Skip to main content
College of Veterinary Medicine

Equine Pregnancy Ultrasound and High-Risk Pregnancy Care

The Equine Theriogenology Service at the Purdue University Equine Hospital provides pregnancy ultrasound, pregnancy monitoring, twin management, twin reduction, high-risk pregnancy hospitalization, and foaling out for high-risk pregnancies.

Owners and referring veterinarians may contact the service for early pregnancy detection, pregnancy monitoring, concern about twins, or additional care for mares with high-risk pregnancies.

Call us at 765-494-8548 to discuss pregnancy monitoring or request an appointment.

Two people examine a medical imaging monitor beside an examination table.

Pregnancy ultrasound for mares

Ultrasound is an important tool for confirming and monitoring pregnancy in mares. Pregnancy can be detected by ultrasound as early as 11 days after ovulation, and follow-up examinations may be recommended to monitor the pregnancy and identify concerns.

The Equine Theriogenology Service provides pregnancy ultrasound as part of reproductive care for mares, including early pregnancy detection, pregnancy monitoring, and evaluation when a pregnancy concern has been identified.

Because timing matters, contact the service early if your mare has been bred, if you are coordinating pregnancy checks, or if your veterinarian recommends additional monitoring.

Reproductive evaluation

Breeding soundness examination

Cycle monitoring

Artificial insemination

Breeding management using cooled or frozen semen

Pregnancy ultrasound

Pregnancy monitoring

Follow-up planning after breeding

High-risk pregnancy hospitalization

Some mares need hospital-based monitoring or care during pregnancy. The Equine Theriogenology Service in conjunction with Equine Internal Medicine provides high-risk pregnancy hospitalization at the Purdue University Equine Hospital.

High-risk pregnancy care may be recommended when a mare has a pregnancy complication, history of reproductive concern, or condition that requires additional monitoring. The service can work with owners and referring veterinarians to determine what information is needed and whether hospitalization may be appropriate.

A person points at an ultrasound image displayed on a medical imaging monitor.

Foaling out for high-risk pregnancies

The Equine Theriogenology Service provides foaling out for high-risk pregnancies.

This service is intended for mares that need additional monitoring or hospital-based care because of pregnancy risk. It is not a routine foaling-out service for uncomplicated pregnancies or for convivence.

If your mare has a high-risk pregnancy or your veterinarian recommends hospital-based foaling support, call us at 765-494-8548 to discuss next steps.

Pregnancy complications

Pregnancy complications can include concerns such as placentitis, premature placental separation, dystocia, retained placenta, or other conditions that may affect the mare or foal.

If you are concerned about your mare’s pregnancy, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. Your veterinarian can help determine whether referral to the Purdue University Equine Hospital is appropriate.

For urgent needs, call 765-494-8548.

What information to have ready

When you contact the Equine Theriogenology Service, helpful information may include:

  • Mare’s age
  • Breed and use
  • Breeding date or ovulation date, if known
  • Date of last pregnancy ultrasound, if applicable
  • Current stage of pregnancy, if known
  • Prior pregnancy history
  • History of pregnancy loss, if applicable
  • Current pregnancy concern
  • Records from your veterinarian
  • Referring veterinarian contact information
  • Any medications or treatments already prescribed by your veterinarian

You do not need to have every detail before contacting the service. The team can help identify what information may be needed.

Veterinarian points to an ultrasound image while examining a horse in a stall.

When to contact the service

Contact the Equine Theriogenology Service for pregnancy confirmation, monitoring, or concerns that may require additional reproductive care.

765-494-8548

Scheduling pregnancy ultrasound

Scheduling an ultrasound after breeding or confirming an early pregnancy.

Monitoring pregnancy

Following your mare's pregnancy and determining whether additional monitoring may be needed.

Managing a twin pregnancy

Concerned about a twin pregnancy or seeking twin management or twin reduction.

Managing a high-risk pregnancy

Caring for a mare with a high-risk pregnancy that may require additional monitoring or planning.

Planning for foaling

Preparing for foaling support when a mare has a high-risk pregnancy or requires additional care.

Coordinating veterinary care

Working with a referring veterinarian on pregnancy monitoring, management, or additional reproductive care.

Not sure whether your mare needs additional monitoring? Call us at 765-494-8548 to discuss your mare and determine the next step.

Veterinary students and staff examine a horse secured in a metal treatment stall.

What to expect

When you contact the Equine Theriogenology Service about pregnancy care, the team may ask about the mare’s breeding history, pregnancy status, prior ultrasound findings, current concerns, and records from your veterinarian.

Depending on the case, the team may recommend an appointment at the Purdue University Equine Hospital for ultrasound, monitoring, additional evaluation, or hospitalization.

Pregnancy care can be time-sensitive, especially when twin pregnancy or high-risk concerns are involved. Early communication can help the team plan the next step.

Common questions

Pregnancy can be detected by ultrasound as early as 11 days after ovulation. Your veterinarian can help determine the appropriate timing for pregnancy checks and follow-up monitoring.

Yes. The Equine Theriogenology Service at the Purdue University Equine Hospital provides pregnancy ultrasound and pregnancy monitoring for mares.

Yes. The Equine Theriogenology Service provides twin management and twin reduction when appropriate. Twin pregnancies can be time-sensitive, so owners and referring veterinarians should contact the service promptly if twins are suspected or confirmed.

High-risk pregnancy hospitalization provides hospital-based monitoring or care for mares with pregnancy concerns. Whether hospitalization is appropriate depends on the mare’s condition, pregnancy status, history, and veterinarian recommendations.

The Equine Theriogenology Service provides foaling out for high-risk pregnancies. It is not a routine foaling-out service for uncomplicated pregnancies.

A newborn foal needs colostrum, the mare’s first milk. If a foal is not nursing, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.

A veterinarian may contact the Equine Theriogenology Service for pregnancy monitoring, twin management, high-risk pregnancy care, foaling support for high-risk pregnancies, or other reproductive concerns that may benefit from hospital-based evaluation.

View more equine reproduction FAQs

Request an appointment

The Equine Theriogenology Service at the Purdue University Equine Hospital helps owners and referring veterinarians with pregnancy ultrasound, pregnancy monitoring, twin management, high-risk pregnancy hospitalization, and foaling out for high-risk pregnancies.

Call us at 765-494-8548 to request an appointment or discuss pregnancy care needs.