Reproduction

Question 1

What is the average gestation length in mares?

Answer 1

342 days

Question 2

When to mammary changes occur in the pregnant mare?

Answer 2

3-6 weeks postpartum w/ major changes in last 2 weeks

Question 3

Discuss the different measures available to detect foaling.

Answer 3

Measure milk calcium (>10mmol/L @ term)
Mare wears monitor that sets off alarm if recumbent for long periods
In-stable cameras
Suture magnetic device to vulva

Question 4

What are the causes of dystocia in the mare?

Answer 4

Primary uterine inertia- due to voluntary suppression because of disturbance
Secondary uterine inertia- due to foal malpresentation
Failed abdo expulsive effort
Obstruction of birth canal

Question 5

List the causes of abortion in the mare.

Answer 5

Equine viral arteritis
Equine viral rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1)
Bacterial infec
Fungal infec
Twinning
Placental insufficiency e.g. foal in uterine body, scarring
Umbilical cord defects e.g. torsion

Question 6

What are the clinical signs of EHV-1 infection in the pregnant mare?

Answer 6

5M - end of term abortion OR weak viraemic foals that die soon after

Question 7

What are the clinical signs of equine viral arteritis in the pregnant mare?

Answer 7

Systemic illness e.g. fever, lethargy, depression, abortion 7-10 days later

Question 8

List the common postpartum complications.

Answer 8

Retained placenta- EMERGENCY
Severe pain due to contractions
Uterine artery rupture
Retrovaginal fistula/laceration

Question 9

How is retained placenta treated?

Answer 9

If retained >3hrs, oxytocin IV/IM every 15 minutes
If prolonged retention >8hrs, anti-inflams, broad-spec a/bs, exercise, oxytocin OR distend repro tract w/ 10-12L of iodine and sew shut

Question 10

Why is a retained placenta an emergency?

Answer 10

Sequelae = laminitis, endometritis, TOXAEMIA

Question 11

What are the common organisms found on the endometrium?

Answer 11

Beta-haemolytic streps
E.coli
Other enterobacter

Question 12

What are the clinical signs of granulosa cell tumours in horses?

Answer 12

Behavioural changes- including stallion-like behaviour

Ceased cycling

Question 13

How can granulosa cell tumours be diagnosed in horses?

Answer 13

Palpate/US abnormally enlarged ovary (>10cm) with atropied contralateral ovary
Anti-mullerian hormone test
Histology of removed ovary

Question 14

List reasons why a mare may fail to become pregnant.

Answer 14

Endometrial transluminal adhesions
Endometrial cysts
Endometrosis
Endometritis- due to contagious equine metritis, persistent mating-induced endometritis or chronic infection

Question 15

List the causes of endometritis.

Answer 15

Contagious equine metritis (CEM)
Persistent mating-induced endometritis
Chronic infection

Question 16

What is the causative agent of contagious equine metritis?

Answer 16

Taylorella equigenitalis

Question 17

What are the clinical signs of contagious equine metritis (CEM)?

Answer 17

Profuse watery mucopurulent discharge and extensive endometritis and necrosis.

Question 18

How is CEM transmitted?

Answer 18

Venereal/fomites

Persists in the clitoral sinus

Question 19

What degree of testicular torsion affects fertility?

Answer 19

> 270 degrees- stops bloodflow. 180 = developmental, no effect on fertility

Question 20

How is cryptorchidism diagnosed?

Answer 20

3yo: oestrone sulphate assay

Question 21

What causes paraphimosis?

Answer 21

Phenothiazine/other sedative use
Preputial trauma
Chronic grass sickness
Botulism

Question 22

When is the TB breeding season?

Answer 22

15th Feb - 1st July (starts before mares naturally cycle)

Question 23

What signs are used to detect ovulation in a mare?

Answer 23

Follicle development: 45-50mm, round and turgid
Endometrial oedema
Cervical tone

Question 24

When should mares be checked for twinning?

Answer 24

D30