Less Common
Rare
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
Irregular Heat Cycle, Spring Transition
Synonyms: Transitional Mare
Summary
Mares are seasonal breeders, meaning that they only show estrus cycles during the spring, summer and early fall. During the winter months during the short photo-period (hours of daylight) most mares in the Northern Hemisphere are not cycling. When palpated on rectal exam, their ovaries are small and there are not any obvious eggs (follicles) forming on their surface.
When the days lengthen, hormones cause the ovaries to enlarge and the mare to return to cyclic heat periods. The first heat cycles of the year (February through early April) are often irregular. Some may not result in normal ovulation. For this reason, mares may be difficult to breed during the early part of the breeding season.
Various treatments are used to encourage mares to have normal heat cycles at this time, but it is important to first know what you are trying to accomplish.
When the days lengthen, hormones cause the ovaries to enlarge and the mare to return to cyclic heat periods. The first heat cycles of the year (February through early April) are often irregular. Some may not result in normal ovulation. For this reason, mares may be difficult to breed during the early part of the breeding season.
Various treatments are used to encourage mares to have normal heat cycles at this time, but it is important to first know what you are trying to accomplish.
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.
Less Common
Rare
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is good, as the days become longer. Unfortunately, this may significantly delay successful breeding unless steps are taken proactively to address it.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Do you have any protocols that may normalize the mare's reproductive cycle in the early part of the breeding season?
Prevention
Mares can be put under artificial light in the preceding Fall to cause them to cycle early in the season. There are a variety of other methods of hormonal manipulation that may improve the situation.
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
