Influence of dexamethasone administered to normal cycling mares either one day before or on the day of mating, upon endometrial oedema, uterine fluid and pregnancy rates.

Abstract

This present study describes the effect of a single dose of (10 mg) dexamethasone administered subcutaneously to TB mares either on the day before or the day of mating. A non treated control group was included. Every mare which had to be mated was included in this study, belonging to either the treated or the non treated control group. We distinguished between foaling, maiden and barren mares. Endometrial oedema and uterine luminal fluid scores before and after the dexamethasone were recorded and the pregnancy rates were examined. The author concluded that a single dose of dexamethasone, on a practical basis administered 24 hours before mating, reduced oedema directly.. Pregnancy rates might be improved. Older mares are more difficult to get in foal. When treated a day before mating, a significant improvement on pregnancy rate was found in mares older than 16 yrs. Oedema pre-mating, fluid pre-mating and status had no significant effect on pregnancy rate.