Lesions of contagious equine metritis in mares.

The research focuses on the study of 23 mares inflicted with contagious equine metritis through intrauterine inoculation and observed over a period. It particularly examines the effects of the disease on various parts of the mare’s reproductive system.

Research Methodology

• The study began with the infection of twenty-three mares with the contagious equine metritis organism.
• This was achieved through intrauterine inoculation, where the organism was deliberately inserted into the mares’ uteri.
• The mares were then necropsied – or autopsied – at various intervals ranging from two to 116 days after infection.

Key Findings

• The researchers observed severe diffuse subacute salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes) in one mare after infection.
• Mild multifocal subacute salpingitis was a common observation amongst the infected mares.
• Severe diffuse endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining) and cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) were also noted. These conditions were initially acute but progressed to be more severe and predominantly plasmacytic by the 14th day.
• Interestingly, although these cervicitis and endometritis conditions persisted, they declined in intensity and remained as mild diffuse or multifocal inflammation for the rest of the experimental period.
• Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) also arose alongside these conditions but seemed to resolve naturally after 70 days of infection.
• There was no observation of lesions in the clitoral fossa or clitoral sinus. These parts seemed unaffected by the contagious equine metritis organism.

Research Implications

• This research provides insights into the specific effects of the contagious equine metritis organism on mares’ reproductive system.
• Understanding these effects could assist in the development of more targeted and effective treatments for contagious equine metritis in mares in the future.