UTERINE DISORDERS IN THE MARE: DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

The majority of infertility or subfertility cases in mares is caused by uterine pathology. This paper presents the state of the art in diagnostic techniques used to investigate uterine health. Clinical evaluation including physical examination transrectal palpation and ultrasonography as well as endometrial cytology, culture and biopsy remain the cornerstone for working up any case of infertility. Endometritis remains the major infertility causing uterine disorder. New therapeutic strategies have been developed in recent years to deal with infections caused by organisms that produce biofilm. Also, increased understanding of the innate uterine defense mechanisms has generated interest in new therapies. Aging affects uterine health in several ways, but most importantly the development of chronic degenerative disease. New therapeutic approaches are being developed in the hope of slowing down or reversing these degenerative changes. Referral to a specialty hospital may be warranted in some cases for advanced reproductive evaluation.