Tumors on the ovaries of mares are among the most common growths of the female reproductive system. They can occur regardless of breed and age and are often the cause of behavioral abnormalities or disturbances in the mare's sexual cycle. Depending on the type of cell affected, different types of tumors can occur, but they are usually benign.
The causes or triggers of ovarian tumors remain unclear. It is suspected that hormonal imbalances lead to the degeneration of certain cells.
Depending on the type and extent of the tumor, different symptoms may occur. The first signs of an ovarian tumor may be severe behavioral changes in the mare. These can include unriddenness, stubbornness, and stallion-like behavior. The tumors themselves are rarely painful, but once they reach a certain size, they can exert strong pulling forces on the supporting structures, leading to colic-like symptoms.
The veterinarian will already have formed an initial diagnosis based on your preliminary report on the horse's behavior and a thorough general and gynecological examination. In most cases, this suspicion can be confirmed with the help of a rectal ultrasound examination. In rare cases, confusion with ovarian hematomas (bruising in the ovaries) may occur due to similar appearances. The most common granulosa cell tumor in horses produces the hormone testosterone (male sex hormone). Measuring this hormone in the blood can therefore further confirm the diagnosis.
The only effective treatment is surgical removal of the affected ovary. Many equine clinics now perform this operation on horses that are standing. This procedure, known as laparoscopy, is a minimally invasive operation in which the surgeon uses a special endoscope to operate through tiny incisions in the abdominal wall. This avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia and wound healing complications.
Thanks to this modern surgical method, recovery after removal of the diseased ovary is rapid, so the prognosis is good. The remaining ovary needs some time to recover from the hormonal fluctuations. However, after this time, it resumes its normal function and even mares with only one ovary can be successfully used for breeding again.
An ECG is a measuring device used to diagnose heart disease. It measures the electrical impulses emitted by the heart's activity.
Blood pressure measurement determines the pressure in the blood vessels. It consists of two values, the systolic (higher) and diastolic (lower) blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is measured when the heart contracts to pump blood out of the heart. As soon as the heart muscle relaxes and blood flows back in, the diastolic blood pressure is measured.
What lies behind this almost unpronounceable name? Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis is a hereditary, incurable metabolic disease that primarily affects Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, and Appaloosas, whose bloodlines all trace back to the Quarter Horse stallion "Impressive."
Gastroenterology is the branch of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This also includes the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Hypothyroidism, medically known as hypothyroidism, is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs. It mainly affects middle-aged to older dogs, with Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Boxers, and Beagles being particularly susceptible.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant skin tumor that occurs in cats mainly in the mouth, ears, and nose. Starting in the uppermost layer of skin and mucous membrane, the squamous epithelium, this tumor spreads very quickly and aggressively. Cats of all breeds and ages can be affected, although older cats are more susceptible.
As the saying goes, when two completely different people meet and have communication problems, they are "like cats and dogs." Dogs and cats do indeed seem to be fundamentally different. But opposites aren't always bad. It's entirely possible for the two to enjoy a peaceful family life together in the same household.
Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, is one of the most modern and safest imaging techniques. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose a wide variety of diseases.
This disease is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the mare's reproductive system, which is mainly transmitted through mating. The stallion is only a carrier of the pathogen and does not show any clinical symptoms. The disease, known as contagious equine metritis (CEM), was first described in detail in 1977 and is a notifiable disease in Germany.
EOTRH, or more precisely Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis, is currently considered an incurable inflammatory condition affecting the incisors and canines of horses. The disease has only been known for about 10 years, but is now affecting more and more older horses. In many cases, the disease is not detected until late stages, as it is not visible below the gums at the onset.
There are many different arguments for different types of dog food. What is best for which dog and how feeding can be integrated into the daily routine of those caring for them varies according to individual needs. Below you will find some recommendations and ideas on this topic.
Cats are not dogs that will do anything for food. They don't eat everything that is put in front of them either, because cats are gourmets – at least most of them are.
