Videoendoscopic evaluation of the mare’s uterus: II. Findings in subfertile mares.

This research examines the reproductive tract of 87 Thoroughbred mares with reduced fertility through videoendoscopy and identifies common health issues like endometrial degeneration, endometrial cysts, and fluid accumulation. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of various biopsy tools in diagnosing and treating these conditions.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study involved videoendoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that allows for a detailed and direct observation of the reproductive tract in-live, of 87 Thoroughbred mares displaying signs of reduced fertility.
• During this procedure, samples for cytological, microbiological, and histological examination were taken for further analysis.
• The scope of the examination included the evaluation of structural changes like uneven distribution or atrophy of endometrial folds, the formation of endometrial cysts, and fluid accumulation within the uterine lumen.

Findings

• The most common observation was endometrial degeneration, noticeable by an unevenly distributed or atrophied endometrial folds and/or a scarred appearance of the endometrium. This was the case in 49 mares, representing 56% of the test subjects.
• Endometrial cysts of varying size and location were found in 48 mares (55%), with the base of the uterine horns being the most common location.
• Fluid accumulation in the uterine lumen was detected in 28 mares, approximately 32% of the subjects.
• Fewer mares had transluminal adhesions (7 mares, 8%), and in two mares the adhesions appeared to obstruct one uterine horn entirely.
• One mare had a solitary lump in the uterine wall which was histologically confirmed to be a leiomyoma – a type of benign tumour – through a visually directed biopsy sample.
• Free intraluminal structures, including an inspissated blood clot and two suspected remnants of resorbing pregnancies, were discovered in three mares.

Use of Biopsy Forceps and Scissors

• Biopsy forceps and scissors inserted through the endoscope were used to sever small thin adhesions. However, this method proved inadequate for multiple adhesions or cysts.
• Solitary endometrial cysts were removed with conventional rigid biopsy forceps passed alongside the endoscope, although bleeding from the operation site often limited this form of intervention.