Complications associated with equine transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration: Practitioner survey and field results.
Abstract: Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVA) is being performed commonly in clinical equine practice. There is limited information in the literature about the type and incidence of complications related to TVA. We conducted a survey (Study 1), completed by 23 practicing veterinarians, soliciting information about the types and incidence of minor and major complications and of fatalities they had experienced associated with performance of TVA. In Study 2, data from a large clinical practice in which six veterinarians performed over 14,000 TVAs over a period of 7 years was reviewed to determine the type and incidence of complications seen (Study 2). Overall, major complications, i.e. complications resulting in severe mare illness or illness that took longer than a week to resolve, was seen in an estimated 1 in 1000 cases in Study 1 and 1 in 375 cases in Study 2. Fatalities were reported in an estimated 1 in 3000 cases in Study 1 and in 1 in 2000 cases in Study 2. In summary, performance of TVA in a variety of settings has a low rate of major or fatal complications. Survey responses noted areas to which attention might be brought that have potential to further reduce the incidence of complications.
Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2025-01-27 PubMed ID: 39880294DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105363Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This is a study that explores the complications and fatalities associated with Transvaginal Ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVA) in horses, an increasingly common clinical practice in equine care. The study, utilizing data obtained from a comprehensive survey and a review of a large clinical practice, reveals low rates of major or fatal complications, while also identifying areas for attention that could potentially reduce these rates further.
Methodology of the Research
The investigation carried out in two stages.
- Study 1: A survey completed by 23 practicing veterinarians seeking information regarding the type and frequency of both minor and major complications related to TVA administration, including any fatalities. Major complications were defined as cases which resulted in severe illness or problems that took longer than a week to resolve.
- Study 2: The study reviewed data originating from a large clinical practice, where six veterinarians performed over 14,000 TVAs over a seven-year period. This review aimed to ascertain the types and frequency of complications seen in the field.
Findings of the Research
- Major complications were relatively rare. In the survey (Study 1), they were estimated to occur in 1 in 1000 cases, while in the larger practice (Study 2), they happened in roughly 1 in 375 cases.
- Fatalities were even less common. They were reported in approximately 1 in 3000 cases for the survey and 1 in 2000 cases for the larger practice.
Conclusion of the Research
The research concludes that performing TVA in a variety of settings has a low rate of major or fatal complications. However, based on the survey responses, the researchers identified potential areas that could be emphasized to further reduce the incidence of complications. Consequently, the findings serve as a foundation for developing best practice guidelines for conducting TVA. The data, furthermore, can be utilized for educating veterinarians and equine managers to ensure safer and more effective use of this vital procedure.
Cite This Article
APA
Hinrichs K, Schnobrich M, Fernandes CB, Fleury P, Barillari V, Bruggeworth S.
(2025).
Complications associated with equine transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration: Practitioner survey and field results.
J Equine Vet Sci, 146, 105363.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105363 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA. Electronic address: katrinh@vet.upenn.edu.
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Animal Reproduction Department, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
- InVitro Equinos, Mogi Mirim, São Paulo, Brazil.
- InVitro Equinos, Mogi Mirim, São Paulo, Brazil.
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: The authors work for organizations that offer transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration to clients on a fee-for-service basis.
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