Diseases of the vulva, vagina and cervix of the thoroughbred mare

Abstract

Extract

In spite of the increased number of veterinarians engaged in thoroughbred stud work in Australia and New Zealand over the last 25 years, and the use of improved drugs, and techniques, the percentage of live foals born each year remains disconcertingly low. In Australia, this figure has remained steady at 63% from 1950 to 1972. Many factors contribute to this, not the least being the various abnormalities in the lower genital tract. This is largely the result of such abnormalities permitting and assisting the forward extension of micro-organisms into the uterus, with the establishment of a hostile environment for the passage of spermatozoa to the ovum, and the subsequent implantation and growth of the embryo.