One of the most common methods used to check a mare for pregnancy is through palpation per rectum. This technique involves a careful and experienced examiner feeling the embryonic vesicle ventrally at the base of one uterine horn. Typically, this can be done around 25-28 days of gestation. The examiner may identify the vesicle as a bulge approximately 3.5 cm in diameter.
During the palpation per rectum process, the examiner will insert a lubricated, gloved hand into the mare’s rectum to palpate the reproductive tract. This allows them to feel for the presence of an embryo or embryonic vesicle and assess its size and position within the mare’s uterus.
It is important to note that palpation per rectum should only be performed by a skilled and knowledgeable individual, such as a veterinarian or equine reproductive specialist. The procedure requires a delicate touch and a deep understanding of equine anatomy to ensure accurate results and prevent harm to the mare.
Aside from palpation per rectum, there are other methods available to check a mare for pregnancy. These include transabdominal ultrasonography, which uses ultrasound technology to visualize the reproductive organs and detect the presence of an embryo or fetus.
Transabdominal ultrasonography is a non-invasive technique that can provide valuable information about the mare’s reproductive status. It allows for the visualization of the embryonic vesicle, fetal heartbeat, and other indicators of pregnancy, offering a comprehensive assessment of the mare’s reproductive health.
Another method commonly used to check for pregnancy in mares is serum testing for pregnancy-specific hormones, such as equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and progesterone. These hormones can be detected in the mare’s blood or urine and can indicate the presence of pregnancy within a few days of conception.
Serum testing for pregnancy hormones can provide an early detection of pregnancy and offer valuable information about the progression of gestation. It is a convenient and reliable method for confirming pregnancy in mares, especially when used in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques.
Overall, checking a mare for pregnancy involves a multi-faceted approach that combines various diagnostic methods to ensure accurate and timely results. Whether through palpation per rectum, transabdominal ultrasonography, or serum testing for pregnancy hormones, each technique plays a crucial role in determining the reproductive status of the mare and monitoring the progression of pregnancy.
