Pre-breeding examinations

A pre-breeding examination allows us to assess whether a mare or stallion is reproductively healthy and identify any factors that could affect fertility.

For mares, this may include:

• Reviewing age, health and previous breeding history

• Assessing vulval conformation

• Examining the vagina and cervix

• Transrectal palpation

• Ultrasound examination of the ovaries and uterus

• Screening for uterine inflammation or infection

• Endometrial swabs, cytology or low-volume uterine lavage

• Uterine biopsy, where appropriate

• Infectious-disease testing where required

Pre-breeding examinations may be particularly beneficial for older mares, barren mares, maiden mares and those with a history of pregnancy loss, difficult foaling or reduced fertility.

Stallion assessments may include a general physical and reproductive examination, evaluation of the reproductive organs, infectious-disease screening and semen collection and analysis where indicated.

Reproductive cycle monitoring

Correctly identifying the mare’s stage of cycle and predicting ovulation are essential for successful breeding.

Ultrasound examinations allow us to monitor:

• Follicular development

• Changes within the uterus

• The mare’s response to hormonal treatment

• The approach and timing of ovulation

• Fluid or inflammation within the uterus

• Post-breeding uterine clearance

The frequency of examinations will depend on the type of breeding and whether natural covering or fresh, chilled or frozen semen is being used.

Ovulation-inducing medication may be recommended when appropriate, helping to coordinate insemination or covering with the mare’s most fertile period.

Pregnancy diagnosis

Early pregnancy diagnosis is generally carried out by ultrasound approximately 14–16 days after ovulation.

An early scan allows us to:

• Confirm whether the mare is pregnant

• Identify twin pregnancies

• Assess the uterus and early pregnancy

• Arrange further treatment or monitoring where necessary

• Prepare for the next reproductive cycle if the mare is not in foal

Further scans may be recommended at approximately 28 days to check for an embryonic heartbeat and at around 42 days to confirm that the pregnancy is progressing normally.

Additional monitoring can be arranged according to the mare’s age, reproductive history and level of risk.

Twin management

Twin pregnancies present a serious risk to both the mare and developing foals. Most mares cannot successfully carry twins to term, and twin pregnancies are associated with pregnancy loss, abortion, premature delivery and the birth of weak or compromised foals.

Early ultrasound examination is vital because it allows twins to be identified at a stage when they may be managed more successfully.

If twins are detected, our stud vet will explain the available options and recommend the most appropriate course of action based on the age, position and development of the pregnancies.

Fertility investigations

A detailed reproductive investigation may be recommended if a mare:

• Does not conceive after repeated breeding attempts

• Has irregular or abnormal oestrous cycles

• Has experienced early embryonic loss

• Has previously aborted

• Has delivered prematurely

• Regularly accumulates uterine fluid after breeding

• Has a known or suspected reproductive abnormality

• Has not produced a foal despite previous breeding attempts

The aim is to identify potential causes of reduced fertility and develop a practical treatment and management plan.

Investigations may include ultrasound, endometrial swabs, cytology, uterine culture, low-volume lavage, uterine biopsy, hysteroscopy or specific blood tests.

Successful conception depends on both the mare and stallion. Semen quality, semen handling and the timing of breeding may therefore also be reviewed as part of the investigation.

Barren mare examinations

A mare is described as barren when she has previously been bred but is not currently in foal. This may be due to failure to conceive, early pregnancy loss, abortion or reproductive problems following a previous foaling.

A barren mare examination allows us to investigate potential contributing factors before the next breeding attempt.

This may involve:

• Reviewing previous breeding and foaling history

• Assessing reproductive conformation

• Ultrasound examination of the ovaries and uterus

• Checking for uterine fluid, cysts or abnormalities

• Screening for infection or inflammation

• Assessing the cervix

• Investigating delayed uterine clearance

• Evaluating the mare’s general health and body condition

Where a problem is identified, we can recommend treatment and advise on the most appropriate breeding plan.

Post-breeding examinations and treatment

Some mares, particularly older mares and those with reduced uterine clearance, may develop inflammation or fluid within the uterus after covering or insemination.

Post-breeding ultrasound examinations can be used to confirm ovulation and assess the uterus. Where treatment is required, this may include uterine lavage, oxytocin or other medication tailored to the individual mare.

Prompt management of post-breeding inflammation can help create a healthier uterine environment for conception and early pregnancy.

Care of the pregnant mare

Once pregnancy has been confirmed, we can provide ongoing veterinary support throughout gestation.

This may include:

• Routine pregnancy scans

• Monitoring high-risk pregnancies

• Investigation of premature udder development or vulval discharge

• Diagnosis and management of placentitis

• Vaccination and parasite-control advice

• Nutritional and body-condition guidance

• Preparation for foaling

• Reopening a Caslick’s procedure before delivery

• Advice on signs of impending foaling and when to call the vet

Every pregnancy is different. The monitoring programme will be based on the mare’s age, health, breeding history and any concerns identified during pregnancy. For more information on caring for the pregnant mare, visit our dedicated information page (link).

Mare and foal care

Our stud services continue through foaling and the important first hours of the foal’s life.

We can provide advice and veterinary support covering:

• Preparation for foaling

• Normal foaling progress

• Difficult or prolonged deliveries

• Retained placenta

• Post-foaling examinations

• Newborn foal checks

• Colostrum intake

• IgG testing for passive transfer of immunity

• Umbilical care

• Meconium retention

• Weak or premature foals

• Neonatal infection and sepsis

• Mare and foal health during the postnatal period

We recommend that the mare and foal receive a veterinary examination approximately 12–24 hours after birth, even when the foaling appears to have been straightforward. For more information on foal care, visit our dedicated information page (link).

Obstetric and neonatal emergencies

Foaling complications and newborn foal illnesses can progress very quickly. Prompt veterinary intervention can be critical.

Contact us immediately if:

• The mare’s waters have broken but the foal is not being delivered

• The foal appears to be presented incorrectly

• A bright-red membrane appears at the vulva

• The placenta has not passed within three hours

• The mare shows significant pain, bleeding or signs of illness

• The foal does not stand within one hour

• The foal does not suckle within two hours

• The foal appears weak, distressed or unusually sleepy

• Milk comes from the foal’s nostrils

• The foal shows signs of colic, infection or breathing difficulties

If you are unsure whether something is normal, it is always safer to contact us promptly for advice.