Metritis and Endometritis

Although both metritis and endometritis affect the reproductive system of horses, they are two completely different diseases. Endometritis is an infectious condition that only affects mares.

  1. Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)

    • CEM is a highly contagious venereal disease caused by the bacteria taylorella equigenitalis. CEM is a significant cause of infertility in mares. Early abortions do occur, but this does not happen often because most CEM-positive mares usually are unable to conceive.

    Diagnosis

    • The diagnosis of CEM is made by taking cultures from the clitoral fossa at any stage in the estrous cycle. A blood test for CEM is reliable in mares three to six weeks after exposure. Stallions are checked by taking cultures from the secretions of the penile shaft and the surface of the penis.

    Treatment

    • Due to the probability that the horse will become a carrier, antibiotics are not usually used to treat the infection. Mares with acute infections are treated by intrauterine infusion. The carrier state in mares is difficult to eliminate; therefore, it is recommended that the genitalia area be washed daily with a 2-percent chlorhexidine solution. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to eliminate the carrier state in males. The penis should be washed with a 2-percent chlorhexidine solution and topically treated with nitrofurazone cream.

    Endometritis

    • Endometritis is an infection of the cavity of the uterus. It is classified as acute or chronic, depending on the severity and duration of the infection. A mare suffering from endometritis appears to be in good health but cannot conceive. Endometritis can be caused by bacteria or fungi.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosios can be made by examining swabs taken from the uterus, where the presence of pathogenic bacteria or a higher-than-normal number of the cells that fight infection are present. Examining a uterine biopsy can verify the health of the endometrium and its ability to support pregnancy. Also, an ultrasound examination of the uterus can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • Uterine irrigation with saline and oxytoxin is the normal treatment procedure for acute endometritis. However, vulval aspiration is the recommended treatment for chronic endometritis.