Investigators studying equine pregnancy loss to better understand how bacterial infections can cause miscarriages have discovered the amniotic membrane may play a more significant role than previously thought. The research is a result of collaboration between investigators at Texas A&M University in College Station, the University of Kentucky in Lexington, and the University of São Paulo in Brazil, and could help lead to miscarriage prevention strategies.

Ascending placentitis is a common cause of third-trimester miscarriage in horses, and the condition accounts for approximately 25% of aborted equine pregnancies. Ascending placentitis is caused by 

 bacterial infection, which migrates through the vagina and cervical canal. Related maternal and fetal tissues adjacent to the cervix are affected.

“The bacteria enter the cervix and infect the placenta, which is the main source of oxygen and nutrients for the fetus,” Sophia Marchio, DVM, a doctoral student at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS), said in a news release.

 “When the placenta gets infected, it alters the hormone and immune system of the mare, sometimes causing a miscarriage or premature delivery.”

In data from a recent Swedish study of 17 cases of ascending placentitis in horses, initial signs of infection included premature udder development and vulval discharge. Investigators determined that early diagnosis of the condition is key to correcting the vulval conformation and establishing an effective vulval seal to prevent bacteria from entering the cervix.

However, achieving an early diagnosis continues to be a challenge. “How the bacteria affect specific parts of the placenta has not been well studied. With our research, we hope to understand not only how miscarriages happen but also ways to detect problems earlier and even prevent pregnancy loss,” Marchio said.

Thus far, findings from this collaborative study have shown that the amniotic membrane responds to infection and inflammation. According to Yatta Boakari, DVM, PhD, MS, DACT, an author on the published study, assistant professor at VMBS, and head of the VMBS Comparative Reproductive Laboratory, the amniotic membrane is the closest placental membrane to the fetus and acts as a protective, physical barrier around the foal.

, the findings could play a large role in scientific understanding of why miscarriages happen. “This particular equine membrane has never been studied up close using RNA sequencing,” Boakari said in the release.

 “Before our publication, it wasn’t even known whether it had an immune response. We are the first ones to show that it does using RNA sequencing.”

Price C. Texas A&M-led research collaboration aims to uncover the secrets of equine miscarriage. News release. Texas A&M University. October 1, 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. 

https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2025/10/01/texas-am-led-research-collaboration-aims-to-uncover-the-secrets-of-equine-miscarriage/

Fedorka CE, Troedsson MHT. The immune response to equine ascending placentitis: a narrative review. 

. 2023;203:11-20. doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.002

Hemberg E, Morrell JM. Case report: diagnosis and treatment of equine ascending placentitis: compilation of 17 case reports. 

. 2025;12. doi:10.3389/fvets.2025.1591452

Marchio SP, El-Sheikh Ali H, Scott MA, et al. Decoding the amniotic membrane transcriptome during equine ascending placentitis. 

. August 21, 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. 

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-16671-5

Articles

Investigators at Texas A&M University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of São Paulo aim to better understand how bacterial infection causes miscarriage. 

Universities collaborate to study equine pregnancy loss 

 Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, discussed the new continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for animals with Adapet's Dustin Brietzke

Transforming Veterinary Practice: The Latest in Glucose Monitoring Technology

So talk to me a little bit about that. So what's the difference between your CGMS versus I know some of us have been using the human ones out there. So what's the difference?

 Yeah, so actually, we change a few different things on this device. One of the things that we change is this, the sticky pad on here is more geared towards animal hair follicle, so it's less likely to fall off. We still recommend that you put some glue on there, just for those more active animals. Another thing that we change is the enzyme on the end of the probe is more geared towards reading animal interstitial fluid. That way you get a more accurate reading and the also, the probe itself is made from a polymer, so it's less likely to snap off underneath the skin of the animal. A really cool thing is this connects via Bluetooth to a phone app, and then the app then sends all the information to the internet, to the veterinary web portal.

: Wow, it's impressive. Yeah, and how long does it last on the animal?

 So this one lasts up to 9 days, we are working on 14 days. But the trade off to that is it actually stores data for up to 14 days, so the pet owner can actually go home and then come back from from work, and then, basically, you just sync all the data and send it to the veterinary web portal

I mean, that is, that's pretty amazing. That's technology, right? It is, if you think about when we first started diagnosing and monitoring diabetic dogs back in the day, I mean, obviously we had none of this, and just the stress level...of having and admitting a dog in for blood glucose curve, the numbers generally are not right, because they're so stressed out to begin with.

