Mare Breeding Soundness Exam
General Physical Exam- A general physical is always part of a breeding soundness exam. This should include body condition score, presence of any defective traits or injuries that affect mating success (back or leg injuries), and heritable abnormalities (cryptorchidism, parrot mouth, wobbler syndrome). The exam should carefully exam all major body systems (heart, lung, urinary, etc.) as well as include normal laboratory tests (Coggins, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, fecal egg count).
Exam of the Reprodutive Tract- The mare should be adequately restrained when examining the mare's reproductive tract to protect the mare and the veterinarian.
External Genitalia-The external genitalia of the mare should be examined for normal conformation. Presence of Caslick suture should be noted.
Palpation per Rectum- The veterinarian will examine the reproductive tract of the mare by palpating the tract through the rectum. The ovaries, uterus and cervix are examined for normal size, texture and position. The structures on the ovary will be determined-follicles, CLs and presence of any tumors. Ultrasound evaluation may also be included if available.
Vaginal Speculum - The speculum is used to exam the vagina and external cervical opening. The exam focuses on identifying any torn or damaged tissue and presence or absence of infections.
Uterine and Endometrial Culture and Cytology - A culture of the uterus is obtained to determine if any microoranisms are present such as bacteria or fungi. Particular attention is payed to presence of organisms that are venereal diseases. Next a endometrial biopsy is obtained and evaluated to determine the ability of the uterus to carry and sustain a pregnancy. Normal and abnormal uterine cytology is reviewed in Venereal Disease and Pregnancy Loss.
Other Diagnostic Aids - If called for by the Veterinarian, more extensive use of ultrasound, or endoscopy may be done to beter determine if an problem exists with internal structures.
Blood Tests - These are usually not done on mares as sexually transmitted diseases usually present clinical signs that are visible. In the stallion, many of the these diseases do not present visible clinical signs requiring more extensive blood tests and culture of tissue swabs. Hormonal assays may be required to determine the cause of enlarged ovaries.
