EXAMINATION FOR PREGNANCY

 Pregnancy examination should precede all other examinations and should form the first and basic step of the approach to any form of infertility problem.
 The earliest time during the gestation period when the laboratory tests for pregnancy are reliable is 60 to 80 days after conception. i.e., between the third and fourth expected estrous periods after service
 Pregnancy diagnosis might be made by rectal examination as early as 30 to 35 days of pregnancy, thus providing ample time for treatment, if indicated, and rebreeding a few days later on the second expected estrus after service.
EXAMINATION FOR PREGNANCY
examination for pregnancy



NORMAL CHANGES IN THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT

 Unlike seen in the cow, no dramatic and consistent changes in uterus are observed in the mare
 During diestrus and proestrus, certain mares have a well defined, slightly contracted uterus.
 During the estrus period, the uterus appears edematous and firm. This consistency persists until ovulation, after which the uterus becomes limp and flaccid.


Seasonal Changes-

1. Anestrus- 

The uterus is flaccid, thin walled and quiescent.
The ovaries are small and firm the vagina is pale and dry .
The cervix is usually in the upper one third of the vaginal vault, pale and dry and tight.
Passage of a finger through the cervix is difficult, and some time should be spent allowing it to soften and to dilate.

2. transition from anestrus to the normal breeding season

Estrogens from the follicles cause the uterus to become more edematous, congested and heavier. The cervix changes from a Anestrus to transition from anestrus to the normal breeding season in which case the cervix is pinkish, softer, moister and lower in the vaginal vault. Also the cervix develops folds of tissue extending from the external os towards the vaginal floor and will readily admit one to two fingers.

3.Estrus-

Increasing estrogen levels makes the cervix very soft and pink. It is usually located in the lower third of the anterior vaginal wall and is very edematous, and glistens with moisture. The edematous folds of the external os actually touch the floor of the vagina, yet the cervix is still recognizable. Two to three fingers may easily be introduced through the cervix.

4. Ovulation-

Estrogen levels have peaked, the cervix is at its softest, salmon pink in color, very moist and edematous and often appears as a mass of edematous folds on the floor of the vagina.


Cyclic Changes

Occasionally, a small pool of clear, serous mucus may be seen just caudal to the external os of the cervix. At this time, with stimulation, the cervix may dilate completely and readily allow the passage of the entire hand into the uterus

 Another normal cervical condition that may be encountered in pregnancy is that of a “capped cervix" where the cervical appearance is similar to Anestrus but in this case the external os is not visible because of a cervical plug and the appearance that one of the cervical folds has covered and sealed off the end of the cervix 
 After ovulation and during diestrus the uterus becomes less edematous, less congested and more tonic. It is easily identifiable as a firm tubular structure. 
 The early pregnant uterus is also tonic and can be differentiated from the diestrus uterus by an amniotic vesicle bulge after about 20 to 25 days of pregnancy. 


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