A case of blind vagina in a crossbred Lusitano mare.

This research reported the diagnosis of a rare condition known as blind vagina in a 5-year old crossbred Lusitano Mare which results in a failure to breed. The condition was determined after a thorough clinical evaluation which led to a diagnosis of a segmental aplasia of the cranial vagina.

Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis

• The mare under study was subjected to a pre-breeding evaluation because she had failed to conceive in the previous breeding season despite being mated twice.
• Initial clinical examinations found follicles on the mare’s ovaries and an unusually enlarged uterus.
• An ultrasound examination conducted thereafter disclosed a granular free-flowing fluid distending the uterus, but no connection was discovered between the uterus and the vagina, leading to a presumptive diagnosis of congenital vaginal obstruction.

Vaginal Examination and Condition Discovery

• Upon a vaginal examination, it was discovered that the vagina was short in depth and ended in a blind pouch, hence the term ‘blind vagina’.
• This means that the mare’s vagina did not have the typical cervical morphology, indicating that there was a developmental defect.

Consultation and Final Diagnosis

• The clinical situation was carefully evaluated during both follicular and luteal phases of the animal’s ovulation cycle to establish a clear diagnosis of the condition.
• Further genetic testing showed that the mare had a normal female karyotype [64XX], eliminating the possibility of any genetic abnormalities contributing to the reproductive issue.
• Given all findings, a final diagnosis of segmental aplasia of the cranial vagina was made, meaning that the cranial portion of the mare’s vagina did not develop properly.

Implication of Findings

• This study underscores the importance of comprehensive pre-breeding evaluations to diagnose any potential reproductive anomalies in mares, which can impact their ability to breed and thus signify a significant economic loss for horse owners and breeders.
• The case of ‘blind vagina’ in this particular mare exemplifies one such reproductive anomaly and adds to the veterinary literature on rare equine reproductive conditions.