Caterpillars and mare reproductive loss syndrome

A variety of possible causes are considered as etiological agents. A primary infectious cause is often ruled out based on the absence of specific clinical symptoms in aborting mares. The point source onset of the syndrome suggested a noninfectious cause and investigations are directed toward an environmental toxin. The unique features of mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) are the absence of premonitory clinical signs, limited distribution pattern of lesions, pathological lesions confined to pericardium, eye, and fetoplacental unit, and the bacteriological findings. Consistent with the absence of clinical signs, no abnormalities in clinical chemistry panels or complete blood counts were documented in the natural or experimental cases. Also blood cultures did not demonstrate a bacteremia in field or experimental cases of MRLS. Attempts to produce a laboratory model of MRLS using mice are not successful. Domperidone is administered to treat possible ergotoxin involvement, mycotoxin binders are administered to eliminate possible mycotoxins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as Flunixin meglumine to reduce inflammatory responses and pentoxifylline to improve the blood supply to the fetus, all with no obvious therapeutic effect.