[Endometrial cysts in the mare. 1. Post-mortem studies: occurrence and morphology].

The research article investigates the occurrence and morphology of endometrial cysts in mares. It gives insights into the extent the cysts appear in various age groups, their distribution in the organ, size, and their classification into lymphatic and glandular cysts based on histology.

Methodology and Sample Population

• The study involves post-mortem examinations of the genital tract in 104 mares to identify the prevalence and character of endometrial cysts in the sample population.
• It explores various ages, with findings indicating that mares above the age of 10 years tend to experience more cystic changes than their younger counterparts.

Occurrence of Cysts

• The research recorded cystic changes in 14 out of the 104 mares, amounting to a 13% occurrence rate of endometrial cysts.
• It was noted that younger mares (up to the age of 10 years) exhibited no cystic changes, whereas 19% of animals above the age of 10 years demonstrated signs of endometrial cysts.

Distribution and Size of Cysts

• Between one and two cysts were found per uterus in six mares, whereas eight others had between five and eighteen cystic changes per organ.
• The study reported an even distribution of cysts in the uterus body and horns. Rare instances of cysts were approximately 11mm in diameter, decreasing in size to an average of 5mm for multiple cysts.
• Very large cysts, primarily in the uterus body, were observed, the largest being 30mm in diameter.

Classification of Cysts

• The study undertakes the classification of cysts into lymphatic and glandular cysts, depending on histological examinations of the samples. These classifications aided in understanding the morphological differences of the cysts.