Moody Mares-Is Ovariectomy a Solution?
Abstract: Unwanted behaviour in mares is a commonly presenting problem to the veterinarian. This behaviour may range from the mare being uncooperative or aggressive when handled on the ground, kicking, bucking or rearing when ridden or being aggressive towards other horses. This purpose of the study was to evaluate whether bilateral ovariectomy in mares with unwanted behaviour improved the mare's behaviour and/or rideability from the owner's perspective. The mares were grouped and compared statistically based on their histological classification as having either "normal" or neoplastic ovaries. This study is a retrospective case series report of twenty-eight ovariectomized mares. A semi-quantitative value (1-10) pre- and post-ovariectomy for A) behaviour on ground/in stable and B) rideability was given, based on the owner's observations. The horses were grouped based on their histopathologic diagnosis as "Normal ovaries" or "Neoplasia". Following ovariectomy, rideability improved, with a score of ≥5 in 80% (8/10) of mares with normal ovaries and in 57% (8/14) of mares with ovarian neoplasm. A behavioural improvement of ≥5 was observed in 40% (4/10) of mares with normal ovaries, and in 43% (6/14) of mares with ovarian neoplasm. A significant difference was observed between the semi-quantitative value pre- and post-ovariectomy in both groups. No difference was observed in change in behaviour and rideability score between the group with normal ovaries and neoplastic ovaries. Mares with unwanted behaviour not obviously related to the oestrus cycle and to painful conditions may benefit from ovariectomy to alter their behaviour and rideability.
Publication Date: 2020-07-16 PubMed ID: 32708618PubMed Central: PMC7401554DOI: 10.3390/ani10071210Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research paper investigates whether the surgical removal of ovaries in mares, or ovariectomy, can help address common issues of unwanted behavior that riders experience. The study uses a retrospective assessment of 28 mares that underwent ovariectomy, and evaluated their behavior and ridability improvement from the perspective of their owners.
Research Purpose and Methodology
- The researchers sought to understand whether ovariectomy in mares can improve unwanted behavior and rideability. Uncooperative, aggressive behavior and issues with rideability are common problems with mares.
- The mares involved in the study received a bilateral ovariectomy and their behavior and rideability was evaluated based on self-reported scores from their owners. These assessments were done before and after the procedure.
- The mares were grouped for comparison based on whether their ovaries were “normal” or had neoplastic (tumor related) changes.
Findings and Conclusions
- Following the ovariectomy, the majority of mares with both ‘Normal ovaries’ and ‘Neoplasia’ exhibited improved rideability.
- Behavioral improvement was less pronounced, but still noted in about 40% of the mares, regardless of the condition of their ovaries.
- The study found significant differences in the semi-quantitative value pre- and post-ovariectomy in both groups, indicating a general trend towards improved behavior and rideability post-surgery.
- The research concludes that mares exhibiting unwanted behavior that does not directly relate to their estrus cycle or other painful conditions could potentially benefit from an ovariectomy to help improve their behavior and rideability.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study contributes valuable insights that may guide veterinarians in handling aggressive or otherwise unmanageable mares.
- Ovariectomy could be considered as a treatment strategy to enhance the manageability and rideability of mares, but further research should be done to evaluate longer-term effects and other potential consequences.
Cite This Article
APA
Melgaard DT, Korsgaard TS, Thoefner MS, Petersen MR, Pedersen HG.
(2020).
Moody Mares-Is Ovariectomy a Solution?
Animals (Basel), 10(7), 1210.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071210 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Hoersholm Equine Clinic, Kongevejen 124D, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark.
- DyrDoktor, Sjaellandsgade 20, 6400 Soenderborg, Denmark.
- Hoersholm Equine Clinic, Kongevejen 124D, 3480 Fredensborg, Denmark.
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Allé 5A, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark.
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Allé 5A, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
This article includes 10 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Straticò P, Hattab J, Guerri G, Carluccio A, Bandera L, Celani G, Marruchella G, Varasano V, Petrizzi L. Behavioral Disorders in Mares with Ovarian Disorders, Outcome after Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Series. Vet Sci 2023 Jul 25;10(8).
- Vullo C, Tambella AM, Meligrana M, Catone G. Analgesic and Sedative Effects of Epidural Lidocaine-Xylazine in Elective Bilateral Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares. Animals (Basel) 2021 Aug 17;11(8).
- Trindade PHE, Taffarel MO, Luna SPL. Spontaneous Behaviors of Post-Orchiectomy Pain in Horses Regardless of the Effects of Time of Day, Anesthesia, and Analgesia. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 31;11(6).
- 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).
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