Surgery of the Equine Female Reproductive Tract Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the reproductive anatomy/conformation of the vulva

A

Labia
- Vertically orientated
- 2/3rds vulvar opening below floor of pelvis
Upward orientation of vestibular opening
- If horizontal orientation – contamination
Poor conformation is often acquired: Injury, age, parity, body condition

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2
Q

Name the 3 anatomical barriers – help to stop bacteria/infections getting into the uterus

A

Vulva
Vestibulovaginal fold
Cervix

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3
Q

List some conformation Problems Contributing to Poor Reproductive Performance in mares (where the surgeon can help)

A
  1. Pneumovagina - Caslicks
  2. Perineal reconstructions - Gadds
  3. Urovagina - Urethral extension
  4. Cervical incompetency - Cervical repair
  5. Delayed uterine clearance - Uterine suspension
  6. Oviduct blockage - Oviduct lavage, Prostaglandin
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4
Q

Describe the use of the caslicks procedure

A

Improved vulvar competence; reduced pneumovagina

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5
Q

Describe how to perform the Caslicks procedure

A
  1. Stocks / against doorway
  2. Tail bandaged & held out of the way
  3. Wash perineum
  4. Local anaesthesia
  5. Excise thin band of mucosa each side (3-4mm)
    - Include dorsal commissure
    - Level with the ischiatic tuber
    - Do not oversuture
    - Usually 0USP (3.5M) non-absorbable monofilament suture
  6. Remove sutures 10-14 days later
  7. Remove Caslick before foaling
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6
Q

Describe the uses of perineal body reconstructions

A

More severe cases of pneumovagina
Second degree perineal lacerations

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7
Q

When is urovaginal most commonly seen?

A

Urine in the vagina
Usually seen in old, multiparous mares
Often with pneumovagina

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8
Q

How is a diagnosis of urovagina confirmed?

A

Cytology

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9
Q

How is urovagina treated?

A

Improve body condition if thin
Surgical management:
- Caudal relocation of the transverse fold
- Urethral extension

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10
Q

When do cervical injuries most commonly occur?

A

During parturition

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11
Q

How are cervical lacerations treated?

A

Surgery during dioestrus >3weeks post-partum
Requires good set-up and assistance

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12
Q

Delayed uterine clearance can lead to?

A

Endometritis
Post mating persistent endometritis

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13
Q

How is delayed uterine clearance treated?

A

Treatment is uterine suspension (uteropexy)
- Restoration of horizontal orientation of uterine horns
- Improves uterine clearance
- Improves perineal conformation
- May reduce urine pooling

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14
Q

How is an oviduct blockage treated?

A

Laparoscopic injection of prostaglandin:
- Relaxes smooth muscle of oviduct
- Modulates oviductal transport

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15
Q

Describe 1st degree perineal lacerations

A

Mucosal damage
Caslick/no surgery required

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16
Q

Describe 2nd degree perineal lacerations

A

Mucosa, submucosa & perineal muscles
Caslick’s procedure & reconstruction of the perineal body

17
Q

Describe 3rd degree perineal lacerations

A

Complete disruption of rectovestibular shelf, perineal body & anus
Faecal contamination
Requires surgical repair

18
Q

Describe surgery for 3rd degree perineal lacerations

A

Delay repair for 4-6 weeks
Need swelling to go down
Need to get this mare on a laxative diet
One and two stage procedures described

19
Q

What is the cause of a rectovestibular fistula

A

Penetration of foals foot into rectum without progression to 3rd degree perineal laceration

20
Q

What are varicosities and how is it treated?

A

Intermittent vulvar bleeding
Blood pooling
Worst at oestrus
Treatment:
- Not always necessary
- Topical treatment with astringent creams
- Ligation
- Cautery
- Laser photocoagulation

21
Q

Name the most common neoplastic disorder of the ovaries in mares

A

Granulosa (Theca) Cell Tumour (GCT)

22
Q

Describe the main features of a Granulosa (Theca) Cell Tumour (GCT)

A

Unilateral (can be bilateral)
Rarely metastasise
Good prognosis after removal
Behavioural signs:
- Anoestrus / continuous oestrus
- Stallion like behaviour / aggression

23
Q

How are granulosa cell tumours in mares diagnosed?

A
  1. Rectal examination
    - Enlarged ovary on affected side
    - Contralateral ovary usually small
  2. Transrectal ultrasonography - Distinctive honeycomb like appearance
  3. Endocrinology
24
Q

How is endocrinology testing used to diagnose granulosa cell tumours in mares?

A

↑Testosterone in 50%
↑Inhibin in 85%
↑ Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in 98%

25
Q

What is a ‘red bag delivery’ ?

A

Placenta has prematurely detached from the uterus, foal is no longer sustained

26
Q

How will a mare with dystocia present?

A
  • Prolonged discomfort & straining
  • Straining without appearance of amnion
  • Appearance of amnion / head / limb but no further progress
27
Q

Describe the approach to a mare with dystocia

A
  • Be as quick and thorough as you can!
  • Obtain a succinct history
  • Clinical exam
28
Q

Describe how to perform a clinical exam in a mare with dystocia

A

Time yourself – should take <15 minutes!
Standing / recumbent
What state is the mare in (shock, haemorrhage)?
+/- sedation - xylazine
Bandage the tail
Clean the perineum
Wash your hands and arms
Use adequate lubricant
Establish if foal is alive or not

29
Q

What are the treatment options for dystocia?

A

Assisted vaginal delivery
Controlled vaginal delivery
Caesarian section
Embryotomy

30
Q

Describe assisted vaginal delivery

A
  • Mare is conscious (usually standing)
  • Foal delivered using traction +/- ropes
  • Similar approach as for cattle & sheep but less room and more straining
  • Sedation & epidural
31
Q

Describe controlled vaginal delivery

A
  • Mare is anaesthetised +/- hindlimbs elevated
  • Foetus delivered per vagina
  • Can be done on the premises if referral is not an option
  • In clinic facilities, the abdomen should also be prepared for a caesarean section
32
Q

How long should a horse be hospitalised post c-section?

A

1 week

33
Q

Is the foal or mare more important to save in a c-section?

A
  • Foal more important than saving the mare (foal priority)
  • Chronic disease in the mare
  • Deliver foal under anaesthesia then euthanise the mare
  • Owners must be aware of the implications of rearing an orphan foal / organise a foster mare
34
Q

List the possible complications that can occur following dystocia/parturition

A
  • Uterine prolapse
  • Uterine rupture
  • Uterine haemorrhage
  • Invagination / retroflexion of the uterine horn
  • Retained foetal membranes
  • Cervical tears
  • Perineal lacerations / rectovaginal tears
35
Q

How is uterine prolapse treated?

A

Replacement under standing sedation / GA

36
Q

Describe uterine torsion in mares

A

Uncommon
Diagnosed on rectal palpation
Last 2 months gestation / at parturition
Colic / dystocia
Correction: surgical / rolling

37
Q

Describe uterine rupture in mares

A

Clinical signs evident 24 – 72 days post foaling
Clinical signs and treatment depend on size of tear