Reproduction Flashcards
(176 cards)
1
Q
what is a stallion?
A
entire male older than 4 years
2
Q
what is a colt?
A
entire male younger than 4 years
3
Q
when should testicles descend into the scrotum of horses?
A
at or shortly after birth (can take up to 24 months)
4
Q
when does puberty occur in male horses?
A
12-24 months old
5
Q
when do male horses reach sexual maturity?
A
4-5 years old
6
Q
how long does spermatogenesis roughly take in horses?
A
60 days
7
Q
what are some possible influences on semen quality?
A
testicular size/efficiency
age
season
frequency of ejaculation
general health/injury
8
Q
what is often the limiting factor to how many mares a stallion can cover?
A
libido (not sperm)
9
Q
what should be examined for breeding soundness of stallions?
A
exam of external genitalia
exam of internal genitalia
libido and mating ability
semen evaluation
testicular biopsy
ultrasound testicle
urethral endoscopy
10
Q
what diseases should stallions be tested for?
A
contagious equine metritis (Taylorella equigenitalis)
equine viral arteritis
11
Q
what sexually transmitted disease is notifiable in stallions?
A
equine viral arteritis
12
Q
how can stallions be protected from equine viral arteritis?
A
vaccination
13
Q
what is the issue with the vaccine for equine viral arteritis?
A
isn’t a marker vaccine - must tested before giving the vaccine then keep on top of vaccine boosters
14
Q
what clinical sign of systemic illness can effect sperm production of stallions?
A
pyrexia
15
Q
what is a paraphimosis?
A
inability of penis to be retracted into sheath
16
Q
how can paraphimosis be treated?
A
support penis to stop dangling
possible GA and replace then place purse string suture across preputial orifice
17
Q
what is priapism?
A
persistant erection
18
Q
how is a priapism treated?
A
surgically by flushing corpus cavernous with heparinised saline under GA
19
Q
why should extra care be taken when rectalling a stallions?
A
higher risk of tears
20
Q
what are the advantages of AI?
A
can be transported (spread genetics)
can be stored (even after death)
get more matings per ejaculate
reduced venereal disease and post mating endometritis
21
Q
what are the disadvantages of AI?
A
specialist skills needed to collect, process and inseminate
may have poorer conception rates
expensive
labour intensive
not accepted in thoroughbreds
22
Q
how long dose fresh semen last?
A
use within a few hours (can be treated with extenders)
23
Q
how long does chilled semen last?
A
48 hours
24
Q
what is done to create chilled semen after collection?
A
mixed with extenders and then slowly cooled to 5 degrees
25
what is frozen semen mixed with before freezing?
extenders and cryoprotectants
26
how long can frozen semen last?
forever (if liquid nitrogen is topped up)
27
where is semen inserted into for AI?
just through the cervix
28
how is frozen semen inseminated?
warm to 37 degree in water bath then insert just through the cervix or into the uterine horn
29
when does fresh/chilled semen need to be inseminated? (relating to ovulation)
same as natural service (48 hours before ovulation)
30
when does frozen semen need to be inseminated? (relating to ovulation)
as close as possible to ovulations (6 hours either side)
31
what is a common pre-parturient problem in pregnant mares?
colic
32
what colics can pre-parturient mares get?
all the normal ones plus pregnancy specific ones including foal movement, foaling/aborting and ischaemia of caecum/colon
33
how severe is foal movement colic?
mild/moderate medical colic
34
how is foal movement colic treated?
should respond to mild/moderate analgesia such as phenylbutazone or buscopan
35
what causes ischaemia/necrosis of the caecum and colon colic in pre-parturient mares?
foals weight putting pressure on viscera and stretching the blood vessels (can lead to rupture of vessels)
36
what are some colics specific to the pre-parturient mare?
uterine torsion
foal movement
foaling/aborting
ischaemia/necrosis of caecum/colon
37
how severe is uterine torsion colic?
low grade chronic/intermittent colic (can be very severe)
38
when do uterine torsions usually occur?
last third of pregnancy
39
how can uterine torsion be diagnosed?
rectal (can palpate one tight broad ligament)
40
why can uterine torsion be diagnosed by vaginal exam in mares?
twists cranial to cervix
41
how can uterine torsion be treated in mares?
standing flank laparotomy or midline laparotomy with caesarian (if close enough)
(rolling not recommended)
42
what is the supposed cause of ventral oedema in pregnant mares?
foal compressing lymphatic drainage
43
what can cause an over-large mare in pre-parturient mares?
ventral oedema
pre-pubic tendon rupture
hydrops
obesity
44
what are the clinical signs of pre-pubic tendon rupture in the pregnant mare?
