This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Equine Reproduction » Horse Breeding & Artificial Insemination » Uterine Culture and Cytology »
  Discussion on Culturing Mares to Protect Satllions from Infection
Author Message

Posted on Sunday, Aug 27, 2000 - 9:00 am:

I read the article on Uterine Culture and Cytology. Shouldn't mares be cultured to protect the Stallion from getting infected and passing it on to other mares?

Posted on Monday, Aug 28, 2000 - 6:03 pm:

Hello Horse,
There are several problems with this line of reasoning:
1) The most common pathogens (strep and ecoli) can be found normally in healthy mares and stallions. There prescense alone is not a indication of infection: they are mostly opportunist with the occasional really contagious strain. A cytology would more accurately reflect the prescense of a really pathogenic bug.

2) Routine uterine cultures are taken in the uterus, while the stallion is coming into contact with the vagina so the culture may not reflect the prescense of a problem.

3) CEM is an important venereal disease that in some areas has to be monitored for. However you must culture the clitral fossae and use very special handling and culturing technique to demonstrate it.
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2000 - 5:16 pm:

Am I safe to assume that it is ok not to require any testing of the mare for infection before breeding?

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2000 - 6:41 am:

No this is not a safe assumption:
The answer to your question depends on:
-your goals
-your economics
-your location
-past problems
-your breed of horse
-how you breed
-and other factors.

What is important is that you understand the significance and limitation of each test you conduct and using this information integrate it with your situation to make good decisions.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 30, 2000 - 7:21 am:

We have always required mares coming here for breeding to have a negative uterine culture. After reading the article on uterine cultures and cytologys, I'm wondering if we really need them.
I mentioned to our Vet that maybe the Cytology would be better. He says no. I don't know if he's saying that because the Uterine Culture costs more and thus would benefit him. We just want to do what's best to produce a healthy foal.

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 6, 2000 - 7:06 am:

That is hard to say what he is thinking: you should ask him. Perhaps printing out our article along with its references and allowing him to review it may lead to clarity: let me know what he thinks.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC