Journal of Veterinary Clinics (한국임상수의학회지)

The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics (한국임상수의학회)
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Estrous Behavior Suppression in a Thoroughbred Mare

  • Lee, Sang Kyu (KRA Veterinary Center, Korea Racing Authority) ;
  • Lee, Inhyung (Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2021.06.15
  • Accepted : 2021.06.27
  • Published : 2021.08.31
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Abstract

A 4-year-old Thoroughbred mare was brought to the Korea Racing Authority Equine Hospital with heightened sensitivity to touch of the hindquarter, reluctance to step forward, frequent urination even during training, clitoral winking, tail swinging, tail lifting, and training difficulties due to being in constant heat. The trainer claimed that she was in heat and exhibited reduced performance. Physical and lameness examinations revealed no abnormality. Rectal palpation and transrectal ultrasonography revealed normal reproductive organs and estrus. As she exhibited typical estrous behavior without any other physical conditions, the mare was considered to express undesirable estrous behavior. An intrauterine glass ball was inserted into the mare on ovulation day. However, the estrous behaviors were reduced unsatisfactorily. Additionally, 1 mL of peanut oil was administered on the 10th day after the intrauterine device insertion. The mare returned to training and expressed no undesirable estrous behavior over 30 days after the peanut oil treatment. However, further follow-ups were not conduct as the mare was retired to a farm after a limb injury occurred during training. This is the first report of undesirable estrous behavior in a Thoroughbred mare under the rules of racing in Korea. It is recommended that equine clinicians in Korea consider peanut oil as a therapeutic agent to control mares' estrous behavior-related problems.

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References

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