Question
Answer
Article
What is the ideal vulvar conformation for good reproductive health in the horse?
Vulval angle 80⁰ to horizontal
80% above pelvic brim
Good seal between vulval lips Link to Article
How does poor vulvar conformation lead to pneumovagina and infection?
Air enters due to the anterior slope and poor seal of the vulva
Negative pressure in the tract draws the air in and up towards the uterus
Faeces can enter the same way Link to Article
What is the risk of pneumovagina and poor vulvar conformation to a pregnancy?
Ascending infection can lead to placentitis which is an important cause of abortion.
Link to Article
What is the Caslick index and how is it calculated and interpreted?
The caslick index is a quantitative assessment of vulvar conformation, often used prior to a Caslick’s procedure.
Calculated by multiplying length of the vulvar commissure by the angle of declination
Values less than 100 are favoured and those more than 150 are classed as high risk for pneumovagina and infection Link to Article
When should a Caslick’s operation be performed and what must be done later on in gestation?
The procedure is performed as soon as ovulation and breeding have been confirmed.
The sutures MUST be removed 5-10 days prior to parturition to avoid trauma and perineal injury. Link to Article
What is Pouret’s operation and when is it used?
A surgery that separates the reproductive tract from the caudal rectum, preventing traction of the vagina and vestibule and allowing more normal positioning of the vulva.
It is used in very severe cases, often when the Caslick’s has been unsuccessful Link to Article