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Topic:Uterine Health
Uterine health in horses pertains to the condition and functionality of the uterus, an essential component of the mare's reproductive system. The uterus is responsible for supporting the development of the embryo and fetus during gestation. Various factors, such as infections, inflammation, and anatomical abnormalities, can impact uterine health, potentially affecting fertility and reproductive performance. Common conditions affecting the equine uterus include endometritis, pyometra, and uterine cysts. Assessment of uterine health often involves diagnostic tools like ultrasonography, endometrial biopsies, and cytological evaluations. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, pathology, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options related to uterine health in horses.
[Fertility in mares after an disturbed as well as an undisturbed puerperium. Significance of histological and cytological examinations of the uterus]. Because of the mare's ability to conceive very soon post partum a thoroughly performed control of the puerperal period is of particular importance. Cytological examinations of uterine content and histological examinations of uterine biopsy specimens provide more detailed information than microbiological examinations of uterine swabs. Uterine content and uterus biopsy specimens of 55 mares were examined histologically on days 3, 6 and 9 post partum. We observed a heavy polymorphonuclear reaction of the endometrium following disturbed puerperal processes especially in cases of retained placenta....
Comparative treatment of mares susceptible to chronic uterine infection. Four intrauterine treatment strategies were evaluated for effectiveness in mares that were confirmed to be susceptible to chronic uterine infection. Pretreatment samples were obtained at detection of estrus, and a genital strain of Streptococcus zooepidemicus was infused into the uterus when a preovulatory (> 35 mm) follicle was detected. At 12 hours after inoculation, mares were assigned to 1 of 4 selected treatment groups: autologous plasma, 100 ml (n = 5); potassium penicillin, 5 million U in 100 ml of phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBSS; n = 5); 10 mg of prostaglandin F2 alpha in 1...
Immunisation of mares to control endometritis caused by Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Normal mares were immunised by the intramuscular and intrauterine administration of an antigen with adjuvant and they and unimmunised control mares were later challenged by the intrauterine instillation of pathogenic Streptococcus zooepidemicus; the response of all the mares was monitored clinically and bacteriologically for seven days. Significantly fewer S zooepidemicus were present in cervical swabs taken from the immunised mares than from the control mares (P < 0.01) and the degree of inflammation in the genital tract of the immunised mares was also significantly less (P < 0.001). Th...
Laparoscopic diagnosis and conservative treatment of uterine tear in a mare. The research study details the diagnosis and treatment of a uterine tear in a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare, which had complications during labor. The mare, displaying signs of prolonged labor, [...]
Reproductive emergencies in the mare. This article briefly reviews the clinical management of emergency conditions likely to be encountered by veterinarians responsible for the reproductive health of mares. The article discusses rectal tears, breeding injuries, uterine torsion, placental hydrops, and prepubic tendon rupture. A major component discusses a recommended approach to dystocias, and the management of such complications as uterine rupture and prolapse and postpartum hemorrhage. Management of retained fetal membranes and septic metritis is addressed.
Effects of alpha 2-agonists on intrauterine pressure and sedation in horses: comparison between detomidine, romifidine and xylazine. The effect of three alpha 2-agonistic sedatives, Detomidine (0.04 mg/kg), Romifidine (0.08 mg/kg) Xylazine (1.1 mg/kg) and placebo (NaCl), on intrauterine pressure was investigated with an intrauterine balloon model in four non-pregnant warmblood mares. Within 6.0 (+/- 2.2) min mean pressure increases of 9.80 (+/- 3.74), 6.88 (+/- 3.95) and 13.95 (+/- 5.19) mmHg were recorded for Detomidine, Romifidine and Xylazine, respectively. Placebo had no significant effect. The mean duration of pressure increase was 30.0 (+/- 5.10), 17.67 (+/- 9.87) and 19.50 (+/- 13.78) min for Detomidine, Romifidine a...
Oxytocin enhances clearance of radiocolloid from the uterine lumen of reproductively normal mares and mares susceptible to endometritis. The effects of oxytocin on the percentage of technetium 99m albumin colloid (99mTc-microAA), cleared from the uterine lumen was measured in 13 mares. Scintigraphy was performed during 4 consecutive oestrous cycles, on Day 3 of oestrus during Cycles one and 3 and 48 h after ovulation during Cycles 2 and 4. Oxytocin (20 iu) was given i.v. after the initial scintigraphy image during Cycles 3 and 4. Seven multiparous mares (Group 1) were classified as 'susceptible' and 6 mares (2 nulliparous and 4 multiparous; Group 2) were classified as 'resistant' to endometritis. All mares cleared > 90% of 9...
