Speculum Examination of the Vagina

A visual vaginal examination should be completed as part of the mare breeding soundness examination. A speculum examination may also be used to confirm the stage of the mare's estrous cycle and to observe the cranial vagina for pathology such as urine pooling or varicosities. A disposable aluminum foil-covered tube speculum, a glass tube speculum or a tri-valve Polansky (Caslick) speculum may be used for the examination. This chapter summarizes step by step procedure for performing the speculum examination of the vagina with illustrations, and the equipment and supplies needed. It then outlines the necessary condition to perform speculum examination of the vagina.