Late Term and Habitual Abortion in the Mare – Pregnancy loss in the mare is a constant source of concern among breeders. Here some common causes are discussed. By Jos Mottershead Late term and habitual abortion in the mare is a constant source of concern among breeders. It may be as a result of identifiable repetitious causes, or… Read More »
Constructing An Emergency Slide Warmer – Sometimes lab equipment may not be available, so one has to become inventive. An emergency slide warmer is one such piece of equipment! By Jos Mottershead Sometimes lab equipment may not be available, so one has to become inventive. An emergency slide warmer is one such piece of equipment! Easily constructed –… Read More »
The Equine Uterus Dissected – Here we show the gross aspects of a mare reproductive tract dissected with labels and explanations. The caudal aspect (back end) of the cervix protrudes into the vagina and is often described as having an appearance and feel of a “small volcano”. There is a depression in the center, which is the opening… Read More »
Granulosa Cell Tumor – Capable of affecting reproductive ability and overall disposition, the GCT is one of the most common ovarian tumors to be found in the mare. By Jos Mottershead Granulosa cell tumors – GCT – or granulosa-thecal cell tumors are one of the most common ovarian tumors to be found in equines. They are usually benign… Read More »
Persistent Anovulatory Follicles – Anovulatory Hemorrhagic Follicles, Luteinized Unruptured Follicles, PAFs, AHFs, LUFs – all follicular headaches in the mare! By Jos Mottershead You’re following a mare’s follicular development using ultrasound prior to breeding and are relieved to see a good sized follicle developing. Unusually, the follicle continues to develop beyond the size at which you normally see… Read More »
Indications of Impending Ovulation in the Mare – Predicting ovulation in the mare can be a challenge with mares displaying different characteristics. Here we describe some common signs. By Jos Mottershead Predicting ovulation in the mare can be difficult, as they have the capacity to be notoriously unpredictable in their timing! This can lead to frustration, aggravation and… Read More »
Early Embryonic Loss and Genetics – Chromosomal translocations in horses may be a cause of early pregnancy loss or pregnancy failure. Dr. Teri Lear discusses the issue. By Dr. Teri L. Lear Chromosomes are large segments of DNA wound around special proteins within each cell’s nucleus. They contain nearly all of the body’s genetic material. Horses have 64… Read More »
AI (Artificial Insemination) – Artificial Insemination of the Mare is not a difficult task to perform. Here we describe using an aseptic technique in detail. The actual process of artificial insemination of the mare is not complicated, and can be learned very quickly. Unlike artificial insemination in cattle which involves guiding the insemination pipette through the cervix via… Read More »
Failure of Passive Transfer in Neonatal Foals – low IgG – can lead to potentially fatal complications, but is easily managed in most with testing and supplementation By Jos Mottershead Foals are born with little or no immunity to infection from outside organisms. There is a minimal amount of immunoglobulin-M (IgM) produced in-utero, but insufficient to ensure adequate… Read More »
Protocols for Mare Management with Cooled-Shipped or Frozen Semen – methods to time breeding of mares both with and without use of pharmacological manipulation. By Jos Mottershead Mare management with cooled-shipped or frozen semen can often seem daunting but is a key element for success or failure. One can use or forgo pharmacological manipulation, and we discuss here… Read More »