8/10/2023 0 Comments I regress show ponies![]() ![]() This is called the ‘transitional period’ and can be a time when some mares show hormonal behaviour more strongly. Anovulatory folliclesĪt the beginning of the breeding season in early spring, there can be fluctuations in the hormone levels as the mare begins to cycle. Mares will often have one very large tumour affected ovary, and an opposite very small firm, inactive ovary. GCT can be detected by a rectal examination and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries. They can often cause mares to be constantly in oestrus, no oestrus at all, or show stallion-like behaviour. Granulosa cell tumours (GCT) are the most common and have been reported in many breeds and all ages. Ovarian tumours are reported as 5.6% of all tumours in the horse. This is more common in middle aged and older mares. A uterine infection in a non- breeding mare often results when their natural ‘barriers’ between the external environment and the uterus fail. Those with a uterine infection will often cycle more frequently and have a vaginal discharge. Uterine infections are the most common cause or abnormal cycling and associated behaviour in mares. This is to ensure that there is no evidence of abnormalities and that the mare shows evidence of normal cycling activity. There can be many causes of low grade colic in mares that may or may not be a result of their reproductive cycle.Īn initial veterinary examination will include an ultrasound scan of the mare’s reproductive tract. Other causes of poor performance such as an orthopaedic problem or other medical problems such as gastric ulceration can then be ruled out. If her behaviour is unmanageable or is limiting her performance, then it is important to have her examined. You may be able to change her work load or just remember to be more patient when she is ‘in-season’. Hormonal behaviour is a natural process related to breeding. Sometimes you don’t have to do anything about your mare’s behaviour. It is advised that any mare periodically misbehaving, unpredictable or performing poorly, should be examined by one of our vets. This can be helpful to determine if they are following a pattern similar to her reproductive cycle. If you notice your mare is showing any of the above signs then it is recommended that you keep a diary. Pain response to pressure in the lower back.Increased sensitivity to being groomed, tacking up or touched generally.Lack of concentration during ridden work.This phase of the cycle should last approximately 5 days, however it can vary between mares, the time of the year, or if there is a clinical problem.Ĭlinical signs that are often attributed to hormonal mares include: Oestrogen causes much of the ‘in-season’ or oestrus behaviour. From day 17-21 the level of progesterone decreases and the hormone oestrogen increases. The cycle begins the day of ovulation the first 16 days are mainly under the influence of the hormone progesterone. A mare’s cycle lasts 21 days and is influenced by a variety of hormones released by the brain and the ovaries. Most of their cyclic behaviour and desire to breed occurs in spring. Any mare that is cycling normally can have hormonal behaviour and it may not be related to a clinical problem. ![]()
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