Prebreeding
diagnostics: there
are a number of procedures that are useful and sometimes
required prior to breeding.
o Prebreeding
culture and cytology – prior to breeding, it is
important to make sure there is no infection in the uterus
and most breeders require this test. The sample is
collected after washing the mare’s perineal area by
passing a long uterine culturette (a cotton swab on the
end of a long guarded plastic rod). The sample is
transferred to our laboratory
to check for bacteria and evaluate the type of cells
present. It takes 24 to 48 hours to get all of the
results.
o Uterine
biopsy – with this procedure, a small sample of the
uterine wall is sampled and evaluated under a microscope (histopathology).
This information will help predict the fertility of the
mare and is especially useful in older mares, in mares
that have a history of reproductive problems and in
broodmare prepurchase
examinations.
o Staging
estrus – rectal palpation and ultrasound
can be useful in determining what stage a mare is at in
her reproductive cycle. It can provide useful information
about when to breed and whether she is more likely to have
twins.
Artificial
Insemination Services:
artificial insemination, particularly with shipped cooled,
is become more and more common. A number of procedures can
help coordinate collection and shipment of the semen with
ovulation.
o Repeated
rectal ultrasound examinations of the mare to follow the
follicle and uterine changes.
o Hormone
therapy often is utilized to help synchronize ovulation
with insemination.
o Post
breeding examination to confirm ovulation and determine if
post breeding treatments are necessary.
Pregnancy
diagnosis:
o Rectal
ultrasound is used as early as 14 days post breeding to
detect early pregnancy. Early diagnosis also is important
to identify and reduce twin pregnancy. By 28 days, the
fetal heart beat can be detected to help confirm the
proper development of the embryo.
o Beyond 35 to
45 days, rectal palpation alone can determine pregnancy
status, although ultrasound will provide more information
about the development of the fetus and placenta.
o A
“Pregnancy Planner” spreadsheet is available that,
given the last breeding date, provides the owner with the
mare’s due date, vaccination requirements, and other
useful scheduled events.
Newborn mare
and foal checks:
o Although
pregnancy is a long and often uneventful time, delivery is
remarkably fast with numerous critical steps. We have
several handouts available and are always available to
answer questions over the phone on what to expect and when
to intervene during parturition and the early post partum
period.
o Provided
events are progressing as expected, we recommend a
veterinary examination of the mare and newborn foal at 12
to 18 hours post partum to assess the placenta, measure
the foal IgG levels and check over the mare and foal.
