Pathologic findings in the oviducts of mares.

The study carried out a comprehensive examination of the oviducts in mares, both on a large scale and under a microscope, highlighting several common pathogenic findings, including adhesions, paraovarian cysts, and fibrous bands, among others.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted a two-tier evaluation which involved a visible (macroscopic) examination of oviducts sourced from 325 mares, and a deeper (microscopic) analysis of oviducts from another 124 mares.

Findings

• From the macroscopic evaluation, 285 mares, representing 87.69% of the total, had at least one form of visible lesion. The most frequent among these were adhesions, paraovarian cysts, and thick fibrous bands.
• From the microscopic evaluation, nearly all (93.54%) had one form of microscopic lesion. The most frequently observed were intraepithelial cysts, localized lymphocytic infiltration in the infundibular-ampullary region, and proteinoid substance in the oviductal lumen.
• General findings showed that the proximal (closer) segments of the oviduct were more affected than the distal (farther) segments.

Findings in Pregnant Mares

• In a sub-study focusing on pregnant mares, at least one form of macroscopic or microscopic lesion was found in 49 out of 54 pairs of oviducts (90.74%).

Conclusion

• This study provides valuable insights into the pathology of the mare’s reproductive system, particularly the oviducts. The high frequency of observed lesions, both macroscopic and microscopic, suggests a significant prevalence of these pathologies in mares and posits a potential challenge to conception and successful gestation.