Reproductive Medicine

Reproductive Medicine

The medical management of stallions and broodmares is an important aspect of equine medicine. This is an area where scientific enquiry and technology have made tremendous advances.  Artificial insemination with cooled and frozen transported semen, which is routine today, was just being developed and put into practice only 30 years ago. During this time, embryo transfer has become widespread and even cloning has been successfully performed.

 

Still, the basics of good broodmare medicine have not undergone a sea-change; the goal is to breed a mare with good quality semen near the time of ovulation.  Ultrasound examination of the mare’s reproductive tract allows us to identify when the mare ovulates and to detect abnormalities in the reproductive tract that would prevent conception.

There is nothing quite so exciting for a horse owner than witnessing the birth of a foal from their favorite mare. This event is explosive and easy to miss, and normally goes without a hitch. But when it doesn’t, immediate veterinary attention can potentially be life-saving for both the mare and foal.  Even when everything goes smoothly (which it usually does), we look forward to meeting and examining new foals in their first day of life.  It is important to confirm appropriate colostrum consumption in all babies and palpate for abnormalities.  We also like to share in the fun!

The Salem Valley Veterinary Clinic staff is ready to help guide the horse owner through all aspects of breeding the mare and foaling her out.  

www.salemvalleyvet.com