Vaginal examination should be performed both with a speculum and manually. This examination allows for the assessment of discharge or urine pooling in the vagina as well as any abnormalities of the cervix or vaginal walls. The rest of the breeding soundness examination is performed using sterile techniques. Uterine cultures must be interpreted with caution, as a break in the technique of obtaining the culture can result in organisms being isolated which are not causing disease. To assist in this interpretation, uterine cytology is utilized.
Uterine cytology is a swab of the cells lining the uterus.
The presence of inflammatory cells is evaluated. The presence of different cell types determines both the type of inflammation and the length of time the infection has been present. Uterine cytology can also detect the presence of urine contamination and fungal infections. Uterine biopsy is the last technique to be performed. The biopsy is graded to provide an estimation of the mare s chances of conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy to term.