The primary goal of the necropsy examination of the equine fetus, placenta, and deceased neonates is to determine the cause of fetal loss or neonatal morbidity or mortality. In all cases of abortion, the ideal sample is the fresh, intact fetus and placenta. Complete information should be provided when submitting samples including the length of gestation, maternal clinical signs, treatment and vaccination history, prior maternal illness and reproductive loss, history of geographic movement, and number of other pregnant mares on the farm. When examining fetal membranes, autolytic changes may appear pathologic, particularly in cases of retained fetal membranes. The umbilical cord is examined for the presence of twists, urachal sacculation and inflammation. Additional signs of significant umbilical cord torsion include distention of the fetal urinary bladder or enlargement of the umbilical structures at the body wall. Aerobic culture of the lung, liver, kidney, and spleen is often performed to demonstrate bacteriemia or sepsis.