large painful oedema continuous with udder (dropped udder)
bloody discharge in milk
colic
45
how is pre-pubic tendon rupture in the pre-parturient mare?
analgesia - phenylbutazone
needs assistance for foaling (caesarian??) - can't contract stomach
often results in euthanasia
46
what is hydrops?
excessive fluid in the allantoic/amniotic space that eventually results in colic, dyspnoea and circulatory collapse
47
how is hydrops treated?
induce foaling/abortion
dilate cervix and drain fluid
IV fluid to maintain blood pressure
48
what are the clinical signs of placentitis?
premature udder development and lactation with vaginal discharge
49
what is done to treat placentitis?
potentiated sulphonamides
bute
50
what is the most common cause of vaginal bleeding in horses?
varicose veins
51
what horses is varicose veins most common in?
pregnant older mares
52
what is done to treat varicose vein vaginal bleeding?
nothing - rarely cause an issue (just reassure owner)
53
if not progress has been made when foaling a dystocia what can be done?
reassess
(caesarian, GA and controlled vaginal delivery, GA, cut out foal and euthanise mare)
54
what can happen in complete uterine ruptures of pregnant mares?
foal can fall into abdomen (not palpable in birth canal) leading to fatal haemorrhage or peritonitis
55
how are perineal lacerations from foaling treated?
many heal on their own but some need surgical repair if they will lateral the perineal confirmation
antibiotics and NSAIDs
56
what is a third degree perineal laceration?
penetrating laceration through rectum and anus so the vagina and anus now communicate
57
how are third degree perineal lacerations treated?
not immediately (will breakdown) - delay for 4-6 weeks to allow granulation then can attempt surgery
give antibiotics and NSAIDs
58
what are some possible post-partum colics?
uterine cramps
GI colics
ischaemia/necrosis of caecum/colon
inversion of uterine horn
59
what causes uterine cramp colic?
contraction of the uterus post foaling (this is a mild/moderate colic)
60
how are uterine cramps treated?
buscopan and phenylbutazone
61
what causes inversion of the uterine horns (colic)?
forceful foaling or removal of the retained membranes
62
what is done to treat inversion of the uterine horn (colic)?
analgesia, buscopan, manual replacement and uterine lavage
63
what happens inverted uterine horns aren't treated?
can progresses to a uterine prolapse
64
what GI colics are postpartum mares more predisposed to?
colonic torsion (more space in abdomen) - rapidly fatal
65
where does rupture of the uterine artery haemorrhage into?
broad ligament or abdomen
66
how serious is a colic caused by rupture of the uterine artery?
mild/moderate but can progress to signs of haemorrhage
67
how are ruptures of the uterine artery treated?
sedate (keep animal quiet)
analgesia and NSAIDs
blood transfusion
clotting agents
68
how are uterine prolapses treated?
clean uterus and replace under epidural
give oxytocin once replaced
broad spectrum antibiotics and NSAIDs
69
how long does it take for most mares to pass foetal membranes?
2 hours
70
how long after foaling do retained foetal membranes become a concern?
4-6 hours
71
what happens in retained foetal membranes are left too long?
decompose rapidly to produce and metritis that induces endotoxaemia possibly leading to laments and death
72
how is retained foetal membranes treated?
oxytocin, antibiotics and flunixin (might be enough)
manual removal if they come easily
check entire membrane has been removed
73
what should be done if fragments of the foetal membrane are still inside of the mare after removal?
try and locate them but if not lavage until water runs clear and then administer oxytocin and turn mare out to exercise
74
how is metritis treated in mares?
antibiotics, NSAIDs, oxytocin, lavage (same as retained foetal membranes)
75
what is endoscopy of the bladder called?
cystoscopy
76
when performing cystoscopy what needs to be examined?
no blockages or masses
urine outflow from both ureters
77
how often should urine flow from both ureters when performing cystoscopy?
every 20-45 seconds under xylazine sedation
78
how common are surgical disorders of the kidney and ureters?
fairly rare
79
what is the only way of treating surgical disorders of the kidneys and ureters?
nephrectomy
80
what are some indications for nephrectomy?
ectopic ureter
renal neoplasia
pyelonephritis non-responsive to medical management
81
what must be done before removing a horses kidney?
check renal function (needs to be good)
82
when do ruptured bladders most commonly occur?
young foals (1-5 days old) - occurs during parturition but takes some time to show clinical signs
83
what are the clinical signs of a ruptured bladder?
depression or off suck
progressive abdominal distention
mild/moderate colic
small volume increased frequency urination or no urination
84
what are the signs on biochemistry/haematology that a horse has a ruptured bladder?
hyperkalaemia
hyponatraemia
(dehydration and metabolic acidosis)
85
what sign on peritoneal fluid analysis indicates a ruptured bladder?
peritoneal creatinine more than double serum creatinine
86
what are the two main diagnostic signs a horse has a ruptured bladder?
hyperkalaemia and peritoneal creatinine more than double serum creatinine
87
why is stabilisation of a foal with a bladder rupture critical to do before anaesthetising them?
hyperkalaemia can cause fatal arrhythmias and anaesthesia will increase this risk
88
what number must blood potassium be below before anaesthetising a horse with a bladder rupture?
