The use of endometrial biopsy in the infertile mare.
Abstract: The results of a study on endometrial biopsies obtained from 700 infertile mares are reported. Infiltrative endometritis was present in 51% consisting of a combination of an acute and chronic cellular response in 6%, mild chronic infiltrations in 35% and moderate to severe chronic infiltrations in 10%. Demonstrable endometrial fibrosis was found in 88% of the mares with the majority having mild (51%) or moderate (35%) changes. The age of the mares and the average number of years barren gradually increased with the severity of endometrial fibrosis, as did the combined incidence of fetal loss (early embryonic death and abortion) during the three year period preceding the biopsy.A significant decrease in foaling percentage for the year following the biopsy was observed with increasing severity of endometrial fibrosis. Chisquare analysis projected a decrease in foaling rate of 22.8% for each category increase in severity. The number of years barren and the farm management system used also had a significant effect on foaling probability. The foaling rates for mares that were bred artificially (82%) under strict veterinary supervision using an extender incorporating gentamicin were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for mares bred in a conventional manner under average management conditions (48%). It was concluded that endometrial biopsy is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic technique. When the degree of fibrosis is used to predict foaling probability, the number of years barren and the breeding method to be used should also be considered to arrive at a more accurate prediction.
Publication Date: 1981-03-01 PubMed ID: 7026016PubMed Central: PMC1789874
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the use of endometrial biopsy as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in infertile mares, relating findings with their fertility outcome. It reveals significant correlation between endometrial health, age, years of infertility, and breeding management approach with the mare’s foaling probability.
Methodology and Findings
- The study examines endometrial biopsies from 700 infertile mares.
- In 51% of mares, infiltrative endometritis was found, with varying degrees of acute and chronic cellular response.
- Around 88% of the mares showed signs of endometrial fibrosis: 51% mild changes and 35% moderate.
- As the severity of endometrial fibrosis increased, so did the mare’s age, years of infertility, and incidence of fetal loss in the three years before the biopsy.
Impact of Fibrosis Severity on Foaling Percentage
- The research noted that the severity of endometrial fibrosis had a significant impact on the foaling percentage in the year following the biopsy.
- With each increase in fibrosis severity category, a projected decrease in foaling rate of 22.8% was expected.
- Both the number of barren years and the type of farm management system used were found to significantly affect foaling probability.
Comparison of Breeding Methods
- Artificial insemination conducted under strict veterinary supervision using gentamicin yielded significantly higher (82%) foaling rates compared to conventional natural breeding under average management conditions (48%).
- This suggests that expert-controlled breeding methods could improve the fertility outcomes of mares with endometrial health issues.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that endometrial biopsy can be beneficial for assessing mare fertility.
- When using degree of fibrosis to predict foaling probability, it is crucial to consider the mare’s barren years and intended breeding method for an accurate prediction.
Cite This Article
APA
Doig PA, McKnight JD, Miller RB.
(1981).
The use of endometrial biopsy in the infertile mare.
Can Vet J, 22(3), 72-76.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biopsy
- Endometritis / complications
- Endometritis / diagnosis
- Endometrium / microbiology
- Endometrium / pathology
- Escherichia coli
- Female
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Infertility, Female / etiology
- Infertility, Female / pathology
- Infertility, Female / veterinary
- Streptococcus
References
This article includes 7 references
- J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1975 Sep 15;167(6):449-58
- J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1978 Feb 1;172(3):241-62
- Equine Vet J. 1978 Jul;10(3):160-6
- Equine Vet J. 1975 Apr;7(2):102-8
- Vet Med Small Anim Clin. 1969 Nov;64(11):977-83
- J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1972 Dec 1;161(11):1365-6
- Vet Rec. 1979 Mar 17;104(11):228-31
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