Reproductive pathologies in the mare by Kavak Flashcards
Tx of retained fetal membranes in the mare. (4)
Oxcytocin – 10-20 IU IV or 20-40 IU IM every 2
hour or 30-100IU in 1-3L of saline over 30-60
minutes.
PGF2α – stimulates uterine contractions.
NSAID – flunixin meglumine
IV fluids spiked with calcium borogluconate (125 ml of 23% calcium borogluconate added to 5L fluids).
Prevalence of total infertility and infectious subfertility (contagious diseases, viruses) in mares?
very rare in mares!
Small inactive ovaries may be seen in (4)
- Season (winter)
- Chromosomal disturbances (Genetic problem)
- Treatment with hormones
- Eq Cushing
Bigger than normal ovaries may be seen in (3)
Benign tumors:
1. GCT – lot of cysts, producing testosterone
2. Cystadenoma – cysts do not produce hormones
AHF -Anovulatory haemoragic follicle
Pregnancy
Granulosa Cell Tumors in mares
Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common ovarian tumors in mares, typically benign but hormonally active, leading to reproductive and behavioral abnormalities. Affected mares may exhibit prolonged anestrus, persistent estrus, or stallion-like aggression due to excessive production of estrogen, testosterone, or inhibin.
These tumors are usually unilateral, causing the affected ovary to enlarge while the contralateral ovary becomes inactive due to hormonal suppression.
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, rectal palpation, ultrasound findings (characteristic honeycomb appearance), and hormonal assays measuring inhibin and testosterone levels.
Surgical removal, typically via ovariectomy, is the preferred treatment, with a good prognosis for return to normal reproductive function in most cases.
Pneumovagina in mares.
Pneumovagina, also known as “windsucking,” is a condition in mares where air enters the vagina due to poor perineal conformation, typically seen in older, thin, or multiparous mares.
It can lead to chronic infections, infertility, and irritation due to fecal and bacterial contamination of the reproductive tract. The condition is often caused by a weak vulvar seal, poor body condition, or injury to the perineal area.
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, observing air entry into the vagina, and signs of vaginitis or endometritis.
Treatment typically involves a Caslick’s procedure, where the upper vulvar lips are sutured together to restore the natural barrier and prevent air and contaminants from entering the reproductive tract.
Caslick index (Under or over 150), Evaluate during heat.
Caslick’s procedure
Caslick’s procedure is a common surgical technique used in mares to correct pneumovagina and prevent fecal contamination of the reproductive tract. It involves suturing the upper portion of the vulva to improve its seal, reducing the risk of chronic infections, infertility, and uterine inflammation.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, where a small strip of mucosa is removed from both sides of the vulvar lips before suturing them together, leaving an opening at the bottom for urination and breeding if necessary.
It is commonly done in broodmares, particularly those with poor perineal conformation, thin body condition, or a history of foaling trauma. The sutures are usually removed before foaling or breeding to prevent complications.
Urovagina in mares.
Urovagina, also known as vesicovaginal reflux, is a condition in mares where urine pools in the vagina due to poor conformation, weak perineal muscles, or reproductive trauma.
It is more common in older, thin, or multiparous mares and can lead to chronic vaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, and infertility.
Affected mares may show signs of urine dribbling, inflammation, and decreased reproductive efficiency.
Diagnosis is based on vaginal examination, speculum inspection, and urine detection in the vagina.
Treatment options include improving body condition, performing a urethral extension surgery to divert urine away from the vagina, and addressing any underlying anatomical defects.
Persistant hymen in mares.
A persistent hymen in mares is a condition where the hymenal tissue fails to rupture normally, leading to partial or complete obstruction of the vaginal opening.
This can result in the accumulation of vaginal secretions, urine pooling, or difficulty in breeding and artificial insemination.
Affected mares may show resistance to mating, discomfort, or straining due to fluid buildup. Diagnosis is made through vaginal examination, palpation, or the inability to pass a speculum.
Treatment involves manually or surgically opening the hymen, often under sedation, to restore normal vaginal function. Most mares recover well after the procedure and can resume normal reproductive activity.
Fibrosis in “older maiden mares”.
Adhesions from post partum or post breeding traumas.
When the mare’s cervix does not open as it should:
Open periodically slightly with fingers
Misoprostol (PGE analog)
* 1-2mg dissolve and mix with lubricant
gel
* Place this mixture into cervix
3 types of Endometritis in mares:
PMIE - persistant mating induces endometritis
Chronical endometritis
Contagious endometritis due to:
* CEM (Taylorella bact.)
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa
* Klebsiella
How do you diagnose endometritis in the mare?
Low-volume flush
bact/cytology/IU fluids
Swab
bact/cytology/debris
First bacteriology and then cytology.
Biopsy!
External evaluation
Speculum evaluation
Vaginoscope
Ultrasound
IU fluids score
How do you diagnose subclinical endometritis in the mare?
Strong post-inseminational oedema (on ultrasound)
„White line“ between endometrial folds (on ultrasound)
Local intrauterine inflammatory areas (endoscope)
No polymorphonuclear cells in cytology.
Positive bacteriological finding. Mainly g- bacteriae, yeast, staphylococci.
PMIE
PMIE stands for Persistent Mating-Induced Endometritis in mares.
It is a condition where inflammation of the mare’s endometrium (lining of the uterus) persists after mating, particularly after natural breeding or artificial insemination.
Normally, the uterus clears the sperm and any contaminants after breeding, but in mares with PMIE, this inflammatory response continues, leading to potential fertility issues.
Diagnosis is made through uterine cytology, cultures, and clinical signs, such as the presence of uterine discharge or failure to conceive after breeding.
Treatment for PMIE may include uterine lavage to remove excess sperm, bacteria, or inflammatory debris, the use of antibiotics if infection is present, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce uterine inflammation.
In some cases, management strategies like improving breeding practices or using hormonal treatments may also help.
PMIE treatment
Uterine flushing 4-8 thours post AI and and 24-36h post AI if there is more than 2 cm of fluids in the uterus.
Administer oxytocin or cloprostenol to induce uterine contractions.
AB if indicated.
reasons for placentitis in the mare
Infection with viruses EHV 1 and 4 or bacteria: Streptococcus Equi ssp. Zooep.
E.coli
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Vaginal examination during pregnancy
Prepubic tendon rupture in the mare.
Abdominal wall shape changes - deformation.
Udder moves to abnormal position
Mare can not be saved
Hydrops allantois in the mare.
Hydrops allantois in mares is a condition where there is excessive fluid accumulation in the allantoic sac surrounding the fetus, leading to severe abdominal distention.
This condition typically occurs in late pregnancy and is considered a veterinary emergency. The cause is often unknown, but it can result in the mare’s belly becoming extremely enlarged, causing discomfort, difficulty walking, and potentially leading to premature rupture of the placenta or abortion.
Diagnosis is made via ultrasound, which shows the increased fluid volume. Treatment usually involves inducing labor/abortion to remove the fetus and fluid, and supportive care for the mare post-delivery.
Without intervention, hydrops allantois can be life-threatening for the mare and her foal.
Tx of mastitis in the mare. (5)
Frequent milking
Systemic AB
If needed than local IMM treatment using cow syringes.
Hot bandages or liniments.
Flunixine meglumine