<5.5 meg/L
89
how can the potassium of a foal with bladder rupture be decreased?
IV saline with calcium borogluconate
slow drainage of urine from abdomen
90
are uroliths more common in male or females?
males
91
what is the main issue with uroliths in male horses?
causes blockage of the urethra
92
what is the most common presenting signs of uroliths in mares?
blood in urine after exercise
93
what are the two sequelae to uroliths?
cystitis
urinary tract obstruction
94
what are the possible treatments of urolithiasis?
surgical removal - laparotomy/laparoscopy
electro hydraulic/laser lithotripsy
95
what is sabulous cystitis?
secondary problem caused by incomplete bladder emptying (neurological...) causing a sediment build up
96
where does the umbilical vein run to?
cranially to liver
97
where do the umbilical arteries run to?
caudally to bladder
98
where does the urachus run to?
bladder
99
what can cause a patent urachus?
failure of closure or reopening due to sepsis
100
what is the main issue with a patent urachus?
ascending infection (septicaemia, septic arthritis, pneumonia...)
101
how is a patent urachus treated?
antibiotics
often self resolve
surgical (if required)
102
what are the clinical signs of umbilical sepsis?
first 1-2 weeks if life
depressed and off suck
swollen/painful umbilicus
103
how is umbilical sepsis treated?
assess IgG treatment and assess for systemic illness
antibiotics
surgical resect if no response to antibiotics
104
what is the most important thing to determine when presented with an umbilical hernia?
can the mass be reduced
105
when is surgical repair of an umbilical hernia indicated?
large defects (>5cm)
persists for >6 months
defect gets bigger
if associated with colic
106
what is hysteroscopy?
putting a camera in the uterus to visualise it
107
what is the part of the female reproductive tract visible on the outside?
vulva
108
what are the anatomical barriers of the female reproductive tract?
vulva
vestibulovaginal fold
cervix
109
what is the role of the anatomical barriers in the female reproductive tract?
prevent infection entering the uterus
110
how should the confirmation of the vulva/anus be in female horses?
anus shouldn't be more cranial to vestibular opening
upwards orientation of the vestibular opening
111
what factors can effect the external reproductive confirmation of the female horse?
injury, age, parity, BCS...
112
what are some issues that can arise due to poor reproductive confirmation of the external female reproductive tract?
pneumovagina
urovagina
cervical incompetency
delayed uterine clearance
oviduct blockage
113
what is a cassocks procedure used for?
improved vulvar competence (reduced pneumovagina)
114
how is the casslicks procedure carried out?
excise thin band of mucosa each side of vulva (include dorsal commissure and be level with the ischiadic tuber)
suture the two bands together (but don't oversuture)
remove before foaling
115
what are perineal body reconstructions used for?
to treat severe cases of pneumovagina and second degree perineal lacerations
116
what mares is urovagina usually seen in?
old mares that have had multiple offspring and a pneumovagina
117
how is urovagina diagnosed?
using cytology
118
what can be done to treat urovagina?
improve BCS if thin
urethral extension
119
when is the best time to treat cervical lacerations?
in dioestrus at least 3 weeks post partum
120
what can delayed uterine clearance cause?
endometritis
post mating persistent endometritis
121
what is the treatment for delayed uterine clearance?
uterine suspension (uteropexy)
122
what does uterine suspension (uteropexy) aim to do?
restore the horizontal orientation of the uterine horns meaning improves uterine clearance and perineal conformation
123
what may make us suspicious of an oviduct blockage?
if ovulation occurs but there is no embryo/oocyte in the uterus
124
what is the treatment for an oviduct blockage?
laparoscopic injection of prostaglandin to relax the smooth muscle of the oviduct
125
what is a first degree perineal laceration?
just mucosal damage (not a big deal)
126
what is the treatment for a first degree perineal laceration?
no surgery or caslick
127
what is a second degree perineal laceration?
mucosa, submucosa and perineal muscle damage
128
what is done to treat second degree perineal lacerations?
cassocks procedure and reconstructive perineal surgery
129
what are third degree perineal lacerations?
complete disruption of rectovestibular shelf, perineal body and anus
130
what is done to treat third degree perineal lacerations?
delay repair for 4-6 weeks then surgery
131
why does the surgical treatment of third degree perineal lacerations need to be delayed 4-6 weeks?
