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.
It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to develop inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which is very painful and can quickly become life-threatening.
A cat's attempt to get outside through a tilted window can result in serious injury. In most cases, cats manage to squeeze their head and upper body through the window but then get stuck with their hindquarters in the slanted gap. Attempts to free them only make the situation worse, causing the cat to slide further down into the gap and become trapped. The consequences can include serious external and internal injuries, collectively known as tilt window syndrome, which can often lead to the death of the cat.
With increasing age, the number of cats suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) rises. Between 30 and 40% of all cats over the age of 10 are affected. It often goes unnoticed for a long time. However, the gradual decline in kidney function continues to progress. CKD is one of the most common causes of death in cats and is unfortunately incurable.
Although this condition is often colloquially referred to as a stroke in dogs due to its similar symptoms, it is not a circulatory disorder of the brain as in humans, but rather a disorder of the balance organ located in the inner ear of dogs.
It's not always easy to keep track of everything in our human world that could be harmful to our four-legged friends. Often, we don't even see how quickly Fido has stuck his head in the trash can and hurt himself by eating onion scraps. But it's not just food that poses a danger; the wrong toys can cause problems, as can drinking from a puddle at the edge of a field.
Hip dysplasia, better known as HD, is a very common skeletal disorder in dogs. It is a hereditary malformation of the hip joint that occurs primarily in large breeds and affects up to half of all dogs of a breed.
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.
You are called to the stable because your horse can hardly move. It is standing in its stall or in the pasture and trying to relieve pressure on its front hooves by placing all its weight on its hindquarters and bringing its front legs forward. This characteristic stance is familiar to many horse owners, and there is little doubt about the diagnosis. Your horse is suffering from acute laminitis. This is one of the most painful conditions a horse can suffer from and, along with colic, is the leading cause of death in horses. Laminitis is always considered an emergency and treatment by a veterinarian is essential.
Rotaviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in foals. They are widespread among horses and highly contagious. However, they only cause symptoms in young foals.
What a wonderful feeling. Finally, your own horse! Everything went smoothly, from the trial ride to the pre-purchase examination to the purchase transaction. Your horse can move into its new stall. For new horse owners, this is a very exciting time, which is sure to raise a few questions about keeping conditions, health care, training, and much more. First and foremost, you should purchase basic equipment for your new horse that can be used for working and riding. You will quickly discover that you need a lot more than just a saddle and bridle.
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.
