MARE SERVICES
Reproductive Services
Prior to breeding your mare, or purchasing a broodmare, it is wise to have a full breeding soundness exam performed. It is not uncommon for mares to have lesions in their reproductive tract which were previously undetected, which may effect her fertility or ability to carry a foal. An evaluation is especially important if a mare has a history of infertility or has had trauma to her reproductive tract from a previous foaling.
A complete breeding soundness exam includes evaluation of the conformation of the exterior reproductive tract, palpation and ultrasonography of the uterus and ovaries, vaginal speculum exam, culture, cytology and, when necessary, a biopsy of the uterus.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination has become common place in most breeds of horses. We can manage your mare for insemination with fresh chilled frozen semen. Many people are intimidated by the artificial insemination process, therefore we offer a complete service. Once your mare is brought to our facility, she will be managed to optimize her chances of becoming pregnant and maintaining pregnancy. We will arrange shipment of semen, evaluate it and inseminate your mare at the proper time.
Frozen semen needs to be inseminated as close to ovulation as possible. Your mare will be palpated and ultrasounded as often as four times a day to allow us to accurately predict ovulation.
Subfertile mares are intensively managed at our facility. They may need to have uterine lavages with subsequent infusions, minimal inseminations and hormonal treatments. These mares are best managed in a clinical setting, such as Leatherstocking Veterinary services.
Foaling
Leatherstocking Veterinary Services offers 24-hour on site video and Internet monitoring of the foaling process. We also utilize the Foalert system. Every foaling is attended by a veterinarian.
At birth, a neonatal physical exam is performed, the umbilicous is dipped and the foal is given an enema. The mare is observed to make sure the placenta is passed. Once passed, it is checked for any abnormalties.
An IgG test is performed on the foal at 12-18 hours post-foaling to ensure adequate antibody transfer. If the test yields a failure of transfer, the foal is then administered plasma. Mares and foals typically stay in our monitored foaling area for 3-6 days.
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