Untitled

REPRODUCTIVE EVALUATION
A mare reproductive evaluation has some very important applications. If someone is purchasing a mare with the intent of breeding her at some point, it would be wise to have a full reproductive evaluation done prior to purchase. It is not uncommon for mares to have underlying issues that were previously undetected. An evaluation is certainly recommended whenever trauma or injury has occurred to the reproductive tract. Quite often, injuries arise during the foaling process. A timely evaluation post-foaling will assess the damage so corrections can be made to preserve future pregnancies. If a mare has any history of fertility problems, a full evaluation may detect a reason for the subfertility and help to better understand the chances of her ever getting in foal and maintaining a pregnancy. In an attempt to recognize potential complications, many breeders elect to have a reproductive evaluation done prior to the breeding season. Certain management schemes can be put in place to help sustain a pregnancy if issues are detected early.

The mare reproductive evaluation at HFRC includes an examination of the perineal (vulvar) region; palpation and ultrasonography of the reproductive tract, vaginal speculum examination, and culture, cytology and biopsy of the uterus. Shortly after the results are compiled, a full report is provided to the mare owner describing the findings and making recommendations with regard to treatment, breeding procedures, and suitability of the mare for breeding.

Mare and Foal health care

SUBFERTILITY MANAGEMENT
Each breeding season, there are a number of mares that come to HFRC for specialty management. These mares typically have a history of abortion, early embryonic death or failure to conceive. A thorough diagnostic evaluation may initially be warranted in order to determine the possible cause(s) of subfertility. The best chances for a sustained pregnancy may only come when these mares undergo very detailed management practices. Routine ultrasound examinations are very important when assessing ovarian or uterine characteristics. Close attention is paid to follicle growth patterns, impending ovulation, uterine edema, cysts, fluid retention within the uterus and insemination frequency and volume. Management of these mares may include minimizing inseminations, performing uterine infusions and lavages, and administering hormonal treatment. The experience, technology and personnel at HFRC has established a management program to help with the special needs of breeding operations.

Fee: none

CEM QUARANTINE TESTING
Similar to stallions, mares that are imported into the U.S. as 2 year olds or older will have to undergo testing for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM). HFRC has been approved to perform CEM quarantine testing on stallions and mares. Non-pregnant and pregnant mares need to endure 14-17 days of teasing which includes blood testing (pregnant mares), as well as multiple cultures of the clitoral fossa and sinuses, endometrium of the uterus (non-pregnant mares) and cervix. After culturing is complete, the external genitalia, vaginal vestibule, fossa and clitoral areas are all washed with chlorhexidine scrub and packed with nitrofurazone ointment for 5 consecutive days.

Fee; none

FOALING SERVICES
For those mares who have a history of foaling problems, or for extra concerned owners, we offer several services aimed at helping a pregnancy go smoothly. We offer ultra-sounds, as well as emergency cesarean sections for foaling complications. We also offer an in-patient service wherebyyou mare comes to stay with us for the duration of her pregnancy. Experienced staff are on-site 24 hours a day to attend and, if necessary, assist in the foaling process. To aid in identifying the exact time of foaling, we have incorporated the foal-alert system into our management scheme. Simply, a small transmitter is sutured to the vulvar lips of the foaling mare. As the foal passes through the birth canal, two parts of the transmitter separate thus sending a radio signal to a nearby receiver. This in turn emits a loud beeping sound which is heard by the attendant staying in the apartments across from the clinic. Mares recieve the best in treatment possible, and our surrounding are perfect. Each mare recieves a maximum of six hours turn out each day, usually between the hourse of 7:00 am and 10:00 am, and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Mares are placed on a special foaling diet, with pleantly of supplemnts. Mares are fed thrice daily, at 6;00 am, 12;00 pm and 5;00 pm.