Ultrasonic anatomy and pathology of the equine uterus.
Abstract: The morphological and pathological status of the uterus in mares was evaluated using a linear-array ultrasound scanner, and the ultrasonic properties of the uterus were characterized. The uterus was examined each day in 16 mares, beginning at mid-diestrus. The uterus was recorded as having an ultrasonic morphology characteristic of diestrus (endometrial folds not distinguishable), estrus (prominent endometrial folds) or an intermediate stage (folds only moderately distinguishable). The number of mares with an intermediate or estrous image increased gradually between day -7 (2 14 mares; ovulation = day 0) and days -3 (11 16 ) and -2 (10 16 ) and then declined between days -2 and +1 (0 12 ). In another study, a large nonechogenic area (ejaculate) was visible in the uterine lumen immediately after mating in all of six mares. During the course of pregnancy diagnoses and hand-breeding, several pathological conditions of the uterus were first observed by ultrasound examination and confirmed by digital exploration of the uterus or at slaughter. Cysts contained nonechogenic material (fluid) and were usually compartmentalized. The purulent material associated with pyometria was relatively nonechogenic but contained echogenic spots. Mummified fetuses and remnants of fetal bones showed echogenic properties consistent with high tissue density. The results demonstrated that ultrasound technology provides a noninvasive form of visual access to the uterus to evaluate normal, morphological changes and to detect and study certain pathological processes.
Publication Date: 1984-03-01 PubMed ID: 16725900DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(84)90412-6Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research aimed to examine the anatomical structure and any potential diseases of horse uteruses using ultrasound technology. The study charted the changes in uterine appearance throughout the mares’ reproductive cycles and detected any pathological conditions, proving that ultrasound is an effective, noninvasive method for these evaluations.
Research Methods
- The researchers observed the uteruses of 16 mares every day, starting at the middle stages of diestrus, using a linear-array ultrasound scanner. Diestrus and estrus are stages of the mare’s reproductive cycle.
- The visual ultrasonic properties of the uterus during different stages were recorded—either diestrus (when endometrial folds are not distinguishable), estrus (endometrial folds are clearly visible), or an intermediate stage (folds are somewhat noticeable).
- In an additional study, the uterine lumen (cavity) of six mares was observed using ultrasound immediately after mating. This second study detected visible large nonechogenic (not reflecting sound waves) areas.
- Pathological conditions were first detected by ultrasound and later confirmed through hands-on exploration or post-mortem examinations.
Results of the Study
- The number of mares exhibiting intermediate or estrous ultrasonic images gradually increased from 2 out of 14 mares seven days before ovulation, to 11 out of 16 mares three days before ovulation, and 10 out of 16 mares two days before ovulation. This number then decreased to none out of 12 mares one day after ovulation.
- Immediately after mating, a large nonechogenic area, likely the ejaculate, became visible in all mares’ uterine lumens.
- The ultrasound identified and characterized several pathological conditions including cysts (filled with nonechogenic fluid and usually compartmentalized), pyometra (an uterine infection with relatively nonechogenic properties but with visible echogenic spots), and mummified fetuses or remnants of fetal bones (which showed echogenic properties indicative of high tissue density).
Conclusion
- The findings showed ultrasound technology as a valuable, noninvasive tool for visualizing the uterus in horses. It monitored the normal morphological changes during the different stages of the heat cycle, and detected and observed certain pathological processes.
Cite This Article
APA
Ginther OJ, Pierson RA.
(1984).
Ultrasonic anatomy and pathology of the equine uterus.
Theriogenology, 21(3), 505-516.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0093-691x(84)90412-6 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Science University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706 USA.
Grant Funding
- 11489 / Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Katila T, Ferreira-Dias G. Evolution of the Concepts of Endometrosis, Post Breeding Endometritis, and Susceptibility of Mares.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 19;12(6).
- Miki W, Oniyama H, Takeda N, Kimura Y, Haneda S, Matsui M, Taya K, Nambo Y. Effects of a single use of the GnRH analog buserelin on the induction of ovulation and endocrine profiles in heavy draft mares.. J Equine Sci 2016;27(4):149-156.
- Reilas T, Katila T, Mäkelä O, Huhtinen M, Koskinen E. Intrauterine fluid accumulation in oestrous mares.. Acta Vet Scand 1997;38(1):69-78.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
