Equine Reproductive Procedures

Table of Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

List of Contributors

Preface

Section I: Non-Pregnant Mare

Chapter 1: Reproductive Evaluation of the Mare

Introduction

Examination Technique

Other Tests

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 2: Teasing

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 3: Tail Wrap and Preparation/Washing of the Perineum

Introduction

Placement of a Tail Wrap

Washing Perineum Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 4: Placement of a Tail Rope

Introduction

Technique for Tying a Tail Rope

Technique for Using an Elastic Cord to Tie the Mare's Tail to the Stocks

Further Reading

Chapter 5: Perineal Conformation Evaluation

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 6: Removal of a Persistent Hymen

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 7: Palpation of the Reproductive Tract of the Non-Pregnant Mare

Introduction

Palpation Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 8: Ultrasound Evaluation of the Non-Pregnant Mare

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 9: Prediction of Ovulation

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 10: Speculum Examination of the Vagina

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 11: Digital Examination of the Vagina/Cervix

Introduction

Stage of Cycle

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 12: Uterine Culture Collection: Swab/Brush

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 13: Antimicrobiotic Sensitivity Testing

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 14: Microbiology: Microbial Culture

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 15: Microbiology: Gram Stain

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 16: qPCR Assay for the Diagnosis of Infectious Endometritis

Introduction

Sample Collection Technique

qPCR and DNA Sequencing: The Basics

Interpretation of qPCR Data

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 17: Uterine Cytology Collection: Swab/Brush

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 18: Uterine Culture/Cytology: Low Volume Lavage

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 19: Endometrial Biopsy

Introduction

Technique

Biopsy Interpretation

Chapter 20: Hysteroscopic Examination of the Uterus

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 21: Endometrial Cyst Removal

Introduction

Techniques

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 22: Chromosomal Analysis

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Chapter 23: Endocrinological Examination

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 24: Laparoscopic Examination of the Uterus and Ovaries

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 25: Evaluation of the Mammary Gland

Introduction

Techinque

Further Reading

Chapter 26: Antisperm Antibody Testing

Introduction

Techniques

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 27: Starch Granule Test for the Evaluation of Oviductal Patency

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 28: Fluorescent Microspheres Test for Evaluation of Oviductal Patency

Introduction

Transvaginal Ultrasound Technique

Laparoscope Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 29: Oviductal Flush Procedure for the Evaluation of Oviductal Patency

Introduction

Retrograde Oviductal Flush Technique

Normograde Oviductal Flush (Laparotomy Approach) Technique

Normograde Oviductal Flush (Laparoscopic Approach) Technique

Chapter 30: Prostaglandin E2 Treatment for Blocked Oviducts

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Chapter 31: Uterine Lavage

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 32: Uterine Infusion

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 33: Restraint for Breeding

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 34: Natural Service: Pasture Breeding

Introduction

Pasture Breeding Programs

Further Reading

Chapter 35: Natural Service: In-hand Breeding

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 36: Breeding Stitches

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 37: Reinforcement Breeding

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 38: Breeding with Fresh or Cooled Semen

Introduction

Pre-Insemination Technique

Insemination Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 39: Insemination Through a Vaginal Speculum

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 40: Breeding with Frozen Semen

Introduction

Administration of an Ovulation Induction Agent

Management Strategy with One Dose of Semen Available per Cycle

Management Strategy with Two Doses of Semen Available per Cycle

Breeding Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 41 41: Deep Horn Insemination

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 42: Hysteroscopic (Low Dose) Insemination

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 43: Caslick Operation or Vulvoplasty

Introduction

Initial Stage of Technique

Temporary Staple Technique

Comments on the Staple Technique

Permanent Suture Technique

Comments on the Surgical Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 44: Contagious Equine Metritis Testing

Introduction

Mare Diagnosis

Mare Treatment

Stallion Diagnosis

Stallion Treatment

Further Reading

Chapter 45: Management of Seasonal Anestrus: Artificial Photoperiod

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 46: Management of Seasonal Anestrus: Hormone Therapy

