Endometritis
Endometritis without metritis is one of the most common reproductive infections to occur causing infertility. It is caused by many different types of bacteria and occasionally fungus ( Aspergillus or Candidia) . The most common cause is the bacteria Streptococcus zooepidermicus. The bacteria or fungus migrate from the external environment or vagina, through the cervix, into the uterus where they infect the endometrium causing inflammation. Irritation of the endometrium triggers increased production and secretion of uterine fluids.
Mares that have poor
conformation, older barren broodmares and mares’ right
after service or foaling are at most risk for developing endometritis.
The clinical presentation of endometritis varies depending if it is acute, chronic or subclinical. It may also be severe or mild depending on the immune status of the mare. S&S includes inflammation of the endometrium and failure of the embryo to in the uterine wall. Vaginal discharge’ scarred or fibrosed uterus, and systemic signs can also occur. It is possible for the mare to appear asymptomatic. Mares may appear asymptomatic but due to infertility or the mare experiences early embryonic death due to the infection.
Diagnosis can be made through rectal palpation, ultrasound and culture from uterine swab.
Endometritis is often self-limiting due to the defense mechanism of the reproductive tract and will usually clear within a fewweeks. Treatment can include systemic antibiotics as well as uterine lavage with antibiotic preparations. For mares no longer breeding, a hysterectomy may be necessary.
Prevention is hygiene. For mares with poor valvar conformation,
surgery can be
done.
Contagious Equine Metritis
Contagious equine metritis is a venereal disease that is caused by the Gram negative bacteria . These bacteria is often referred to as the contagious equine metritis organism and is known to be resistant to many common antibiotics. The bacteria are introduced into the vagina and the cervix through coitus and ascend into the uterus where they infect the uterine tissue. This causes inflammation of the uterus and the increased secretion of uterine fluids. Damaged tissue, pathogen and uterine fluids mix to form a purulent accumulation in the uterus.
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