Studies on mare infertility using Doppler ultrasound

Abstract

Mares (N=100) of 4-18 years old and of body weight 400-600 kg belonged to Police horse studs (El-Basateen, Tora, Police Academy) and some private farms were examined with Doppler ultrasound to monitor the blood flow of the reproductive system of fertile mares as well as some infertility problems. Blood flow to anovulatory follicle, ovarian inactivity, granulosa cell tumor (GCT) was compared to the dominant follicular and luteal blood flow. Blood flow of the uteri with cysts during estrus and diestrus and abnormal uterine fluids (endometritis) during estrus and during diestrus were compared to normal uterine vascularization during estrus and diestrus. Granulosa cell tumor had the highest red color blood flow and total color blood flow area. Blue color blood flow area of the corpus luteum was high compared to the dominant follicle and inactive ovary. Uterus with endometrial cyst and abnormal uterine fluids during estrus of infertile mares had high red color blood flow, blue color blood flow, and power blood flow areas compared to the normal uterus during estrus. It could be concluded that Doppler ultrasound could distinguish between normal follicle, anovulatory follicle, functional corpus luteum and inactive ovaries. Moreover, the increased uterine blood flow area of mares with abnormal fluids in their uteri (endometritis) and uterine cysts could distinguish from the normal uterine blood flow during estrus.