Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Cervix Disease, Injuries, Tears, Incompetence
Summary
The cervix is a fibrous muscular tube separating the vagina from the uterus. It is a vital doorway to the inner reproductive tract of the mare and barrier to infection of the uterus. The cervix should be open when the mare is in heat, closed when she is out of heat, and tightly closed and sealed when she is pregnant.
Problems with the cervix can take many forms but can be grouped into conditions that either obstruct the door or leave it open to the outside world. In either case, reproduction may be compromised.
The cervix can be torn or damaged during foaling. Generally, this results in a cervix that cannot close properly to protect the pregnancy. Contamination of the pregnancy by bacteria results in pregnancy loss.
Any irritation or injury to the cervix can cause ulceration of the inner surface, which heals as an adhesion or spot weld.
Any condition causing inability of the cervix to open properly means that normal uterine drainage is interfered with, and infection can develop. Old maiden mares (mares that have never foaled) tend to have a rigid cervix that opens poorly. This is one of the reasons these mares tend to be infertile.
Cervical lacerations can be treated with surgery in some cases. Recurrence of cervical tears at foaling is common.
Other vet treatments may or may not help cervix function.
Problems with the cervix can take many forms but can be grouped into conditions that either obstruct the door or leave it open to the outside world. In either case, reproduction may be compromised.
The cervix can be torn or damaged during foaling. Generally, this results in a cervix that cannot close properly to protect the pregnancy. Contamination of the pregnancy by bacteria results in pregnancy loss.
Any irritation or injury to the cervix can cause ulceration of the inner surface, which heals as an adhesion or spot weld.
Any condition causing inability of the cervix to open properly means that normal uterine drainage is interfered with, and infection can develop. Old maiden mares (mares that have never foaled) tend to have a rigid cervix that opens poorly. This is one of the reasons these mares tend to be infertile.
Cervical lacerations can be treated with surgery in some cases. Recurrence of cervical tears at foaling is common.
Other vet treatments may or may not help cervix function.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis depends upon severity and nature of condition.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What is the likelihood of recurrence of this cervical condition in the future?
Prevention
Evaluate your mares after breeding and after foaling for trauma or other injury. Follow up with your vet if you are concerned your mare's cervix is compromised.