Mare with cervix issues-Anyone else have this problem?

tmqh · Postby **tmqh** » Wed May 14, 2008 7:32 am

I have a mare that is 15 that won't tighten up her cervix when not in heat. Vet said dosen't look to have any obvious tears, maybe just stretched with some scar tissue. We've given Oxytocin therapy to help, but she is consistently dirty due to her deficating right back into her uterus due to the open cervix. My question, has anyone else dealt with a mare like this and if so, is surgery a possible option? I read a little on the internet last night about a "purse string" type of suture that can be put in post breeding and can be taking out before foaling. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Gerry · Postby **Gerry** » Wed May 14, 2008 6:32 pm

Do you mean Caslicks? when you say purse string stitches?? Its a fairly common practice but your vet should be able to give you all the details.

tmqh · Postby **tmqh** » Wed May 14, 2008 11:19 pm

This mare is way beyond caslicks helping her. Her vulva is already sewn down tight. I am talking about her cervix.

Gerry · Postby **Gerry** » Thu May 15, 2008 5:14 am

If her vulva is sewn how is she defecating into her cervix? Have you consulted with a repro vet? Try this site http://www.equine-reproduction.com/index.shtml
It sounds like her broodmare days are over but if she is very well bred, its worth a call and possibly a trip to a repro hospital.
Good luck

tmqh · Postby **tmqh** » Thu May 15, 2008 6:21 am

She sucks it right back into her uterus, even despite the fact she is sewn down extremely tight. She has been to a repro vet repeatedly and we are looking at a procedure that entails putting a suture that resembles a draw string or "purse string" around the circumference of the cervical opening. When in heat, she is obviously worse about pulling air, feces, etc back into herself which in turn infects her. Her cultures have come back positive with e-coli. I think if she were flushed, bred, flushed again and had this procedure, she would be more apt to conceive. I was just curious as to whether anyone else has dealt with a mare that had cervical issues and what the success rate was following a procedure or surgery. She is an extremely nice mare with impeccable bloodlines, but my pocketbook is only so deep.

Gerry · Postby **Gerry** » Thu May 15, 2008 6:27 am

Well dang that just stinks! I have never had a mare with that problem but now that you have further explained it I understand. Please let me know if your plan works...it sounds like it should. And I understand the pocketbook :wink:

Laurierace · Postby **Laurierace** » Sat May 17, 2008 3:54 am

Putting that stitch in is a relatively common procedure in humans who have a history of an incompetent cervix. I don't see why it couldn't be done in horses as well. I know with people you have to be careful to take it out before they go into even the early stages of labor that can happen a few weeks before delivery because once those muscles start working that thing is going to open regardless and can do irrepairable harm if it tears in the process. I think its worth a try although she will need close monitoring towards the end.