What is a horse Vigina?

What is the function of the cervix in a horse’s vagina?

In diestrus, the vagina is typically pale and dry. The cervix of the mare serves as a barrier to the uterus during diestrus and pregnancy, and it is also the major site of semen deposition during natural service. Visual changes of the cervix can be detected during estrus by viewing through a vaginal speculum.

What is the vulva on a mare?

The vulva is the external portion of the mare’s reproductive tract. The lips of the vulva contain muscles to help keep the opening closed, preventing feces or other foreign matter from entering. When the mare is in “heat”, the lips swell, become moist and relaxed.

How does the uterus of a mare work?

The mares’ uterus is composed of two uterine horns and the body which are connected almost perpendicularly, forming a T-shaped configuration. The uterus goes through cyclic changes similar to the other areas of the mares’ reproductive tract. As a mare exhibits estrus, estrogen causes a swelling and increased folding in the endometrium.

What does the cervix of a mare look like in heat?

The cervix of a mare, when in estrus (“heat”), is relaxed and has a glistening red appearance when viewed through a speculum. Often the relaxation is such that the cervix appears flattened and lying on the vaginal floor. Penetration of the cervical lumen is very easy at this time.

How to check a horse’s cervix?

With a penlight, the cervix can be examined visually. The cervix of a mare, when in estrus (“heat”), is relaxed and has a glistening red appearance when viewed through a speculum. Often the relaxation is such that the cervix appears flattened and lying on the vaginal floor.

What is the function of the uterus in a horse?

The ultimate function of the uterus is to protect, nourish and provide an environment conducive to the development of the embryo and fetus, and to expel the fetus during birth. Maintaining healthy tissues within the endometrium is crucial for optimal fertility. In fact, endometritis (uterine infection) is a major cause of infertility in mares.

Why do vets put a marble in a horse’s uterus?

It wasn’t so long ago when veterinarians would insert a marble into a mare’s uterus, a common practice for managing estrous cycles. The theory? The marble would act like an embryo and trick the mare’s body into thinking she was pregnant, thus eliminating estrus and “heat-cycle” related behaviors.

How to get uterine culture from a horse?

Uterine culture in mares A guarded, sterile swab is used to obtain samples for uterine culture. With the mare in stocks, the tail bandage and the perineum washed, the culture rod is introduced into the vagina with a gloved hand.

How does a horse know the embryo is in the uterus?

“Between Days 6 and 15, the embryo moves back and forth, going the length of a football field. This movement is unique to the horse, letting the uterus know that the embryo is there.” The uterus responds to the embryo’s free-floating movement by changing the function of the estrous cycle.

Why does a horse need hormones?

These hormones are necessary for the development of eggs and preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Once puberty is reached and the horse starts to have its heat (estrous) cycle, the size and form of the ovaries change.

Can a glass marble help suppress estrus in horses?

Placing a glass marble in the mare’s uterus to suppress estrus was discussed at the 2001 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention by Gary Nie, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACT, Dipl. ABVP.

How do vets find marbles in a horse’s uterus?

In the case of marbles, Diel de Amorim said veterinarians usually find them via uterine palpation or transrectal ultrasound. While they can usually readily detect marbles in a non-pendulous uterus, that isn’t usually true in mares with pendulous uterus, in which case “transrectal ultrasound examination is imperative,” she said.

How does marbles work in horses?

How Does It Work? A marble is placed in the uterus (via the cervix) within 24 hours after ovulation, while the mare is still in heat. The glass ball causes the corpus luteum (CL) on the ovary to remain, producing progesterone–the hormone that keeps a mare out of heat during pregnancy and between heat periods.

Are intrauterine marbles safe for horses?

Intrauterine marbles are usually either 25 or 35 mm in size, the larger (heavier) of which are harder to remove, especially when mares have a pendulous uterus (one that hangs down loosely). These marbles are not medically approved and, despite reported problems associated with their use, cannot be recalled from use, Diel de Amorim said.

When should a uterine culture be taken from a mare?

It is important to obtain, process, and evaluate the sample correctly in order for the culture to provide valuable information about the mare’s reproductive health. If a uterine culture is obtained by the use of a swab sample, it should be taken when the mare is in heat.

How can you tell if a horse has uterine involution?

If there is evidence of pneumovagina or vaginitis, commonly present in slim, fit, racing fillies, or if uterine fluid or discharge is seen, an endometrial swab and biopsy are indicated. In postpartum mares, palpation and ultrasonography per rectum are required to evaluate uterine involution.

How do bacteria get into horses uterus?

The bacteria or fungi enters the uterus by: Urine pooling (urine is able to get inside the uterus) Bacteria enters the uterus when the mare is undergoing a surgical procedure such as artificial insemination or uterine biopsy. The stallion has pathogenic organisms on his penis when mating with the mare.

Can equine embryos be produced from gonadotropins?

Difficulties with manufacturing suitable gonadotropins and the variable response of mares to FSH stimulation have precluded widespread commercial use of this approach to produce equine embryos.

Do Equine embryos produce early pregnancy factor (hsp10), microRNAs and exosomes?

Evidence for production of early pregnancy factor (Hsp10), microRNAs and exosomes by day 8 equine embryos. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 32 398. (10.1016/j.jevs.2012.05.010) [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar]

What is the role of fetal membranes in equine pregnancy?

Implantation and Fetal Membranes. Early in gestation, between roughly day 12 and 15, the equine embryo is round and moves freely throughout the lumen of both uterine horns in response to uterine contractions. Such movement and contact between embryo and endometrium is thought to be a significant part of maternal recognition of pregnancy in horses.