Estrous Behavior in Mules—An Owner's Perspective

Heaton, Kyle; Ragle, Claude A.; Godderidge, Micall T.; Farrell, Alanna; Tibary, Ahmed

doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2017.09.010

Cited by 9 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Moreover, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) has been described to be effective in sterilizing single-use devices allowing the cost reduction [28,50]. Differently from the horse mare, whose reproductive integrity can be preserved for breeding purposes [17], ovariectomy can be a more likely option in mules, compared to the hormonal treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the same survey when owners were asked to rate how much the behavioral changes interfered with the mollies ability to perform, 48% answered that it was mildly affected, 30% moderately affected, and 22% severely affected. Thirty-five percent of the respondents said that for this reason, they would consider having ovariectomy performed on their molly [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

Petrizzi

Straticò

Cuomo

et al. 2020

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

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Mules are hybrids bred from the mating of a jack donkey and a horse mare, known for their strength and resistance and still used to work in agriculture. Although they have been for long considered sterile, evidence of estrus cycle has been demonstrated together with abnormal behavior related to ovarian activity. In this study, a bilateral standing laparoscopic ovariectomy technique using the LigaSure technology was applied in 10 mare mules for treating unwanted behavioral patterns. The technique was effectively performed on these animals avoiding the risk of general anesthesia, and the use of the LigaSure technology allowed good hemostasis and reduced surgical time. Owners declared to be satisfied with the resolution of the behavior.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

Petrizzi

Straticò

Cuomo

et al. 2020

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

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“…In the same survey, only 1% of respondents believed that their mare’s performance was not affected by ovarian activity. The estrus cycle seems to also affect mollies [ 4 , 5 ]. In a study, Heaton and colleagues reported that about 70% of investigated mollies showed estrus-related behavior, which was described as frequent urination, mouthing, excessive tail whipping, working performance issues, unwillingness to work, and tail whipping.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the case of mares, owners’ complaints relate to reluctance to engage the hind limb, poor behavior under the saddle, tail wagging, squealing, and clitoral eversion. In some cases, aggressiveness towards other horses or people is reported [ 1 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioral Disorders in Mares with Ovarian Disorders, Outcome after Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Series

Straticò

Hattab

Carluccio

et al. 2023

Veterinary Sciences

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Owner complaints of estrus-related behavior in mares are a common cause of referral for laparoscopic ovariectomy. Granulosa cell tumors are a common neoplastic condition affecting the equine ovary, causing behavioral changes at rest and reduced performance. The reported success rate of ovariectomy in treating behavioral disorders is 64–86%. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term follow-up of laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares in our case series, focusing on the owner’s perspective of the behavior of the mares after surgery. In addition, the histopathological features of the removed ovaries were investigated. The clinical records of mares that underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Owners complaining of poor behavior were interviewed about the main behavioral problem leading to referral and its eventual resolution after surgery. Eleven mares were included. The most common complaints were increased sensitivity on both flanks (10/11, 91%) and general riding problems (9/11, 82%). In 5/11 cases (45%), both ovaries were removed by laparoscopic ovariectomy. Histopathologic findings consistent with GCT/GTCT were found in five out of six examined ovaries (five granulosa theca cell tumors, GTCT). According to owner interviews, the scores assigned to each behavior improved significantly after surgery, regardless of histological findings. Although many factors can influence the behavior of horses, granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) proved to be a common cause and, as reported by the owners, ovariectomy resulted in improvement or complete resolution of the abnormal behavior.

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“…Although mule mares are sterile, they show a rather variable oestrus [ 2 ]. During this period, they may present typical unwanted modification of behaviour such as reluctance to work, aggression, kicking and biting [ 3 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analgesic and Sedative Effects of Epidural Lidocaine-Xylazine in Elective Bilateral Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

Vullo

Tambella

Meligrana³

et al. 2021

Animals

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The purpose of this study was to determine the analgesic efficacy and safety of epidural lidocaine-xylazine administration in standing mules undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in order to suppress unwanted behaviour. Eight mule mares were sedated with intramuscular 0.05 mg/kg acepromazine followed by 1.3 mg/kg of xylazine and 0.02 mg/kg of butorphanol intravenously. Sedation was maintained by a constant rate infusion of 0.6 mg/kg/h of xylazine. The paralumbar fossae were infiltrated with 30 mL of 2% lidocaine. Epidural anaesthesia was performed at the first intercoccygeal space with 0.2 mg/kg of lidocaine and 0.17 mg/kg of xylazine. After 15 min, bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, invasive arterial blood pressure, degree of analgesia, sedation and ataxia were evaluated during surgery. The laparoscopic ovariectomy was successfully completed in all animals. Sedation and analgesia were considered satisfactory in six out of the eight mules. In conclusion, caudal epidural block allowed surgery to be easily completed in six out of eight. The animals did not show any signs of discomfort associated with nociception and were mostly calm during the procedures, however additional studies are needed to establish epidural doses of xylazine and lidocaine that result in reliable abdominal pain control in mules for standing ovariectomy.

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Estrous Behavior in Mules—An Owner's Perspective

Cited by 9 publications

References 13 publications

Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

Behavioral Disorders in Mares with Ovarian Disorders, Outcome after Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Series

Analgesic and Sedative Effects of Epidural Lidocaine-Xylazine in Elective Bilateral Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

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