Equine Reproduction & Theriogenology in Madison, Georgia & Beyond
Mares
Breeding Soundness Exams
A breeding soundness exam is a wise decision prior to breeding a maiden or unproven mare. It can also be included as a component of a pre-purchase exam of a brood mare. A breeding soundness exam consists of a physical exam of vulvar anatomy, vaginal and cervical exam via speculum, uterine culture and cytology, and uterine biopsy. Video hysteroscopy and hormonal testing can also be performed.
Uterine Culture
Uterine Culture
A swab of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is obtained with sterile passage through the vagina and cervix. The sample obtained is then cultured for bacterial growth. If bacteria is grown, a sensitivity is performed to determine the most effective antibiotic for use.
Uterine Cytology
Uterine Cytology
A sample of the superficial cells of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is obtained with sterile passage through the vagina and cervix. The sample is then processed on to glass slides with heat fixing and staining, then evaluated microscopically.
Digital Video Hysteroscopy
Digital Video Hysteroscopy
Using our 1-meter video endoscope, we can visualize the conformation of the uterus and uterine lining.
Uterine Biopsy
Uterine Biopsy
A biopsy of the uterus evaluates the superficial and muscular layers of the uterus. This information is used to make a judgement on the ability of the mare to carry a pregnancy.
Estrous Cycle Manipulation
Estrous Cycle Manipulation
Manipulation of the mare’s cycle is done mostly for the purpose of timing/scheduling insemination. This is typically needed to align the mare’s estrus and ovulation with the availability of the stallion and his collection and shipping schedule. For mares that are going to be embryo donors, they not only must be aligned with the stallion’s schedule but with the recipient mare as well.
Artificial Insemination
All breeding we perform is via artificial insemination. We inseminate with fresh cooled semen either by collection onsite at our facility, shipped from the owner’s choice of stallion station or by frozen semen that can be stored onsite at our facility. Our team is experienced in working with stallion stations throughout the US and Canada. Our doctors are skilled in deep horn insemination and have experience in estrous cycle adjustments to maximize conception rates. After deciding to breed your mare, select the stallion and provide us a completed contract. Our team will help you with all of the other details.
Subfertility Diagnostics/Treatment
Fertility in mares can be thought of in two different subcategories: inability to conceive and/or inability to carry. We work to delineate all potential causes of infertility and appropriate treatment and management steps.
Gestational management:
Foal Watch
We offer end gestational monitoring for mares that are a high risk or have had difficult labors or foals with neonatal issues previously.
Foaling Out Assistance
When mares begin showing signs of imminent labor, they are kept in a stall for round-the-clock camera monitoring. They are also outfitted with specialized monitoring devices to detect parturition, known as Foalert. When the mare begins stage 2 labor, delivery of the fetus, one of our veterinarians is present in the stall with the mare to assist in passage of the foal and perform either standard neonatal and post-partum care or intervene should problems arise.
Post-Foaling Management
Mares that are intended to be rebred after delivering their foal require management to ensure the best chance of conception as soon as possible. This can include uterine lavages and treatments as well as estrous cycle manipulation.
Embryo Flush & Transfer
Whether a mare is unable to carry a foal for physiologic reasons or to avoid any gaps in her athletic career, many consider embryo transfer. This process starts by inseminating the donor mare and then flushing her uterus in hopes of obtaining a viable embryo 6-8 days later. If successful, the embryo is then washed and transferred into a recipient mare that aligns best with the donor. We transfer embryos into owner’s recipient mares and contracted recipient mares, as well as ship embryos for off-site transfer or freezing.
Stallions
Semen and Urethral Culture:
A swab of the urethral fossa is cultured for bacterial growth. If bacteria is grown, a sensitivity is performed to determine. The semen can also be cultured as it is possible for stallions to have infections in multiple places: within the urethral fossa and within the prostate and seminal vescicles, respectively.
Semen Analysis:
On-Site Cytometer:
The cytometer can tell us how many spermatozoa are present per milliliter of semen (concentration). This information is useful in determining how many breeding doses are given per collection.
On-Site Analysis of Morphology and Motility:
Microscopic evaluation of the semen is done at the clinic. This information is also useful in determining breeding doses.
Semen Collection:
Stallion Training for Collection:
We offer collection training for stallions for collection off a dummy or phantom with a handheld artificial vagina.
Semen Processing:
- Breeding Mares on-site
- Processing for cool/overnight ship
- Processing for freezing
Frozen Semen Storage:
Whether we collect, process, and freeze the semen or it is shipped to us, we keep a number of liquid nitrogen tanks fully stocked for short or long term frozen semen storage. If you are interested in storing semen with us, please contact our office.
Standing Stallions
Our clinic stands a limited number of stallions for breeding season and each stallion’s contract is negotiated on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact our office.
Now Standing at Piedmont Equine For The 2024 Breeding Season: