Approach to eq fertility

What is included in a pre-breeding examination of a mare?

General clinical examination, BCS, examination of feet, udders, perineum, vaginal exam, and rectal exam.

What happens to the vulva with age in mares?

Muscle changes cause the anus to shrink and vulva to move caudally, increasing the risk of faecal contamination.

Name three bacterial venereal pathogens affecting mares.

Taylorella (CEMO), Klebsiella pneumoniae (types 1, 2, 5), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

What viral pathogen is considered notifiable in mares?

Equine viral arteritis.

What should be done if a mare tests positive for venereal pathogens?

Stop covering, isolate and treat, and don’t cover again until 3 negative swabs, each 2 days apart.

What is indicated by an endometrial biopsy?

Pathological changes in barren mares, repeat breeder mares, early embryonic death/abortion, anoestrus, pyometra, and pre-purchase fertility evaluation.

What indicates uterine oedema in mares?

Oestrus.

How can cyclicity in mares be manipulated?

By using light, progesterone, and short acting GnRH to influence seasonal breeding.

What is the optimum mating time relative to ovulation?

24-48 hours before ovulation.

What typically occurs after day 80 of pregnancy?

Pregnancy loss can lead to resorption, mummification, or expulsion, depending on when it occurs.

What is persistent mating-induced endometritis?

Condition caused by abnormal cervix, inadequate immune response, or pus in uterus post-breeding.

What can cause embryonic death in mares?

Persistence of endometritis, chronic endometrial disease, or luteal insufficiency.

What are the presenting signs of granulosa cell tumours in mares?

Persistent oestrus, persistent anoestrus, or virilization.

What is done in pre-breeding screening for stallions?

Swabs from urethra, urethral fossa, penile sheath, and sample pre-ejaculatory fluid.

What is the treatment for phimosis in stallions?

Surgery.

What happens if a stallion has paraphimosis?

Failure to retract penis, requiring catheterization and possibly a pressure bandage.

What are some factors affecting sperm output in stallions?

Age, season of year, frequency of ejaculation, and testicular size.

What kind of ultrasound appearance is normal for testicular evaluation?

Echogenic capsule, hypoechogenic parenchyma, echogenic mediastinum.

How should persistent endometritis be treated in mares?

By removing fluid from the uterus and promoting contractions.

Why is embryo mobility significant until day 17 of pregnancy?

To differentiate between pregnancy and endometrial cysts during diagnosis.

What happens during a prolonged dioestrus in mares?

Persistence of the secondary CL in absence of pregnancy, preventing return to oestrus.

What is necessary before performing uterine endoscopy?

Ensure the mare is not pregnant.

What are the most common bacteria isolated in endometrial cytology?

Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

What happens to the mare after removal of a granulosa cell tumour?

Cyclic activity should resume in the contralateral ovary next season.

What is the main consequence of pregnancy loss before day 80?

Resorption occurs.

What indicates an abnormality in a stallion's sheath?

Conditions such as phimosis, paraphimosis, and priapism.

How can ovulation in mares be hastened?

By administering short acting GnRH.

What is the significance of the endometrial cups forming at day 35 of pregnancy?

If pregnancy is lost after this point, they will persist for 5 months.

What is the treatment for sarcoids in stallions?

Topical cytotoxic drugs.

What causes a persistent secondary CL in mares?

Ovulation followed by no pregnancy, with another follicle potentially growing.

What is the treatment for melanoma in stallions?

Oral cimetidine to control growth or tumour excision.

What might happen if a mare carries twin conceptuses?

One must be crushed as the mare cannot support two pregnancies.

What is the diagnostic method for early pregnancy confirmation in mares?

Transrectal ultrasound on day 15.

What visual signs indicate oestrus in mare anatomy?

Soft, oedematous cervix and uterine oedema.