A urethral extension technique to correct urine pooling (vesicovaginal reflux) in mares.

This research focuses on the efficacy of a surgical technique known as a urethral extension in treating urine pooling in female horses (mares). The results show a high success rate of the procedure, with many of the treated mares going on to successfully conceive.

Objective of the Research

The study intended to address a common health issue in mares called vesicovaginal reflux, commonly referred to as ‘urine pooling.’ This condition can lead to fertility issues among mares. To tackle this problem, the researchers used a surgical urethral extension technique and evaluated its efficiency and safety based on post-surgery pregnancy rates.

Procedure and Results

• The surgical method involved the reconstruction of the caudal vaginal vault, a region in the mare’s reproductive tract.
• The study was conducted on 34 mares suffering from vesicovaginal reflux. The researchers successfully performed the surgery on 32 of these mares.
• Success of the surgery was principally measured by how many mares were able to become pregnant after surgery. In this case, 22 of the 24 mares that had the surgical procedure conceived afterwards.
• For the remaining mares, embryos were collected for the purpose of transfer. This was successful in 6 out of 10 cases.

Conclusion

The results of the study led researchers to conclude that the urethral extension procedure for treating vesicovaginal reflux is both safe and effective. Not only did a majority of treated mares successfully conceive post-surgery, but the technique also allowed for successful embryo collection, providing an alternative fertility route. This procedure holds potential as a valuable fertility enhancement technique for mares suffering from vesicovaginal reflux.