Measurement by ELISA of equine alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor in uterine flushings from mares. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and used to estimate the concentrations of the serine proteinase inhibitor, alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (API), in uterine flushings recovered from mares at different stages of the oestrous cycle and before and after the induction of experimental endometritis. There was a significant increase in the concentrations of API and albumin relative to total protein in flushings recovered during oestrus compared with dioestrus but no difference was observed in the concentrations of these proteins relative to total protein before and after the ...
Influence of estrogen on antibacterial and immunoglobulin secretory activities of uterine fluids from ovariectomized mares. Effect of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) on uterine antibacterial activity and immunoglobulin concentrations in mares was studied. In 2 in vitro experiments, 6 mixed-breed mares were ovariectomized, and uterine fluid and blood serum were analyzed. Antibacterial assay methods were used to determine inhibitory effects on Streptococcus zooepidemicus of uterine fluid samples collected on days 3, 5, and 8, and serum obtained on day 8 of treatment. Single radial immunodiffusion methods were used to quantify amounts of IgA and IgG in uterine fluid and serum on days 3, 5, 8, and 14 of treatment. ...
The endocrinology of parturition in the mare. The endocrinology of late gestation and parturition in the mare has been described, but unlike other domestic animal species, the factors that initiate parturition in the mare have not been elucidated. In contrast to ruminant species, maternal estrogen and progesterone concentrations do not change markedly, and a well-defined fetal cortisol surge is not observed just prior to parturition in the mare. Parturition is associated with large increases in prostaglandin and oxytocin concentrations, which induce uterine contractions and delivery of the foal. There are many methods of inducing parturit...
Scintigraphic measurement of uterine clearance in normal mares and mares with recurrent endometritis. The percentage of Technetium 99m-albumin colloid (99mTc-microAA), a radiocolloid, cleared from the uterine lumen within 4 h of intrauterine infusion, was measured in 15 mares during 2 consecutive cycles, on Day 3 of oestrus and 48 h after ovulation. Four nulliparous (Group 1) and 4 multiparous (Group 2) mares were classified as resistant and the remaining 7 multiparous mares were classified as susceptible (Group 3) to endometritis. Mares in Groups 1 and 2 cleared more 99mTc-microAA from their uteri than did mares in Group 3 during oestrus (P < 0.01) and 48 h after ovulation (P 50% of the c...
Multiple site electromyography recordings of uterine activity following an intrauterine bacterial challenge in mares susceptible and resistant to chronic uterine infection. The electrical myometrial activity of three mares with a documented increased susceptibility to chronic uterine infection (CUI) and three mares considered to be resistant to CUI was investigated. Electrodes were surgically implanted in the myometrium of the mares and electrical activity was monitored by a Grass polygraph. Oestrus was determined by transrectal ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and teasing of the mares with a stallion. Findings were confirmed by blood progesterone concentrations 35 mm was detected, the uterus was infused with a genital strain of 5 x 10(6) Streptococcus ...
The relationship between cycle stage and results of uterine culture in the mare. A total of 368 uterine swabs were taken from mares in heat (n = 202) and from mares that were not in heat (n = 166). From 72 of the mares, two swabs were taken; one during either seasonal anoestrus or dioestrus, and one during oestrus. Swabs were taken during anoestrus/dioestrus in 94 other mares and during oestrus in the remaining 130 mares. Bacteriological cultures were done aerobically and classified as negative, insignificant or significant. There was a trend for more positive cytological specimens during oestrus than during anoestrus/dioestrus. The proportions of significant cultures were...
Function of uterine and blood-derived polymorphonuclear neutrophils in mares susceptible and resistant to chronic uterine infection: phagocytosis and chemotaxis. In vitro phagocytosis and chemotaxis of uterine and blood-derived polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were compared in mares with different resistance to chronic uterine infection (CUI). Both the primary in vitro function of PMNs and the role of uterine environmental factors on PMN function were investigated. The uteri of mares susceptible to (n = 6) and resistant to CUI (n = 5) were inoculated with 5 x 10(6) Streptococcus zooepidemicus when the mares were in estrus. Uterine secretions in addition to uterine and blood-derived PMNs were sampled at 5 and 24 h later. During a subsequent estrus, ...
Immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA) and complement (C3) concentrations in uterine secretion following an intrauterine challenge of Streptococcus zooepidemicus in mares susceptible to versus resistant to chronic uterine infection. The validity of measuring concentrations of immunoglobulins in undiluted uterine secretions was established. The concentrations of IgG, IgA, and cleavage factor C3 of the complement system in uterine secretions were compared in mares with different resistance to chronic uterine infection (CUI). The uteri of mares susceptible (n = 6) and resistant to CUI (n = 5) were inoculated with 5 x 10(6) Streptococcus zooepidemicus when the mares were in estrus. Uterine secretions were sampled, and sampling was immediately followed by a uterine lavage at 5 and 24 h after bacterial inoculation. During a sub...
Uterine transport of prostaglandin E(2)-releasing simulated embryonic vesicles in mares. Transrectal ultrasonography was used to test the hypothesis that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) would increase the uterine transport of simulated embryonic vesicles in mares. Uterine transport of PGE(2)-releasing (PGE) vesicles, vehicle-releasing (sham) vesicles, and equine embryos was contrasted on Day 12 or Day 13 post ovulation. In Experiment 1, there was no difference (P>0.10) in transport of PGE vesicles, sham vesicles, Day-12 embryos, and Day-12 embryos after cervical manipulation (n = 3 per group). In Experiments 2 and 3, respectively, transport of PGE and sham vesicles was contrasted w...
Proceedings of the John P. Hughes International Workshop on Equine Endometritis. Davis, California, August 1992. The paper is a report from a workshop discussing equine endometritis, a condition affecting horse fertility. The event was held in honor of Professor John Hughes and his significant contributions [...]
Microscopical characteristics of uterine wall arteries in barren aged mares. The morphology of the arteries in the uterine wall was studied in three multiparous aged mares that had suffered repeated pregnancy failure. The uterine wall arteries exhibited elastosis of the intima or adventitia, or both, resembling "physiological pregnancy sclerosis". In areas affected by elastosis, degeneration of the pre-existing elastic fibres and increased glycosaminoglycans were frequently observed. Newly formed elastic fibres were not evident. Delayed resorption due to disordered metabolic turnover of the elastin was thought to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the arteri...
Correlations between histologic endometrial lesions in mares and clinical response to intrauterine exposure with Streptococcus zooepidemicus. The relationship between histologic lesions in endometrial biopsy specimens and susceptibility to chronic uterine infection (CUI) in mares was investigated. Mares were allotted to 4 groups on the basis of degree of endometrial lesions. Mares in group 1 (n = 6) had no pathologic changes, mares in group 2 (n = 5) had only mild pathologic changes, group-3 mares (n = 7) had moderate changes, and group-4 mares (n = 7) had severe inflammatory and fibrotic endometrial changes. Susceptibility to CUI was determined by the inflammatory response to intrauterine inoculation of 5 x 10(6) Streptococcus zooe...
The contribution of complement to opsonic activity in the uterine secretions of mares free of endometritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate if complement contributes to opsonic activity in the uterine secretions of mares with normal reproductive functions. Five mares with a mean age of 9 years were used in the study. The mares were considered to be free of endometritis based upon clinical history, palpation per rectum and ultrasonogaraphy of the genital tract, videoendoscopic inspection of the uterus, electronmicroscopy of endometrial biopsies, and bacteriological and cytological examination of swabs from the endometrium. The hormonal status of the mares was also determined. Uterine ...
The effect of transcervical uterine manipulations on establishment of uterine infection in mares under the influence of progesterone. Four pony mares were used in a cross-over study to investigate the effect of different treatments on experimentally-induced endometritis. The mares were treated with progesterone to facilitate establishment of uterine infections. They received an intrauterine infusion of Streptococcus zooepidemicus 5 days after the start of progesterone therapy. Five days later, they were treated by intrauterine infusions of 2 g ampicillin in 50 ml sterile water or by sterile water without antibiotic for 3 consecutive days. Prior to infusion of Strep. zooepidemicus, no bacteria were cultured from the uteri of ...