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 47: Hormone Therapy in Cycling Mares

Introduction

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and GnRH Agonists

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Progesterone and Progestins

Estrogens

Prostaglandins

Oxytocin

Dopamine Antagonists (Domperidone and Sulpiride)

Further Reading

Chapter 48: Estrus Suppression

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 49: Use of an Intrauterine Ball in Estrus Suppression

Introduction

Technique of Intrauterine Ball Placement

Technique of Intrauterine Ball Removal

Interpretation

Chapter 50: Harvesting and Shipping Ovaries for Oocyte Recovery

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Section II: Pregnant Mare

Chapter 51: Embryo Collection

Introduction

Flush Procedure

Embryo Search

Extra Flush Procedure

Washing the Embryo

Interpretation

Futher Reading

Chapter 52: Embryo Evaluation

Introduction

Developmental Stages

Embryo Grading

Determination of Embryo Size

Further Reading

Chapter 53: Embryo Biopsy

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 54: Embryo Packaging for Cooled Transport

Introduction

Technique for Packaging Embryos for Cooled Transport

Technique for Receiving and Handling a Shipped Embryo

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 55: Embryo Cryopreservation

Introduction

Vitrification Technique

Warming (Thawing) and Transfer Technique

Additional Comments

Chapter 56: Non-Surgical Embryo Transfer

Introduction

Transfer Technique

Management of the Recipient Mare After Transfer

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 57: Palpation of the Pregnant Mare Per Rectum

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 58: Ultrasound Examination of the Pregnant Mare

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 59: Speculum Examination of the Pregnant Mare

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Additional Comments: Potential Risks

Further Reading

Chapter 60: Ultrasound Determination of Fetal Sex

Introduction

Technique: 55–90 Days of Gestation

Technique: 90–150 Days of Gestation

Technique: After 150 Days of Gestation

Interpretation

Chapter 61: Assessment of Fetal Well-being

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 62: Combined Thickness of the Uterus and Placenta

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Chapter 63: Doppler Ultrasonography

Introduction

Technique for Assessing a Pregnant Mare and Fetus

Technique for Assessing a Stallion

Technique for Assessing Ovaries

Further Reading

Chapter 64: Prediction of Fetal Age

Introduction

Embryo Characteristics

Chapter 65: Twin Reduction: Manual Technique

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 66: Twin Reduction: Transvaginal Aspiration

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 67: Twin Reduction: Cranio-Cervical Dislocation

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 68: Twin Reduction: Transabdominal Fetal Cardiac Puncture

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 69: Elective Termination of Pregnancy

Introduction

Technique

Other Methods to Terminate an Equine Pregnancy

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 70: Abortion Diagnostic Evaluation: Sample Collection in the Field and Submission

Introduction

Technique

Submission Protocols

Samples for Submission

Further Reading

Chapter 71: Endocrine Evaluation of Pregnancy

Introduction

Hormonal Tests for Pregnancy

Additional Comments

Chapter 72: Treatment of Vaginal Varicosities

Introduction

Technique for Endoscopic Examination

Technique for Laser Photocoagulation of Varicosities Using an Nd:YAG Laser

Interpretation

Chapter 73: Manual Correction of Uterine Torsion

Introduction

Technique for Manual Rotation of the Uterus Through the Cervix

Technique for Rolling (Plank in the Flank)

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 74: Preparation of the Mare for Foaling

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 75: Assessment of Mammary Gland Secretions to Predict Foaling

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 76: Assessment of pH of Mammary Gland Secretions to Predict Foaling

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 77: Monitoring of Peri-Parturient Mares Using Video and Web Cameras

Introduction

Wired Camera Systems

Wireless Camera Systems

Internet/Web-Based Camera Systems

Interpretation

Chapter 78: Foaling Alert: Vulvar Device

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 79: Positional Labor Alert Devices

