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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2013; (43); 78-83; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00606.x

Effects of repeated transvaginal aspiration of immature follicles on mare health and ovarian status.

Abstract: Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVA) is performed clinically but there is little information available on complications associated with this procedure. Objective: It is possible that TVA is associated with damage to the ovary and may induce peritonitis or peritoneal adhesions. This study was conducted to determine the effect of repeated TVA on mare health and ovarian status. Methods: Thirty-two mares were used for oocyte recovery via repeated TVA over a 3 year period; different mares were used each year. In Year 1, ovarian status was monitored in 11 mares by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. In Year 2, 6 of 11 mares underwent abdominocentesis and were examined by laparoscopy after one TVA and again after multiple TVAs. In Year 3, 10 mares underwent multiple TVAs with either a 15 or a 12 gauge needle and the ovaries were removed for examination. Results: Four hundred and twenty-seven aspiration sessions (390 via TVA and 37 via needle placement through the flank) and 3202 follicle punctures (3161 TVA and 41 flank) were performed. One mare developed an ovarian abscess. Transient rectal bleeding was evident after 16% of TVA sessions. No adhesions were found on laparoscopic or gross examination of ovaries and there were minimal changes on histological evaluation. Conclusions: Follicle aspiration carries a small possibility (< 0.5%) of ovarian abscess formation. There is a possibility of rectal abrasion or puncture but little gross or histological damage to the ovary. Conclusions: These results provide a basis for using prophylactic administration of antibiotics after TVA and for advising mare owners of the rare but potential complications associated with the procedure.
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Publication Date: 2013-03-02 PubMed ID: 23447883DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00606.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The research examines the effects of repeated transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVA) on mare health and ovarian status, highlighting that this procedure may result in an exceedingly low rate of complications such as ovarian abscess formation and rectal abrasion but doesn’t significantly damage the ovary.

Research Methodology

The researchers undertook a thorough study over the course of three years on 32 mares to delineate the implications of repeated TVA procedures:

  • In the first year, the ovarian status of 11 mares was monitored using transrectal palpation and ultrasonography.
  • In the second year, abdominocentesis and laparoscopy were performed on 6 of the 11 mares after one TVA, and then after multiple TVAs.
  • In the third year, 10 mares underwent multiple TVAs using two different needle gauges, after which their ovaries were removed for evaluation.

Findings of the Study

The study involved 427 aspiration sessions, of which 390 were via TVA, and 3202 follicle punctures. The results discerned from the study include:

  • There was an isolated case of an ovarian abscess occurring in one mare. However, this represents only a minute probability of less than 0.5%.
  • Transient rectal bleeding was observed in 16% of the TVA sessions, indicating a potential risk of rectal abrasion or puncture.
  • No peritoneal adhesions were detected either through laparoscopic or gross examination of the ovaries, which suggests minimal visible or histological damage to the ovary from TVA.

Conclusion

The study concludes that while TVA has a low likelihood of causing ovarian abscess, it does pose a small risk of minor complications like rectal abrasion or puncture. Nonetheless, the procedure seemingly does not cause substantial damage to ovarian structure. Owing to the findings, the study suggests that prophylactic use of antibiotics after TVA may be beneficial and encourages clear communication with mare owners regarding potential complications associated with the procedure.

Cite This Article

APA
Velez IC, Arnold C, Jacobson CC, Norris JD, Choi YH, Edwards JF, Hayden SS, Hinrichs K. (2013). Effects of repeated transvaginal aspiration of immature follicles on mare health and ovarian status. Equine Vet J Suppl(43), 78-83. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00606.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 43
Pages: 78-83

Researcher Affiliations

Velez, I C
  • College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA.
Arnold, C
    Jacobson, C C
      Norris, J D
        Choi, Y H
          Edwards, J F
            Hayden, S S
              Hinrichs, K

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Female
                • Horses / physiology
                • Oocyte Retrieval / adverse effects
                • Oocyte Retrieval / methods
                • Oocyte Retrieval / veterinary
                • Ovarian Follicle / physiology
                • Pregnancy
                • Suction / veterinary
                • Ultrasonography / veterinary

                Citations

                This article has been cited 5 times.
                1. Biasetti P, Hildebrandt TB, Göritz F, Hermes R, Holtze S, Galli C, Lazzari G, Colleoni S, Pollastri I, Spiriti MM, Stejskal J, Seet S, Zwilling J, Ngulu S, Mutisya S, Kariuki L, Lokolool I, Omondo P, Ndeereh D, de Mori B. Ethical Analysis of the Application of Assisted Reproduction Technologies in Biodiversity Conservation and the Case of White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Ovum Pick-Up Procedures. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:831675.
                  doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.831675pubmed: 35591869google scholar: lookup
                2. Straticò P, Guerri G, Palozzo A, Varasano V, Petrizzi L. Current Use of Equine Laparoscopy in Urogenital Disorders: A Scoping Review of the Literature from 2000 to 2021. Vet Sci 2022 Jan 22;9(2).
                  doi: 10.3390/vetsci9020041pubmed: 35202295google scholar: lookup
                3. Fernández-Hernández P, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, García-Marín LJ, Bragado MJ, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Millet Ó, Bruzzone C, González-Fernández L, Macías-García B. Study of the Metabolomics of Equine Preovulatory Follicular Fluid: A Way to Improve Current In Vitro Maturation Media. Animals (Basel) 2020 May 19;10(5).
                  doi: 10.3390/ani10050883pubmed: 32438699google scholar: lookup
                4. Grady ST, Watts AE, Thompson JA, Penedo MCT, Konganti K, Hinrichs K. Effect of intra-ovarian injection of mesenchymal stem cells in aged mares. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019 Mar;36(3):543-556.
                  doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1371-6pubmed: 30470961google scholar: lookup
                5. Van den Branden E, Salamone M, Broothaers K, Peere S, Polfliet E, Dewulf M, Van Steenkiste G, van Loon G, Smits K, Govaere J. Physiological and behavioral parameters of pain and stress in mares during and after transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1574351.
                  doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1574351pubmed: 40271484google scholar: lookup
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