Evaluation of Placentome Perfusion in Goats with Pregnancy Toxemia

The aim of the presented study was to determine the effects of pregnancy toxemia (PT) on placental blood flow in goats. The control group (n=15) consisted of goats with β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentrations <0.8 mmol/L, the subclinical PT group (n=15) consisted of goats with BHBA concentrations between 0.8 and 1.6 mmol/L, and the clinical PT group (n=15) consisted of goats with BHBA concentrations between 1.6 and 5 mmol/L. Before any treatment or administration, caruncle and cotyledonary arteries were evaluated by Pulse Doppler ultrasonography (USG) in all goats. In addition, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were analyzed using commercial kits, and glucose levels were analyzed with a biochemistry device. Nitric oxide, BHBA and NEFA concentrations were lowest in the control group and highest in the clinical PT group (P<0.001). Glucose concentration was lowest in the clinical PT group and highest in the control group (P<0.001). Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of PI, RI, PSV, EDV, and A values of the caruncle and cotyledonary arteries (P<0.001). PI and RI values were highest in the control group and lowest in the clinical PT group (P<0.001); while PSV, EDV, and A values were lowest in the control group and highest in the clinical PT group (P<0.001). In conclusion, it was determined that pregnancy toxemia in goats causes significant changes in placental blood flow, and Doppler ultrasonography parameters may be a valuable tool in diagnosing the disease in goats during the late stages of pregnancy.