Uterine Culture and Cytology in Breeding Mares and Horses
by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

A major cause of infertility in mares is acute bacterial and fungal infections of the lining of the uterus called the endometrium, the disease is called endometritis. Common sense and several research papers show the problem has been over diagnosed in the past using culture as the only tool. The reason is it is near impossible to get into the uterus without contamination by normal bacterial flora in the vagina, cervix, and even the uterus normally may have some bacteria, particularly when in heat. This results in unnecessary treatments and lost breeding time in many cases. When faced with an infertile mare, a review of the mares history, a general exam, and then more specific diagnostic procedures like cytology and culture should be performed...more. This article is about proper diagnosis of endometritis through interpretation of cytology and culture results. Once diagnosed links to articles on treatment are provided.

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