Measurement of total volume and protein concentration of intrauterine secretion after intrauterine inoculation of bacteria in mares that were either resistant or susceptible to chronic uterine infection. Undiluted uterine secretion was used to determine the concentration of total protein and the accumulated volume of uterine secretion after a bacterial inoculation in mares susceptible and resistant to chronic uterine infection (CUI). The uterus of 6 susceptible and 5 resistant mares was inoculated with 5 x 10(6) Streptococcus zooepidemicus on the third day of estrus. Using a tampon inserted in the uterus, secretions were sampled at 5, 12, 24, and 36 hours after inoculation, followed by intrauterine lavage with phosphate buffered saline solution. The concentration of protein was determined in t...
Plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F2 alpha in mares during uterine involution. Twelve mares were allowed to foal naturally, after which they were monitored to study uterine involution. Starting on day 3 after parturition, the internal genital tract was examined per rectum manually and ultrasonographically every other day for changes in uterine characteristics and ovarian activity. By day 5, gravid and nongravid uterine horns were similar in size, and by day 7, uterine fluid was absent. On day 7 after parturition, endometrial biopsy samples were obtained for histologic evaluation, and uterine swab specimens were obtained for microbiologic culture. Uterine swab specimens f...
Videoendoscopic evaluation of the mare’s uterus: I. Findings in normal fertile mares. The new generation of videoendoscopes uses an electronic, instead of an optical, system for image transmission. Advantages over conventional fibre-optic endoscopes include increased image quality, handling robustness and direct display of the image on a TV monitor for multiple simultaneous viewing. In the present study, hysteroscopy was performed on 14 normal fertile Welsh Pony and Thoroughbred mares at various times during the annual and ovarian breeding cycles. Oestrus was characterised by an oedematous, relaxed cervix lying on the floor of the vagina, diffuse oedema of the endometrium and t...
Videoendoscopic evaluation of the mare’s uterus: II. Findings in subfertile mares. Videoendoscopy of the reproductive tract was performed in 87 Thoroughbred mares with histories of reduced fertility. During hysteroscopy samples for cytological, microbiological and histological examinations were obtained under visual control. Common findings in these broodmares included: (a) endometrial degeneration, as assessed by an uneven distribution or atrophy of endometrial folds and/or a scarred appearance of the endometrium (49 mares, 56%); (b) endometrial cysts of various sizes and locations within the uterus with the most common location being at the base of the uterine horns (48 ma...
Septic metritis secondary to torsion of a pedunculated uterine fibroleiomyoma in a filly. A 2-year-old Arabian filly was referred for evaluation of a serosanguineous vaginal discharge. Palpation per rectum revealed a large, fluid-filled uterus and a uterine mass. The filly developed septic metritis and secondary laminitis as a result of torsion and necrosis of a pedunculated uterine mass. Ovariohysterectomy was performed. The entire cervix was removed with the uterus. Gross examination of the excised uterus revealed 3 intraluminal masses. Histologic evaluation identified the tumors as fibroleiomyoma. The filly recovered completely, and there was no recurrence of the tumor.
Relationships of age to uterine function and reproductive efficiency in mares. The uterine function and reproductive efficiency of 31 nonlactating pony mares were compared for two age groups: young (5 to 7 years, n=9) and old (>/=15 years, n=22). For pregnant mares, differences between age groups were not significant for the diameter of the largest follicle, cross-sectional area of the corpus luteum, growth profile of the embryonic vesicle or embryo mobility characteristics. Uterine contractility scores were lower (P<0.05), day of fixation of the embryonic vesicle was later (P<0.05), and uterine tone tended (P<0.10) to be lower in the old than the young mares...
Tetralogy of Fallot and segmental uterine aplasia in a three-year-old Morgan filly. A 3-year-old Morgan filly was presented to the University of Florida, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, for heart murmur, poor growth, and progressive exercise intolerance. Thoracic radiographs, cardiac ultrasound, cardiac catheterization, and differential blood gases were utilized to tentatively diagnose tetralogy of Fallot. Postmortem examination confirmed tetralogy of Fallot and additionally revealed segmental uterine aplasia.
