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Veterinary sciences2023; 10(8); 483; doi: 10.3390/vetsci10080483

Behavioral Disorders in Mares with Ovarian Disorders, Outcome after Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Series.

Abstract: Owner complaints of estrus-related behavior in mares are a common cause of referral for laparoscopic ovariectomy. Granulosa cell tumors are a common neoplastic condition affecting the equine ovary, causing behavioral changes at rest and reduced performance. The reported success rate of ovariectomy in treating behavioral disorders is 64-86%. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term follow-up of laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares in our case series, focusing on the owner's perspective of the behavior of the mares after surgery. In addition, the histopathological features of the removed ovaries were investigated. The clinical records of mares that underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Owners complaining of poor behavior were interviewed about the main behavioral problem leading to referral and its eventual resolution after surgery. Eleven mares were included. The most common complaints were increased sensitivity on both flanks (10/11, 91%) and general riding problems (9/11, 82%). In 5/11 cases (45%), both ovaries were removed by laparoscopic ovariectomy. Histopathologic findings consistent with GCT/GTCT were found in five out of six examined ovaries (five granulosa theca cell tumors, GTCT). According to owner interviews, the scores assigned to each behavior improved significantly after surgery, regardless of histological findings. Although many factors can influence the behavior of horses, granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) proved to be a common cause and, as reported by the owners, ovariectomy resulted in improvement or complete resolution of the abnormal behavior.
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Publication Date: 2023-07-25 PubMed ID: 37624270PubMed Central: PMC10458155DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080483Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper presents a study examining the long-term effects of laparoscopic ovariectomy on behavioral disorders in mares, with a focus on changes observed by the horse owners. The study also looks at the histopathological features of the removed ovaries.

Research Background

  • The study originated from a common complaint from horse owners regarding behavioral disorders related to estrus in mares. These disorders often lead to the surgical removal of ovaries (laparoscopic ovariectomy).
  • A high prevalence of granulosa cell tumors has been noted in the affected equine ovaries. These tumors have been linked to behavioral changes and reduced performance in mares.
  • Previous studies have reported a success rate of between 64-86% for treating behavioral disorders through ovariectomy.

Research Aims and Methodology

  • The main aim of this study was to conduct a long-term post-operative review of mares that had undergone a laparoscopic ovariectomy. More specifically, the researchers wanted to understand whether the mares’ behavior changed after surgery, from the owners’ perspective.
  • The researchers also examined the histopathological features of the removed ovaries.
  • The data for the study was collected by retrospectively reviewing the clinical records of mares that had undergone laparoscopic ovariectomy between 2015 and 2022.
  • Owners who had originally referred their mares due to behavioral issues were interviewed about the primary behavioral problem they experienced and how it was resolved after surgery.

Research Findings and Conclusions

  • The study included eleven mares, and the most common complaints before surgery were increased sensitivity on both flanks (91%) and general riding problems (82%).
  • In 45% of the cases, both ovaries were removed during the surgery.
  • The histopathological examination of the removed ovaries revealed that five out of six ovaries were characterized by either granulosa cell tumor or granulosa theca cell tumor.
  • From the interviewed horse owners, it was reported that mares’ behavioral scores significantly improved after surgery regardless of histological findings.
  • The study concludes that granulosa cell tumors were a common cause for behavior changes in horses and that ovariectomy, as reported by the owners, frequently resulted in the improvement or complete resolution of the problem behaviors.

Cite This Article

APA
Straticò P, Hattab J, Guerri G, Carluccio A, Bandera L, Celani G, Marruchella G, Varasano V, Petrizzi L. (2023). Behavioral Disorders in Mares with Ovarian Disorders, Outcome after Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Series. Vet Sci, 10(8), 483. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10080483

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
PII: 483

Researcher Affiliations

Straticò, Paola
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Hattab, Jasmine
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Guerri, Giulia
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Carluccio, Augusto
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Bandera, Lorenza
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Celani, Gianluca
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Marruchella, Giuseppe
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Varasano, Vincenzo
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Petrizzi, Lucio
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.

Grant Funding

  • C43C22000380007 / Innovation, digitalization and sustainability for the diffused economy in Central Italy

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Wolf N, Hahn JA, Walter I, Zablotski Y, Zerbe H, Witte TS. Pathohistological Findings after Bilateral Ovariectomy in Mares with Behavioral Problems. Animals (Basel) 2024 Oct 8;14(19).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14192899pubmed: 39409848google scholar: lookup
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