Reproduction and Breeding Services

Breeding your horse is an exciting undertaking that requires the assistance of a skilled veterinary team. The Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center provides reproductive services for mare owners. Our reproductive team is compromised of Drs. Gemma Gerardi and Katy Sullivan.
 
Breeding Soundness Examination:
 
  • Perineal conformation evaluation
  • Palpation and ultrasonography of reproductive tract per rectum
  • Manual and speculum examination of caudal reproductive tract
  • Uterine culture and cytology procedures
  • Endometrial (uterine) biopsy and histopathology interpretation

 

Breeding Management:

  • Assessment of whether mare is in estrus
  • Regular palpation and ultrasound examination to follow estrus cycle
  • Hormonal therapy to induce ovulation for timed breeding
  • Artificial insemination:
Cooled-extended semen – typically shipped overnight and inseminated within 24 hours of ovulation
Frozen semen – stored in liquid nitrogen on site; requires more intensive monitoring of ovulation activity in order to inseminate within 6 hours of ovulation.
  • Post-insemination management to ensure uterine health for conception
 
The Problem Mare:
 
  • Evaluation of potential systemic causes of decreased fertility, ex. undiagnosed PPID
  • Uterine health: endoscopy, cytology, culture, lavage, infusion of antimicrobials if necessary
  • Hormonal management of estrus cycle and ovulation
  • Integrative medicine: use of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medical herbs to support fertility, conception, and maintenance of pregnancy.
 
Maintenance of Pregnancy:
 
  • Close monitoring of the early embryonic development beginning around day 14 to day 60
  • Monitoring fetal, placental and hormonal heath and development during gestation
  • Caslicks procedure
  • Exogenous progesterone support, ex. altrenogest (Regumate)
  • Ensuring health of the mare prior to foaling: vaccination, adequate nutrition, etc.
  • Preparation for foaling
 
Post-foaling Care:
 
Foal
  • Nursing and ambulating normally
  • Neonatal physical exam
  • Dipping and monitoring of umbilicus
  • IgG Snap Test to ensure adequate passive transfer of immunity via colostrum
  • Additional medical intervention: tube feeding colostrum, hyperimmune plasma administration, angular limb deformity management, antimicrobial administration, etc.
  • Evaluation and referral to clinic for intensive care (NICU)
Mare
  • Attentiveness to foal
  • Perineal assessment for trauma
  • Producing adequate milk
  • Evaluation of uterus, especially if planning to breed back
  • Deworm within 24 hours with oral Ivermectin paste
  • Fetal membrane examination
  • We also offer on-site storage for frozen semen.