allow swelling to go down and get mare on laxative diet (solid faeces will tear things further)
132
what causes a rectovestibular fistula?
penetration of foals foot into the rectum without progression to 3rd degree perineal laceration or unsuccessful 3rd degree laceration repair
133
what mares are most predisposed to vulva and clitoris squamous cell carcinomas?
ones with non-pigmented skin
134
what is the outcome for squamous cell carcinomas in mares?
poor - even with large resection
135
what can be done to treat uterine bleeding?
ligation, cautery, laser photocoagulation (doesn't always need treatment)
136
what is the most common issue seen with the ovaries of mares?
granulosa cell tumour
137
what are the behavioural signs of a mare with a granulosa cell tumour?
anaestus or continuous oestrus
stallion like behaviour
aggression
138
how are granulosa cell tumours treated? and what is the prognosis?
removal
good prognosis as they rarely metastasise
139
how are granulosa cell tumours diagnosed?
rectal exam - large ovary (usually unilateral)
transrectal ultrasound (honeycomb appearance)
endocrinology
140
what is the best endocrine test for a granulosa cell tumour?
anti-mullerian hormone (increase)
141
how is controlled vaginal delivery of a foal carried out?
anaesthetise mare and elevate by the hindlimbs
142
how are pyometras treated?
drain content then ovariohysterectomy
143
what is the function of the cremaster muscle?
pull testes into abdomen
144
when do testes pass into the inguinal canal?
270-300 days gestation
145
when should the testicles be present in the scrotum?
birth
146
what is the role of the gubernaculum?
get testes from kidney to the scrotum
147
what does the cranial gubernaculum become?
proper ligament of the testis
148
what does the middle gubernaculum become?
ligament of the tail of the epididymis
149
what does the caudal gubernaculum become?
scrotal ligament
150
what is a key piece of information to find out before castrating a horse?
if they have had a scrotal/inguinal hernia previously (consider doing operation in hospital setting)
151
if both testicles can't be palpated before castrating a horse what should be done?
sedate to see if relaxing them gets the other to drop
if not then don't castrate
152
what is the best sedative for standing castration?
alpha 2 agonists (detomidine) and opioid (butorphanol)
153
what should be done if performing field anaesthesia, to ensure you can rapidly top up the horse if needed?
place an IV catheter
154
when castrating a horse in lateral recumbency, which testicle should be done first?
lower - don't want blood to obscure field of view
155
what does whether a castrate is open or closed depend on?
whether the vaginal tunic is incised or not
156
why are donkeys problematic to castrate?
they have a large inguinal ring (more likely for gut to come through)
tend to bleed more than horses
157
if the horse has had previous scrotal/inguinal hernias what needs to be done when castrating them?
ligate the vaginal tunic and suture the superficial inguinal ring closed
158
how should the horse be managed after castration?
box rest for 24 hours
check tetanus status
NSAIDs
antibiotics
keep away from mares (for a month or so)
159
what advice is given to the owner after castrating a horse about when to contact the vet?
dripping persists for longer than 4 hours or there is a steady stream
evidence of tissue hanging down
marked swelling/stiffness for more than 3 days
depression or colic
160
what are some castration complications?
swelling
haemorrhage
evisceration
omental prolapse
161
what is cryptorchidism?
when one/both testis are retained along the normal path of descent
162
how can cryptorchidism be diagnosed?
hormone analysis - anti-mullerian hormone
ultrasound
163
when doing surgery on a rig horse, which testicle should be removed first?
the cryptorchid testicle
164
what is a direct hernia?
when there is a trauma to body wall leading to a hernia
165
what is an indirect hernia?
when there is a hernia through a naturally occurring hole
166
when is surgery indicated for inguinal herniation of foals?
if there is an increasing size
if they are strangulating (non-reducible)
if they have ruptured
167
what is the most common penile/preputial neoplasia?
squamous cell carcinoma
168
what are some chemical treatments for squamous cell carcinomas?
cryotherapy
typical chemotherapy agents
169
how can squamous cell carcinomas of the penis be treated with surgery?
local excision
reefing (take out a ring of tissue the suture closed)
partial/en bloc phallectomy
170
what is the prognosis for penile squamous cell carcinomas?
good (if caught early)
171
what is priapism?
persistent erection without sexual excitment
172
how is a priapism treated?
IV clenbuterol
intra corpus cavernous phenylephrine
lavage corpus cavernosum
173
what drug can cause priapism?
acepromazine
174
what is paraphimosis?
inability to retract penis into prepuce
175
what is phimosis?
inability to protrude penis from sheath
176
what is the issue with phimosis?
horse urinates into the sheath making it even more swollen