Introduction

Halter Devices

Halter Device Technique

Girth Device Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 80: Induction of Parturition

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 81: Premature Separation of the Placenta

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 82: Dystocia Management

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 83: Dystocia Correction

Introduction

Technique

Further Reading

Chapter 84: Fetotomy

Introduction

Fetotomy Instruments

Technique

Specific Fetotomy Cuts

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 85: Epidural

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 86: Induction of Lactation to Create a Nurse Mare

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 87: Screening the Pregnant Mare to Prevent Neonatal Isoerythrolysis

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Section III: Postpartum Mare

Chapter 88: Evaluation of Colostrum Specific Gravity

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 89: Evaluation of Colostrum Quality: Brix Refractometry

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 90: Colostrum Banking

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 91: Obtaining Milk from the Mare

Introduction

Hand Milking Technique

Milk Pump Technique

Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 92: Placental Evaluation

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 93: Removal of Retained Placenta

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 94: Abdominocentesis in the Postpartum Mare

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 95: Uterine Prolapse Treatment

Introduction

Immediate Prolapse Treatment

Technique for Replacing a Uterine Prolapse

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 96: Buhner Needle Placement of a Perivulvar Suture

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Section IV: Stallion

Chapter 97: Breeding Soundness Evaluation of the Stallion

Introduction

Examination Technique

Other Tests

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Chapter 98: Training of a Stallion to Use a Phantom

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 99: Missouri Artificial Vagina

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 100: Colorado Model Artificial Vagina

Introduction

Technique for Assembly of the Colorado Model Artificial Vagina

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 101: Roanoke Artificial Vagina

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 102: Hannover Artificial Vagina

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 103: Teaser Stallions

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 104: Standing Semen Collection

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 105: Chemical Ejaculation

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 106: Preparation of a Jump Mare or a Mare for Natural Cover

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 107: Washing the Penis

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 108: Evaluation of Sexual Behavior in the Stallion

Introduction

Evaluation of Sexual Behavior

Further Reading

Chapter 109: Calibrated Spectrophotometer Evaluation of Sperm Concentration

Introduction

Technique Using a Spectrophotometer

Technique Using a Photometer

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 110: Hemocytometer Evaluation of Sperm Concentration

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 111: NucleoCounter® Evaluation of Sperm Concentration and Viability

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 112: Visual Evaluation of Sperm Motility

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 113: Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 114: Eosin-Nigrosin Staining in the Evaluation of Sperm

Introduction

Semen Staining Technique

Semen Smearing Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 115: Evaluation of Sperm Morphology

Introduction

Technique

Classification of Sperm Abnormalities

Abnormal Sperm Morphology

Interpretation

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 116: Determination of Daily Sperm Output

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Chapter 117: Measurement of Testicular Size and Estimation of Daily Sperm Output

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 118: Wet Mount Evaluation of Sperm

Introduction

Preparation of a Wet Mount

Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy

Phase-Contrast Microscopy

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 119: Diff-Quik® Evaluation of Round Cells and Sperm

Introduction

Technique to Assess Round Cells

Technique to Assess Spermatozoa

Rinsing of Slides

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 120: Electron Microscopy of Semen

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 121: Bacterial Culture in the Stallion

Introduction

Technique for Culturing a Stallion's External Genitalia

Technique for Culturing Fresh Cooled Semen

Technique for Culturing Frozen Semen

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 122: Evaluation of pH and Osmolarity of Semen

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 123: Alkaline Phosphatase: A Marker for Ejaculation

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Chapter 124: Diagnosis and Management of Urospermia

Introduction

Testing for Urospermia

Technique for the Management of Urospermia

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 125: Semen Extenders and Sperm Media

Semen Extenders

Sperm Media

Chapter 126: Preparation of Semen for Cooled Transport

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 127: Packing Semen for Cooled Transport

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 128: Longevity Testing of Sperm

