LITMIR.BIZ

       In estrus, the vaginal and cervical surfaces will be moist and edematous. The cervix will be softened and dropped toward the vaginal floor. In diestrus, the cervical and vaginal surfaces will be dry and the external cervical os will project into the cranial vagina from high on the wall and is tightly contracted.

       The vestibulo‐vaginal junction should be closed. However, if the examiner’s hand slips easily into the anterior vagina, the mare may be predisposed to pneumovagina (see Chapter 5).

       The vaginal wall should be smooth and supple and lined by smooth vaginal mucosa. Vaginal trauma from a previous foaling or, less frequently, breeding accidents, might have caused vaginal scarring and adhesions, presenting as irregularities in the vaginal lining. Formation of scar tissue within the vaginal canal can be very extensive following dystocia and may nearly obliterate the vaginal canal, making vaginal penetration impossible in extreme cases. Scar tissue will feel firmer and non‐confluent with the surrounding vaginal mucosa.

       Lacerations and tears of the vaginal wall may be present, caused by dystocia. In the case of small lesions, these may be felt more easily than seen. Fingers may slide into a blind pouch in the vagina where a fistula may be present from a foaling injury. These may occur with a direct communication to the rectum, into the retroperitoneal space or into the peritoneal cavity. Fistulas are more likely to enter the peritoneal cavity with a lesion of the cranial vagina or cervix and may result in peritonitis. Masses within the wall of the vagina may be hematomas related to trauma, abscessation, or tumor formation (e.g., leiomyoma).

       In maiden mares the hymen area should be palpated to ensure the absence of tissue bands formed by hymen remnants since these bands may contribute to a recto‐vaginal perforation at parturition. However, these bands typically have no effect on fertility. Depending on the thickness and toughness of the hymen, it can be broken down easily with firm, steady pressure and digital dilation (see Chapter 6).

       Scars, adhesions, and lacerations may also involve the cervix. Cervical lacerations may involve the external os only or the entire length of the cervix. As long as the cervix has the ability to open and close normally, small tears in the os are usually of minor importance. However, large lacerations involving the external os or the entire cervix are more significant and may require surgery to repair, restoring the cervical barrier to infection.

       Upon removal of the gloved hand from the vagina, the hand should be observed for abnormal discharges (purulent, bloody, etc.) or odors (infectious, necrotic, urine, etc.).

      1 Carleton CL. 2006. Clinical examination of the nonpregnant equine female reproductive tract. In: Youngquist RS, Threlfall WR (eds). Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology, 2nd edn. St Louis, MI: Saunders Elsevier, pp. 74–90.

      2 Ginther OJ. 1992. Reproductive anatomy. In: Ginther OJ (ed.). Reproductive Biology of the Mare: Basic and Applied Aspects, 2nd edn. Cross Plains, WI: Equiservices, pp. 1–40.

      3 Montilla HJ. 2012. Hymen, persistent. In: Wilson DA (ed.). Clinical Veterinary Advisor: the Horse. St Louis, MI: Saunders Elsevier, p. 278.

      4 Pycock JF. 1993. Cervical function and uterine fluid accumulation in mares. Eq Vet J 25: 191.

      5 Zent WW, Steiner JV. 2011. Vaginal examination. In: McKinnon AO, Squires EL, Vaala WE, Varner DD (eds). Equine Reproduction, 2nd edn. Ames, IA: Wiley Blackwell, pp. 1900–3.