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Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2019; 54(8); 1155-1159; doi: 10.1111/rda.13480

Use of a cervical stent for long-term treatment of pyometra in the mare: A report of three cases.

Abstract: An effective long-term treatment is necessary for mares with pyometra, because the condition tends to recur. In many affected animals, several conformational or anatomical anomalies contribute to impaired uterine clearance. Ovariohysterectomy is the surgical procedure of choice. Conservative therapy consists of draining and flushing the uterus, and systemic anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial treatment. Uterine secretions tend to accumulate again after local treatment, especially in mares with poor vaginal conformation or cervical adhesions. Herein, we describe three cases in which a cervical stent was used in mares after mechanical or manual dilation of the cervix to achieve permanent draining of the uterus. The mares remained symptom-free for up to 6 years and exhibited good clinical progress and good performance in competitions. Potential complications of the procedure include loss of the stent and obstruction caused by viscous secretion. A cervical stent is a relatively easy and low-cost option for the long-term treatment of pyometra in mares, particularly in cases where excessive costs of surgery and risks of a general anaesthesia are to be avoided.
© 2019 The Authors. Reproduction in Domestic Animals Published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2019-06-26 PubMed ID: 31145499PubMed Central: PMC6852200DOI: 10.1111/rda.13480Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 article investigates the effectiveness of using a cervical stent for long-term treatment of pyometra in mares. The researchers used this treatment on three mare cases with positive results, making it possible to avoid the need for costly surgery and the risks of general anaesthesia.

Background of the Study

  • The study focuses on pyometra, a recurrent condition in mares that often results from several conformational or anatomical anomalies.
  • Usually, this medical condition affects the horse’s uterus, impairing its ability to clear itself properly. Many mares will show obstinate uterine secretions after local treatment, particularly those with poor vaginal conformation or cervical adhesions.
  • Current treatments include ovariohysterectomy (a surgical procedure), systemic anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial treatment, and conservative therapy (which involves draining and flushing the uterus). However, these processes are often quite costly and come with potential risks.

The Cervical Stent

  • Researchers in this study present a viable alternative: the use of a cervical stent. This is inserted into the mare’s cervix after mechanical or manual dilation, enabling permanent draining of the uterus.
  • The cervical stent can be likened to a small tube that keeps the cervix open, allowing continuous drainage and preventing the accumulation of uterine secretions, thus reducing the incidence of pyometra.
  • According to the study, such a treatment approach is relatively simple to implement and comes at a low cost, making it a reasonable alternative to surgery or other more expensive treatments.

Case Studies

  • The research provides three cases in which a cervical stent was used on mares suffering from pyometra. The cases were monitored for up to 6 years, and all showed success in the treatment, with mares remaining symptom-free. Some even performed well in competitions.
  • However, potential complications such as loss of the stent or obstruction caused by viscous secretion were also noted.

Conclusion

  • This study recommends the use of a cervical stent as a long-term treatment for mares with pyometra, particularly where excessive surgery costs and risks of general anesthesia need to be avoided.

Cite This Article

APA
Krohn J, Ennen S, Hospes R, Nieth J, Wehrend A. (2019). Use of a cervical stent for long-term treatment of pyometra in the mare: A report of three cases. Reprod Domest Anim, 54(8), 1155-1159. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13480

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 8
Pages: 1155-1159

Researcher Affiliations

Krohn, Judith
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Ennen, Sophia
  • Veterinary Group Practice Rodewald, Rodewald, Germany.
Hospes, Rainer
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Nieth, Jennifer
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Wehrend, Axel
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cervix Uteri
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses
  • Pyometra / therapy
  • Pyometra / veterinary
  • Stents / veterinary

Conflict of Interest Statement

None of the authors have any conflict of interest to declare.

References

This article includes 17 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Hardefeldt L, Thomas K, Page S, Norris J, Browning G, El Hage C, Stewart A, Gilkerson J, Muscatello G, Verwilghen D, van Galen G, Bauquier J, Cuming R, Reynolds B, Whittaker C, Wilkes E, Clulow J, Burden C, Begg L. Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for horses in Australia. Aust Vet J 2025 Dec;103(12):781-889.
    doi: 10.1111/avj.70003pubmed: 40903020google scholar: lookup
  2. Graczyk S, Pasławski R, Grzeczka A, Pasławska U, Świeczko-Żurek B, Malisz K, Popat K, Sionkowska A, Golińska P, Rai M. Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Coatings for Stents in Veterinary Medicine-State of the Art and Perspectives. Materials (Basel) 2023 Oct 24;16(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ma16216834pubmed: 37959431google scholar: lookup
  3. Graczyk S, Pasławski R, Grzeczka A, Litwińska L, Jagielski D, Pasławska U. Stents in Veterinary Medicine. Materials (Basel) 2023 Feb 10;16(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ma16041480pubmed: 36837110google scholar: lookup
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