Equine: Reproductive Flashcards
How is fertility in horses?
Poor bc bred for athleticism, not fertility
mares most fertile btw 4-10yrs
mares have hormone imbalance (granulosa theca cell tumor), poor perineal conformation (vaginitis) and endometritis (soft cervix during estrus
What is urovagina?
urine pooling as a consequence of poor perineal conformation
What is caslick’s stitch?
appose vulvar lips to prevent fecal contamination and air vaginitis
MUST be cut b4 mare goes into labor
common performed in racing mares to prevent windsucking
Why might abortion happen in equines?
twins, placental insufficiency, placentitis (fungal, bacterial, viral)
EHV-1 - Resp dz, neurological dz, abortion, vx available for preg mares
Why might dystocia happen in mares? When is it an emergency?
unusual but life threatening - fetal malpositioning most common (maternal-fetal mismatch rare in horses), usually mare OR foal OR both die
ALWAYS EMERGENT - stage 2 labor is ~20-30mins
also happens with placenta previa/premature placental detachment/”red bag” delivery
uterine inertia
What is malpresentation in foals? What is the correct presentation? What happens if the foal is malpresenting?
foals in “diver” position. Front feet w/ one ahead of the other facing down followed by nose.
due to foals long limbs, sm space btw pelvic cavity and very strong contractions repositioning foals much more difficult than calves
req LOTS of lube, mares need heavy sedation, no chains bc tendon ligament injury, no calf jack
may c-section, performed via midline incision w/ mare in dorsal recumbency. fetotomy if dead foal
What is uterine inertia?
cessation or weakening of uterine contractions
may occur if mare becomes stressed or myometrium becomes exhausted or mares with selenium deficiency
if Stage 2 is prolonged/no progress after 20 min maybe intervene. if foal is presenting good, apply traction to foal’s legs in downward direction to mare’s hocks in unison w/ mare to help push
What is retained placenta? How long should it take before the placenta is passed?
stage 3 labor, ~4 hours after foal
common after dystocia/intervention, induction of labor/abortion, mares with RP are more likely to repeat
if not passed in 4 hours is emerg bc of oxytocin, need warm fluid flush, careful manual assistance bc can cause uterine damage, prolapsed uterus and significant hemorrhage
placenta examined for completeness
a placenta with a visible cervical star indicated premature detachment
if left too long>sepsis>infertility, laminitsi
When should we advise owners of foaling mares to have on hand
- vet’s # + availability
- scissors to cut membranes if needed
- disinfect to dip umbilicus
- bag to contain placenta until examined for health/completeness
What is paraphimosis?
lose active muscle tone of the retractor penis muscle, edema accumulation and is even more difficult to retract, compression bandaged or phallectomy
in underconditioned/malnourished male horses, in breeding injury, 2nd to acepromazine sedation (avoid In breeding males)
When is castration done? What is the tech’s role?
Done @ 1yr
VT role is assist while inducing anesthesia
monitor, top anaesthetic, admin antibiotics, anti-inflams, tetanus vx
homecare instructions - 2d rest, monitor for swelling, bleeding, protruding things, light exercise to reduce swelling + improve drainage
What is required for castration?
scapel handle, blade, needle drivers,
emasculators, clean bucket/water, antiseptic scrub+alcohol, sterile gloves, tetanus vx, antibiotics, anesthetic drugs + sedation, ropes, towels to protect eyes + downside, eye lube
Is castration open or closed? Complications?
open
hemorrhage (when you cant count the drops)
evisceration of omentum + intestine
infection of surgical site, scirrhous cord, peritonitis
What is cryptorchidism in equines?
genetic
if you can’t get both testes, don’t take any
Can cause aggressive ‘gelding” in which ultrasound, hormone levels and laparoscopy/tomy can detect retrained tested
depends on loc may be removed. Inguinal ring if not too high.
if higher, may req laparotomy or standing flank approach IF know which side
