This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Treatments and Medications for Horses » Reproductive Drugs » Reproductive Drug Topics Not Covered Above »
  Discussion on Ovarian Cysts
Author Message

Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2000 - 1:17 pm:

Dr.O
I have had feed back from a few people and the have mentioned ovarian cysts. Is this common in mares of the quarter horse breed or mares in general?
What would the symptoms be?
Are there any visibal signs?
Elevated temp?
Behavior problems?
I would like any information you can offer on this condition.
I know it will be quite a chore to do an ultrasound on this mare as she does not like you doing anything in that area. Is this a sign of discomfort?
Thanks so much,
Dawn

Posted on Sunday, Apr 16, 2000 - 5:51 pm:

It would depend on the nature of the cystic structure. Most commonly would be a persistant corpus luteum, a persistant follicle, or granulosa cell tumor though there are a lot of other possibilities all with different clinical signs. Some of these are covered in difficulty getting mares settled.
DrO

Posted on Monday, Jul 24, 2000 - 8:30 pm:

I have owned an 18 year old bood mare for about two months who was just found to have an enlarged ovary. The ovary is about four times its normal size. A granulosa cell tumor is strongly suspected. She has a filly that is not quite three months old. With some excellent health care and adequate excercise I had hoped to breed her again at least one more time. Her blood lines are very good and I have a stallion in mind that is superb.At this point, I am very concerned those plans may be in jeopardy. The vet tells me the surgery has to be done down state and she is unsure of the cost.
The mare is still nursing, could this affect the tumor's growth, for the better or worse?
Does any one have any idea what the cost of surgery generally runs? The safety of this particular surgery? I do not want in any way shape or form to harm this horse and the more information I can find, the better. Thank you.

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2000 - 6:45 pm:

An update on the message I posted yesterday, I spoke with the Ob/Gyn vet at Cornell University's Large Animal Clinic today and got good news/ bad news from her.
(First, I hope I posted this message correctly as there is not any feed back on it yet. I am still new at this Internet thing.)
My mare is still cycling which only occurs in a very small percentage of mares with granulosa cell tumors.(She has two follicles 2-20 mm on the other ovary.) She is not exhibiting signs of constant heat, being very grumpy or acting like a stallion which are other common behaviors with that particular tumor. She suggested getting blood work done to check estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and inhibin hormone levels just as is suggested in some of the literature I read on this website. I am not sure why my vet did not do that unless she plans on doing it after she gets the results from the uterine culture.
The really bad news is if it is in fact a granulosa cell tumor the cost of the surgery is prohibitive, especially in consideration of her age. The size of the ovary would probably warrant a midline incision rather than a flank incision which is more extensive surgery adding further to the cost. (I hate this part of owning animals!)
She felt there is a possibility of an ovarian hematoma. Does anyone out there have experience with this particular condition? PLEASE share information! She said the mare will typically cycle with this condition and it is self resolving.
I have to discuss this further with my vet. The vet at Cornell also mentioned the ovulation fasca (sp?) is destroyed with granulosa cell tumors and this can sometimes be felt with palpation.
Please share any experiences with either condition. The more I know,the better I can be prepared for whatever has to be done.

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2000 - 2:40 pm:

As long as you have one good ovary with normal hormone levels I would go for it without surgery. There was a recent description of a technique (using the inexpensive and eay to find piece of equipment: the large plastic garbage bag) for removing large tumors through a standing flank surgery. Personally I think I could get an ovary this size (4x normal makes it about the size of a soft ball I would guess) through a standing flank with an ecrasure, if not the traditional colopotomy incision.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC