Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
The relation of infection to infertility in the mare and stallion.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1975
- Authors:
- Hughes, J P & Loy, R G
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Some male horses, known as stallions, can carry bacteria in their genital areas without any problems, but this can sometimes cause issues for female horses, or mares, that they mate with. While many mares remain healthy, some can get infections if their natural defenses are weakened. The study found that mares with a specific infection called pyometra (a serious infection of the uterus) showed different patterns in their reproductive cycles; some had irregular cycles while others were normal. In mares with the infection, damage to the uterine lining might have affected hormone production. Overall, the findings suggest that while many mares are fine, some can develop serious issues due to these bacteria.
Abstract
Many normally fertile stallions harbour bacteria in and on the genital organs. Many mares served by such stallions are unaffected by the bacteria to which they are thus exposed; however, some mares so exposed will become infected and diseased. Presumably, the genital defenses of such mares had been compromised. Strain differences in pathogenicity of bacteria do exist. Some mares affected with pyometra had irregular ovarian activity and some had normal ovarian cycles. In the former group, destruction of the endometrium many have prevented the production of endogenous luteolysin. The leukopenia which occurs in both groups is due to neurtropenia.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1157810/