Reproduction

Prebreeding screen - A comprehensive reproduction exam including rectal palpation and ultrasound exam of cervix, uterus and ovaries. This is combined with a vaginal exam and uterine culture. If this is done prior to breeding season, any abnormalities can be dealt with at that time so that rebreeding is as uncomplicated as possible. If at all possible, the exam should be performed while your mare is in heat.
Artificial insemination with fresh semen collected locally or shipped cooled semen is available. This service includes preparation for insemination by short cycling your mare with hormones to prepare her for timely breeding as close to ovulation as possible. Hormones to hasten ovulation as well as to discourage fluid pooling in the uterus are used to improve the chance of conception. In the event of fluid pooling, a uterine lavage can be performed. This entire process is monitored through the use of sequential ultrasound examinations.
Pregnancy diagnosis is done by ultrasound examination rectally at 14-16 days after ovulation. If necessary, twin reduction can be performed at this time, or preparation for repeat insemination if conception has not occured. If a pregnancy is detected, a Caslicks surgery can be performed at this time if recommended for your mare.
Prenatal mare care throughout pregnancy is accomplished by periodic ultrasound examinations to check for implantaton, size and position of the fetus, monitor heart rate, eccogenicity of amniotic fluid and measurements of fetal placental unit. Frequency of ultrasound examination is different for every pregnancy, and can be discussed at your appointment. An important part of prenatal care is nutritional recommendations, as well as vaccination and deworming. All of this will be discussed during your appointments. Your mare should not recieve any deworming medications during the first 60 days of pregnancy and no vaccinations for the first 90 days. At 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation Rhinopneumonitis vaccinations should be given to guard against Herpes virus abortion. At 10 months of gestation your mare must be vaccinated and dewormed to provide high levels of antibodies in her colostrum for her foal once born. Typically this includes a 4 way vaccine (Influenza, Tetanus, Eastern and Western Encephalitis), West Nile vaccine and Rabies vaccine. Please discuss individual vaccine and deworming recommendations for your mare with your veterinarian.
Post foaling examinations are important for your mare and foal's health. Both mare, foal, and placenta are thouroughly examined. At this time, blood is drawn from the foal to check IgG levels (immunoglobulins absorbed from the colostrum). Foal should nurse for atleast 7 hours before blood draw. The foal will also be given E Se injection, enema, navel dipped, and Probios given orally. Additional neonatal care or recommendations such as IV plasma administration will be instituted at this time. Your mare should be dewormed again within 5 days of foaling.
Transabdomenal pregnancy diagnosis available with new transabdomenal ultrasound probe. This can be especially helpful in the diagonosis of miniature horse pregnancy where transrectal ultrasound is not possible. This also allows a less invasive examination of the health of the foal in the final trimester of pregnancy and determination of correct position prior to parturition.