Mare with twins

Question
Hi! I've just been told by the Stud that my mare is 40days, carrying strong, large twins. What to do? First thought is PG and abort, but is there a chance (even slim) that if we pinch off one, she could still carry the other to term?  We were going to lose both thru PG anyway??  Please advise :)

Answer
Hi Jodie,

Yes, there is a chance that if you pinch one twin off at this point that your mare could carry the other to term.  The only problem is, that you have been told that both fetuses are large and strong.  Usually in the case of twins, it is obvious which one would be the most viable, as one is usually smaller.

Of course, the earlier one is pinched off, the better the chance for a full term pregnancy with the other.  40 days is a little "iffy" for pinching one off.  Generally one is decided to be pinched within the first 30 days.

I personally would go ahead and pinch one off and hope for the best.  As you say, you're kind of against a rock and a hard place as she could lose both anyway.  At least by pinching one off, there is still the slim chance the other could survive.

If your vet is not a reproduction specialist, I would suggest getting the advice of one when it comes to determining which one to pinch off.

Best of luck,
Sandy