Diagnostic procedures in mare reproduction: Basic evaluation

Evaluation of the female reproductive tract requires knowledge of the basic diagnostic procedures that are involved. Examination may be performed to identify lesions, to describe normal reproductive events that are associated with breeding and pregnancy, or to ensure that the reproductive tract is normal. Examination should proceed in a systematic manner, starting with external conformation evaluation, palpation of internal genitalia per rectum, ultrasonography of the reproductive tract, and vaginoscopy and/or manual vaginal/cervical/uterine examination. The first article of this three-part continuing education series considers these specific procedures used to evaluate the reproductive system of the mare. After the basic reproductive examination has been completed, the information gathered can be summarized to reach a diagnosis or to suggest the need for ancillary diagnostic approaches. It is possible for the veterinarian to arrive at a faulty conclusion by considering only one piece of information gleaned from the basic examination. If all of the information fails to clearly indicate the condition that is affecting the mare, further diagnostic procedures should be considered. These procedures are reviewed in the remaining two parts in this series. The second part will deal with uterine culture, uterine cytology, uterine biopsy, hysteroscopy, oviductal patency testing, and scintigraphy. The final article will discuss hormonal evaluation and genetic testing.