With a quick transrectal ultrasound examination, the fetal head (a) or eye (b) will be seen when the foal is in anterior (head first) presentation. | Courtesy UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching HospitalWith foaling season right around the corner, specialists in the University of California, Davis, Equine Reproduction Service are urging their clients to schedule ultrasounds late in their mares pregnancies.Once veterinarians confirm a mare is pregnant early in gestation, they often recheck her shortly afterward to confirm embryo or fetal viability.In many cases, no further examinations are performed until foaling, said Catherine Renaudin, DVM, Dipl. DECAR,chief of theEquine Reproduction Serviceat the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). However, additional ultrasound examinations later in pregnancy are strongly recommended to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of complications for both mare and foal.A brief, noninvasive transrectal ultrasound can provide valuable information.Between nine and 11 months of gestation, the fetus typically settles into its final presentation. Using ultrasound, veterinarians can determine whether the foal is in a normal anterior presentation (headfirst). This is done by identifying the fetal head or eye.If the fetus is in an abnormal position, such as posterior (hindquarters first) or transverse (sideways), the veterinarian might detect the tail, thighs, or spine. Although fetal malpresentation is uncommon, it can lead to dystocia (difficult birth), posing serious risks to both mare and foal.Early detection allows to plan appropriatelysuch having the mare foal out at the VMTH or another facility equipped for assisted delivery or cesarean sectionthereby reducing the risks associated with abnormal foaling, Renaudin said.Another benefit of a late gestation ultrasound is screening for placentitis, the leading cause of infectious abortion in mares. It often develops near the cervix, making it detectable via transrectal ultrasound. Early signs include thickening of the placenta or partial separation of the placenta from the uterus. Equine practitioners at UC Davis recommend monthly placentitis screenings beginning at seven months of gestation through to foaling. If abnormalities are detected, treatment can be started early, significantly improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of abortion.In summary, late-term ultrasound exams provide crucial information about fetal presentation and placental health, said Renaudin. By identifying problems early, we can take proactive steps to safeguard the health and well-being of both mare and foal.