: Yeah, it's good for them to be at home in a relaxed setting so they're not like stressed out and there's a bunch of noise going on inside the clinics
and those kinds of things.

Absolutely. And what is the price looking like for something like this?

This one, included with the veterinary web portal and the app, is $50 per unit.  

That's our promotional cost right now. It's very cheap. It's very competitive compared to some of the other devices out there. And the veterinarians can, like, you know, mark it up to a price where they're comfortable with. 

: Okay, I just noticed you mentioned the web portal. So what can veterinarians expect with that?

Videos

Discover innovative continuous glucose monitoring systems for pets, enhancing diabetes management with real-time data and veterinary support.

Health Canada, the federal department that regulates drugs and health products in the country, has approved fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum; Merck Animal Health). More than 50 countries have approved the drug.

The long-acting injection is intended for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (

) as well as for the treatment and control of tick infestations with

 (brown dog tick) for 12 months in dogs and puppies aged 6 months old and older. It is also used to treat and control infestations for up to 8 months in dogs and puppies that are at least 6 months old. 

"Though people often think of flea and tick season during the summer months, studies have shown that while fleas and ticks are most active from early spring through the fall, they can be active year-round in some areas, especially knowing it only takes a few warm days for ticks to become active," Frank Guerino, PhD, associate vice president of Global Pharmaceutical Development at Merck Animal Health, said in a company news release on the product’s approval in Canada.

In the United States, the product gained 

 in July 2025, making it the first drug approved by the federal agency that protects dogs against fleas and ticks for 8 to 12 months.

 However, it was first approved in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, with the European Union greenlighting the drug in 2024.

Bravecto Quantum’s active ingredient, fluralaner, is part of a class of antiparasitic drugs known as isoxazolines. Currently, several isoxazoline-based products are approved to treat and control fleas and certain ticks in dogs and cats, but they typically provide protection for 1 month, according to the FDA.

In a statement announcing Bravecto Quantum’s approval earlier this year, the FDA noted that isoxazoline products have been linked to neurologic side effects in some dogs and cats, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures. The agency added that “isoxazoline products are commonly used and safe for most dogs and cats,” but advised pet owners to consult a veterinarian to determine whether an isoxazoline product is appropriate for their pet.

The drug can only be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian, and professional expertise is required to administer the injection. Veterinary professionals should monitor for any adverse reactions and take appropriate measures if they occur, and and advise dog owners considering the product for breeding dogs. Professionals should also determine the optimal treatment interval (8 versus 12 months) based on the species of ticks the patient is likely to be exposed to, the FDA said.

Health Canada approves BRAVECTO® QUANTUM (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) from MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH. News release. Merck Animal Health. October 2, 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-canada-approves-bravecto-r-quantum-fluralaner-for-extended-release-injectable-suspension-from-merck-animal-health-893381746.html

Coppock Crossley K. First long-acting flea and tick treatment is FDA-approved for dogs. 

. July 10, 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-long-acting-flea-and-tick-treatment-is-fda-approved-for-dogs

FDA approves first long-acting flea and tick treatment for dogs. US Food &Drug Administration. July 10, 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-first-long-acting-flea-and-tick-treatment-dogs

The long-lasting injection was first cleared in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

Bravecto Quantum approved in Canada

Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, provides a timeline of New World screwworm's spread

As it nears the border, an expert explains how screwworm really spreads and what it means for the US

How far can the New World screwworm really fly? And does its latest detection in Mexico mean it’s on the verge of entering the US? In this 

 update, Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, breaks down the parasite’s movement timeline and explains what government agencies are doing in response.

 I'm Christopher Lee. How fast and how far can the New World screwworm really fly? 

 has been reported to travel as far as 125 miles during its short 1- to 2-week lifespan.

With the September 21, 2025, report of a case in Nuevo León, [Mexico], 

 from the US border, you may wonder: Does that mean that this parasite will be in the US within a week?

The answer is likely no. [Although] their long-distance potential is real, most adult screwworms fly only a few miles—usually less than 10—searching for hosts to lay their eggs in. They are not strategizing about the US-Mexico border; they're simply looking for their next wound or opening in the skin.

Still, the parasites’ progress north has been undeniable, and history tells the story.

 Panama declared a state of emergency. Just days later, Costa Rica followed suit.

 Every Central American nation had identified cases of screwworm.

 Screwworm larvae were discovered in a cow at the Mexico-Guatemala border crossing, approximately 700 miles south of Texas.

 A detection [was reported] in Veracruz, approximately 370 miles south of the US border.

 [A screwworm case was reported in] Nuevo León, only 70 miles from Texas.

