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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Reproductive success in Thoroughbred broodmares post large c...
Veterinary surgery : VS2025; doi: 10.1111/vsu.14304

Reproductive success in Thoroughbred broodmares post large colon resection or colopexy.

Abstract: To describe reproductive performance in Thoroughbred broodmares post-large colon resection and to compare to performance post-colopexy. Methods: A single-institution retrospective study. Methods: A total of 29 client-owned horses: post-large colon resection (LCR) n = 19, post-colopexy: n = 10. Methods: Thoroughbred broodmares that survived until discharge following LCR (Group R) or colopexy (Group P) between 2006 and 2023 were included. Clinical data were collected from clinical records. Breeding and foaling data were collected from the Australian and New Zealand Studbooks. Statistical analysis were performed using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact test using R software. Descriptive and postoperative reproductive data were compared between groups and a calculated nationwide average. Results: There were no differences in any evaluated measurements of reproductive success between groups. In Group R, the first breeding season post-resection appeared less successful than the second (p = .03 [95% CI: 0.026-0.98]) or third (p = .03 [95% CI: 0.018-0.93]); however, these differences were not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (adjusted significance threshold p < .0083) and were not observed when unserved mares were excluded. Both groups achieved similar live foal/mare served percentages when compared to Racing Australia's published data (Group R: 60.5%, Group P: 68.2%, Racing Australia: 64.3%). Conclusions: No difference in reproductive success post-surgery was noted between techniques. Reproductive success is achievable post-large colon resection. Conclusions: Postoperative reproductive success should not be a factor in intraoperative decision-making when determining which preventative strategy (LCR or colopexy) is utilized. Further larger studies are required to confirm these findings and investigate possible initial reduction in reproductive success post-LCR.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2025-07-01 PubMed ID: 40590341DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14304Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The study investigates the reproductive performance of Thoroughbred broodmares following large colon resection or colopexy, concluding that none of them significantly affected reproductive success.

Study Objective and Methodology

  • The research aimed to compare the reproductive performance of Thoroughbred broodmares who had underwent large colon resection (LCR) or colopexy.
  • A total of 29 client-owned horses were included in the study. Nineteen of them had experienced large colon resection, whereas the remaining ten had undergone colopexy.
  • The study only included broodmares that survived until discharge following either large colon resection (Group R) or colopexy (Group P) between 2006 and 2023.
  • Clinical data were retrospectively collected from clinical records, whilst breeding and foaling data were sourced from the Australian and New Zealand Studbooks.
  • The study employed statistical analysis tools like Mann-Whitney U and Fisher’s exact test using R software.
  • Postoperative reproductive data were compared between the two groups and with a nationwide average.

Research Findings

  • No significant differences were found in any of the evaluated measurements of reproductive success between the two study groups.
  • In Group R (large colon resection), the first breeding season post-resection seemed less successful compared to the second and third. However, these differences were deemed statistically insignificant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.
  • When mares without service were excluded, the apparent difference vanished.
  • Both groups attained comparable live foal/mare served percentages when compared to data published by Racing Australia. Group R recorded a live foal/mare ratio of 60.5%, Group P had 68.2%, while Racing Australia’s data was at 64.3%.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The study found no significant difference in reproductive success after surgery between the two techniques (LCR or colopexy).
  • It was concluded that reproductive success is achievable post-large colon resection.
  • The research suggests that postoperative reproductive success should not influence intraoperative decision-making when choosing between LCR or colopexy as a preventative strategy.
  • Finally, the researchers recommended further, expansive studies to confirm these findings and to delve into the possible initial reduction in reproductive success post-LCR.

Cite This Article

APA
Knudsen AR, Marsh JS, Pye JL. (2025). Reproductive success in Thoroughbred broodmares post large colon resection or colopexy. Vet Surg. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14304

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Knudsen, Anja R
  • Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Sussex Equine Hospital, Ashington, UK.
Marsh, Joseph S
  • School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Pye, Jannah L
  • Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, New South Wales, Australia.

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