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 129: Calculation of g Force for Centrifuging Semen

Introduction

Technique

Reference

Chapter 130: Centrifugation of Semen: Standard Technique

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 131: Centrifugation of Semen: Cushion Technique

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 132: Centrifugation of Semen: Selection of Motile Sperm Using a Single Layer Colloid Technique

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 133: Semen Freezing

Introduction

Technique for Loading Straws with Extended Semen

Technique for Freezing Straws of Extended Semen

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 134: Thawing Frozen Semen

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 135: Preparing a Vapor Shipper

Introduction

Disinfection Technique

Filling Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 136: Loading a Vapor Shipper

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 137: Maintaining a Long-Term Frozen Semen Storage Tank

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 138: Harvesting and Shipping Testes

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 139: Epididymal Sperm Recovery

Introduction

Technique

Alternative Seminal Plasma Processing

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 140: Endoscopic Examination of the Urethra

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 141: Palpation and Ultrasonography of the Testis, Epididymis, and Spermatic Cord

Introduction

Safety and Restraint

Technique

Interpretation

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 142: Palpation and Ultrasonography of the Accessory Sex Glands

Introduction

Anatomy

Safety and Restraint

Technique

Interpretation

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 143: Radiographic Examination of the Penis

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 144: Testicular Biopsy and Aspiration

Introduction

Technique for an Incisional (Wedge) Biopsy

Technique for a Split Needle Biopsy

Technique for Fine Needle Aspiration

Interpretation

Chapter 145: Assessment of Sperm Plasma Membrane Integrity and Viability: Propidium Iodide/SYBR-14

Introduction

Stock Solutions

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 146: Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 147: Hypo-Osmotic Swelling Test

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 148: Assessment of Sperm Acrosomal Status: FITC PNA

Introduction

Stock Solutions

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 149: Assessment of Sperm Mitochondrial Function: JC-1 and Rhodamine 123

Introduction

Stock Solutions

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 150: Equine Viral Arteritis Testing

Introduction

Technique

Treatment

Outcome and Prognosis

Prevention

Client Education

Chapter 151: Diagnostic Endocrinology: Baseline Hormone Levels

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 152: Diagnostic Endocrinology: GnRH Stimulation Tests

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 153: Diagnostic Endocrinology: hCG Stimulation Test

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 154: Diagnostic Endocrinology: Estrogen Conjugate Assay

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 155: Probang Apparatus

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 156: Support Apparatus for Paraphimosis

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Section V: Newborn Foal

Chapter 157: Birth Resuscitation

Introduction

Birth Resuscitation Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 158: Evaluation of Passive Transfer

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation and Additional Comments

Enzyme Immunoassay

Further Reading

Chapter 159: Colostral Administration via Naso-Gastric Intubation

Introduction

Technique

Interpretation

Further Reading

Chapter 160: Routine Care

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Chapter 161: Foal Rejection

Introduction

Technique

Additional Comments

Further Reading

Section VI: Appendices

Appendix 1: Society for Theriogenology Stallion Reproductive Evaluation Form

Appendix 2: Mare Breeding Soundness Evaluation Form

Appendix 3: Formulary for Equine Reproduction

Appendix 4: Foaling Kit and Associated Equipment and Supplies

Index

End User License Agreement

List of Illustrations

Figure 2.1

Figure 2.2

Figure 3.1

Figure 3.2

Figure 3.3

Figure 3.4

Figure 3.5

Figure 3.6

Figure 3.7

Figure 3.8

Figure 3.9

Figure 3.10

Figure 3.11

Figure 4.1

Figure 4.2

Figure 4.3

Figure 4.4

Figure 4.5

Figure 4.6

Figure 4.7

Figure 4.8

Figure 5.1

Figure 5.2

Figure 5.3

Figure 5.4

Figure 6.1

Figure 6.2

Figure 7.1

Figure 7.2

Figure 7.3

Figure 7.4