This steady northward march paints a clear picture.

Most screwworm migration does not come from adult flies making heroic flights northward. Instead, it comes from the movement of infested animals—cattle, deer, wildlife—and yes, even in rare cases, people. Wherever the animal goes, the parasite goes with them.

Well, the US government is doing quite a lot

Active deployment of novel traps and lures to detect screwworms early.

 at Moore Air Force Base in Edinburg, Texas, capable of producing 300 million sterile flies every week.

Expansion of border surveillance, including USDA [US Department of Agriculture] Tick Riders on horseback patrolling ranch lands and wildlife corridors.

Close collaboration with [the National Service of Agro-Alimentary Public Health, Safety, and Quality] in Mexico to help contain outbreaks before they reach [the US] border.

Rigorous inspection of livestock and carcasses by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service to safeguard the food supply.

I mean, if screwworms seem destined to cross the US border, should we be doing all this? Absolutely. Every day gained [and] every outbreak slowed buys us time—time to strengthen surveillance, to prevent and eradicate, and to save animal and human lives.

Eradication, once this parasite enters, will not happen overnight. Vigilance and preparation will determine how much damage it causes later.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember: What you know today protects everybody tomorrow.

FDA conditionally approves drug to treat and prevent screwworm in cattle

USDA announces sweeping plans to protect the United States from New World screwworm. News release. US Department of Agriculture. August 15, 2025. Accessed October 1, 2025. 

https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/15/usda-announces-sweeping-plans-protect-united-states-new-world-screwworm

Most adult screwworms travel less than 10 miles to find a host. The greater risk comes from the movement of cattle, deer, and other hosts, explained Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, in this Vet Watch update.

  As screwworm nears the border, an expert explains how it spreads and what it means for the US

Did you know that 50% of domestic violence survivors report that they would not consider shelter for themselves if they couldn't take their pet with them?

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and a chance to show support for domestic violence survivors and their families, including their four-legged members. RedRover has helped domestic violence survivors and their pets seek safety together since 2007 through grants that provide temporary boarding while a survivor is in a shelter that doesn’t accept pets, and grants that allow a domestic violence shelter to transform into a pet-friendly space.

In honor of DVAM, RedRover is launching a virtual webinar series with special guest speakers to hear unique perspectives on the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, the power of the human-animal bond, pet-friendly sheltering, and how the veterinary community can help support people and pets in crisis.

Let’s Talk Connection: People, Pets, and Community Wellbeing

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM PST on Zoom

RedRover will be joined by Stacey Zeitlin, Vice President for Community Impact at San Diego Humane Society, and Sarah Reidenbach, DVM, CEO and lead veterinarian for Ruthless Kindness, a non-profit mobile veterinary clinic serving Sonoma County. Together they’ll discuss how animal welfare groups and veterinary providers can make a big impact on human health and wellbeing.

How Pet-Friendly Sheltering Expands Beyond Your Walls

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom

In this one-hour session, RedRover will be joined by staff from Safe Voices, a pet-inclusive domestic violence resource center based in Maine. Learn how pet-friendly sheltering can positively impact an agency through donor connections, staff morale, earned media, and—of course—improved safety and quality of life for survivors.

Wear purple on Purple Thursday, October 16, 2025, to show your support

Add a purple ribbon to your professional and/or social media pages

Become a RedRover Responders volunteer for a chance to participate in a DV shelter transformation

Organize clothing, food, and/or a pet supplies drive for a local domestic violence shelter

Support your local domestic violence shelter’s “wish list”

Visit 25by2025.org and join the pet-friendly movement

Support RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project to help more domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly. Purina will match 100% of donations made to RedRover in support of Purple Leash Project, up to $500,000 through 12/31/2025.

Like and share social media posts about DVAM and the “link.” A few organizations to consider following on social media:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

DomesticShelters.org: Includes a comprehensive database for domestic violence shelters with pet-friendly programs

How Students Can Support Pets and People in Crisis

Friday, October 24, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom

Join RedRover and the National Academies of Practice for a special presentation on supporting domestic violence survivors and pets. In this 2-hour session, students will explore the interconnections between domestic violence, pets, and healthcare, with a focus on social work and veterinary medicine. Participants will leave this training prepared to support people and pets in crisis during their schooling and in their communities. This opportunity is open to all, but the content is suited for students pursuing degrees in social work, veterinary medicine, and public health.

