Equine Reproduction and Stud Medicine Q&A 12

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Equine Reproduction and Stud Medicine questions

A 23-year-old mare, mated unsuccessfully for the last 2 years but not bred previously since a 3 year old, was examined for pregnancy 14 days after ovulation:

Question	Answer		Article
What features are present?	Uterine oedema, free luminal fluid and an endometrial cyst.		Link to Article
What is your diagnosis?	The mare is not in foal. She appears to be returning to oestrus earlier than expected, probably due to a uterine infection which can be confirmed by cytology (and bacteriology). The cyst is ‘normal’ for an aged mare.		Link to Article
What advice would you offer this owner?	The mare will present a considerable problem to: (1) clear the uterine infection;(2) mate again without reinfection or significant fluid accumulation; (3) and because of age-related lowered pregnancy rate and increased pregnancy loss rate, she has a reduced chance of becoming pregnant and carrying a live foal to term. Unless the mare has particular economic or sentimental value, the owner would be well advised to consider whether further attempts to get her in foal are worthwhile.		Link to Article