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Uterus Infection and Inflammation: Endometritis
Uterine Infection and Inflammation in Mares: Endometritis
Introduction
Acute and transient post breeding inflammation of the uterus is a normal event in the mare. Maybe second to poor timing of mating, persistent endometritis is the next most common cause of infertility. Persistent endometritis can have a number of causes and requires a correct diagnosis and targeted treatment to overcome the problem. Uterine infection is a common reason for persisted endometritis and infertility in horses but culture alone is not a reliable indication of this problem. Quicker, more reliable, simpler, and even cheaper techniques have been found for diagnosing this condition. persisted post breeding endometritis has been identified as a cause of chronic infertility. Though there may be an infectious component the primary problem is one with the uterus's normal function. This article discusses the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for acute uterine infection, persistent post-breeding infection, and chronic conditions like uterine cysts and fibrosis. Links are provided to related articles.
First Considerations
Before we get started on the various ways that endometritis can affect mares let's look at some of the factors involved with causing inflammation and some preventive measures taken to get an early diagnosis and not miss that first breeding.
Pre-Breeding Washing of Mares and Stallions
A management factor related to preventing infections that needs a critical look is washing the mare and stallion prior to breeding. Washing has been shown to result in a decrease of normal bacteria and an increase in bacteria that cause disease. The more powerful the soap the worse the effect. For healthy mares and stallions, gently wipe off the big stuff and otherwise leave it alone.
Poor Perineal and Uterine Conformation
Poor perineal (the area around the anus and vulva) conformation is thought to be a major cause of uterine inflammation and infection. In older and poor condition mares the area tips forward allowing air, urine and fecal material to gain access to the vagina. These mares may respond to antibiotic treatment, a Caslick's surgery, and a little time.
Multiparous mares, those that have had several foals, develop a pendulous uterus that makes clearing of post breeding inflammation difficult. Though there are medical treatments to help this condition, early work with surgery to elevate the uterus shows promise in difficult cases, see below.
Aggressive Breeding Management?
One of the best ways to get a jump on a problem is to ultrasound the mare's uterus 12 hours after going out of heat. If cloudy fluid is found, you have the opportunity to treat the mare and save the breeding. Whether this will figure into your program, will depend on past history and financial situation. The majority of healthy mares, not too old, with no history of problems will settle with little interference from us but others should be managed more aggressively. For more on monitoring and treatment see Persistent Post Breeding Endometritis below.
Acute Infection
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