The Survivor’s Story That Sparked Linus’ Pet Haven

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom

Discover the story behind Linus’ Pet Haven, Minnesota Twin Cities first co-sheltering program for survivors and their pets. In this one-hour session, survivor and advocate Candice Amundson will share how her own experience—facing the impossible choice between safety and staying with her dog—sparked a movement that transformed Alexandra House into a model for shelters nationwide.

Another learning opportunity will go live on October 14 through our Don’t Forget the Pets collaborative project with Greater Good Charities - Supporting Pets and People in Crisis for Veterinary Professionals!This new on-demand training course is focused on the role that veterinary providers play in supporting domestic violence survivors and their pets. Veterinary professionals will learn how to recognize signs of potential abuse, understand the importance of community collaboration, and uncover new ways to support local pet housing programs. You can access this training on October 14 through Don't Forget the Pets' Online Learning Portal.

To register for any of these sessions visit RedRover’s website. We hope you can join us in supporting survivors and their pets during DVAM, and beyond.

PALS Report and Survey Domestic Violence and Pets: Breaking Barriers to Safety and Healing. Urban Resource Institute and National Domestic Violence Hotline. May 2021. https://urinyc.org/palsreport/

RedRover highlights the vital connection between domestic violence survivors and their pets, offering support through webinars and resources during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Supporting survivors and pets during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Last month, toxicology experts with Pet Poison Helpline helped save a Pomeranian who tested positive for cocaine, amphetamines, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive compound in marijuana. The dog, named Rocky, was exposed to the drugs at a music festival.

“...we received a call from a mother who picked her daughter up from a music festival and decided to bring the daughter’s Pomeranian named Rocky along for the ride,” Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline, said in a Pet Poison Helpline release.

“The festival had a very clear no-pets policy, which is why the daughter had not taken Rocky with her to the outdoor event.”

According to Pet Poison Helpline, Rocky accompanied the mother when she picked up her daughter. While the daughter finished packing, Rocky began exploring nearby campsites.

Rocky after drug exposure. (Image courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline)

After a few minutes of roaming, the Pomeranian began vomiting, said Schmid. The daughter reportedly took him home for a nap, but later noticed he wasn’t sleeping normally, so she brought him to a veterinary hospital, where Pet Poison Helpline was contacted for help.

In cats and dogs, THC poisoning can cause a dazed expression, glassy eyes, incoordination, slow response times, dribbling urine, vomiting, drooling, changes in heart rate, vocalization, neurological stimulation, hyperactivity, or coma.

According to Pet Poison Helpline, clinical signs may appear within minutes to hours, depending on the route of exposure.

When it comes to cocaine, a small amount of the drug is enough to cause poisoning. Animals in the early stages of cocaine poisoning may exhibit hyperactivity, dilated pupils, twitches or tremors, and seizures, with death also possible.

Amphetamine poisoning, meanwhile, can cause severe clinical signs affecting the central nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. Symptoms include

“The hospital’s medical team, working in conjunction with Pet Poison Helpline toxicology experts, developed an aggressive treatment plan that saved Rocky’s life,” Schmid said.

 “In fact, we’re using this case to launch our new 

 promotional campaign, because everyone involved in the process had a hand in saving him.”

campaign is a new initiative designed to highlight real cases in which the organization helped save pets from potentially life-threatening exposures. It will feature tradeshow materials, social media content showcasing these stories, and will build on the organization’s existing educational 

“The pet owner was observant and took Rocky to the hospital, saving his life. The hospital team knew the symptoms involved potential toxins, so they called Pet Poison Helpline for assistance, saving Rocky’s life,” Schmid continued. “Every person who helped Rocky along the way is his lifesaver.”

According to the animal poison control center, when Rocky arrived at the veterinary hospital, he was unaware of his surroundings and experiencing hypothermia, bradycardia, and hypotension. Hospital staff quickly initiated treatment, providing intravenous fluids to support his low blood pressure and provide cardiovascular support. Rocky also received reversal agents typically used for opioid and benzodiazepine overdose in case he had also been exposed to those drugs. Additionally, the staff took measures to raise his body temperature.

To stabilize Rocky’s low heart rate and help improve toxin removal from his system, the team administered additional medications and therapy.

“Urine drug screen results can be inaccurate in animals due to differences between animals and humans, making it important to treat the pet’s symptoms, not necessarily the test results,” Pet Poison Helpline said in the release.

Dogs, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. October 1, 2025.

Marijuana. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed October 1, 2025. 

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/marijuana/

Cocaine. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed October 1, 2025. 

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/cocaine/

Amphetamines. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/amphetamines/

Rocky, a pomeranian, was treated for cocaine, THC, and amphetamine poisoning.