Endometritis and Infertility in the Mare – The Challenge in Equine Breeding Industry–A Review

Abstract

Most major infertility problems are complex and several factors can cause failure to produce offspring. In the last few years, much of the efforts of practitioners and researchers working in equine breeding industry have been directed to individuate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying poor reproductive performances in mares. Endometritis is on the talk in much of the recent research as the most frequent cause of subfertility in mares that cycle normally but do not conceive and in mares that cycle normally and conceive but then suffer early embryonic death. Post-breeding persistent endometritis, bacterial and other infective endometritis and poor uterine clearance have all been discussed in an attempt to define risk factors and a diagnostic algorithm. The aim of this chapter is to perform a thorough review of recent literature about endometritis. The diagnostic algorithms are carefully examined, highlighting pros as well as pitfalls of each diagnostic aid. Suggested therapeutic protocols are examined in the effort to detect what is actually recommended and what would better benefit from further corroboration. The idea that a better etiopathogenetical understanding of the endometritis remains the key to access to a correct diagnostic protocol and to a successful therapeutic plan will inspire this chapter.

The role of centrifuged liquid-based cytology in the evaluation of the endometrium in mares

“…(13.9%) from uterine cultures. The yeast and fungal species isolated in the present study are similar to those isolated in previous research (CODAZZA et al, 1973;PATGIRI and UPPAL, 1983;DASCANIO et al, 2001;PASOLINI et al, 2016). In the present study, cladosporium spp.…”

“…The microbial species isolated from uteri in the present study are similar to those reported to have been isolated in previous research (ALBIHN et al, 2003;RIDDLE et al, 2007;LE BLANC et al, 2007;BUCZKOWSKA et al, 2014a;PASOLINI et al, 2016). In the research conducted by LEBLANC et al (2007), RIDDLE et al (2007) and BUCZKOWSKA et al (2014a), mostly non-pathogenic bacteria were reported to have been isolated.…”

“…and Aspergillus spp. are reportedly the most common yeast and mold species isolated from uterine cultures (DASCANIO et al, 2001;PASOLINI et al, 2016). In their study on infertile horses, DASCANIO et al (2001), reported that they isolated C. albicans, A. Fumigates and Rhizopus equi from the cervix and uterus of the animals they examined.…”

Subclinical endometritis in a mare by Curvularia spicifera and Escherichia coli co-infection

“…Equine endometritis is an important cause of infertility and subfertility in mares and is associated with major economic losses to the horse industry worldwide. Fungal endometritis is a relatively rare cause of infertility in the mare (only 1-7 % of all cases of endometritis) (Pasolini et al 2016) and usually occurs if their immune system is compromised or as a consequence of repeated intrauterine antibiotic treatments (Coutinho da Silva and Alvarenga 2011). However, it remains a challenge to the clinicians due to difficulties in diagnosing, a high rate of recurrence and a reserved prognosis for ongoing fertility.…”

Prevalence, Influential Factors and Oestrus Behaviour of Mares with Pneumovagina in a Tropical Region

“…Failure of reproduction in stud farms management is considered a critical issue and need to be addressed to ensure the investment of elite mares for optimal profitability (Ashbury, 1992). Pneumovagina is one of the factors affecting sound breeding performance in mares (Pycock, 2009;Pasolini et al, 2016); therefore, a physical examination of the reproductive system including evaluating pneumovagina should be conducted to predict the fertility potential of mares. Vanniasingham et al (1985) conducted a study on equine breeding management in Malaysia; however, the study lacked details on pneumovagina.…”