Equine Reproduction

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn the logical approach for the reproductive examination of the open mare
• Review the clinically relevant aspects of the reproductive anatomy and Physiology of the mare.
• Understand the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in the mare as a base for clinical manipulation.
• Interpret the follicular dynamics and recognize endocrinological aspects and mechanics of ovulation.
• Revisit the estrus cycle control of the broodmare
• Apprehend the process of fertilization, Maternal recognition of pregnancy, embryonic migration, and implantation.

Learning Objectives: 

• Review the pathogenesis and treatment of the main reproductive condition in the open mare.
• Know the clinical importance of endometrial cytology and culture. Learn how to obtain, prepare and interpret a cytology slide and analyze data in combination with culture results.
• Understand the relevance of an endometrial biopsy as a diagnostic and prognostic tool, recognize when it is necessary to obtain one, learn the sampling technique and interpretation.
• Discuss the importance of uterine endoscopy as a diagnostic, breeding and therapeutic tool , learn the technique and the importance in the clinical practice of this advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technic.
• Review and understand the relevance, pathophysiology, and treatment of metabolic problems in the mare with regards to fertility.
• Distinguish uterine problems and endometritis as the main cause of infertility in the mare. Understand endometrial degeneration. Review the Physiopathology for alogical approach to diagnosis and the different treatment options for therapeutics.
• Recognize and design an approach for diagnosis of oviductal problems in the mare and different treatment options.
• Comprehend the different ovarian-derived problems in the mare that can cause infertility and the different surgical and medical options for their management.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the clinically relevant aspects of reproductive anatomy and Physiology of
• the breeding stallion.
• Understand the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in the stallion as a base for
• clinically relevant problems and manipulation.
• Distinguish the testicular compartments and their functional relevance.
• Understand the endocrinological control and physiology of spermatogenesis.
• Improve the evaluation of behavioral problems and discuss management for improving breeding performance.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand and perform a complete breeding soundness examination of the stallion.
• Recognize de thermoregulation process and the clinical importance for fertility.
• Learn the process of testicular descendant and cryptorchidism and discuss diagnostic aspects and ethical considerations in breeding horses.
• Familiarize oneself with the main reproductive pathologies of the external and internal reproductive organs of the Stallion,
• Recognize semen quality problems and management strategies for improving fertility in problem stallions.
• Integrate and discuss infertility cases in stallions.
• Discuss different semen collection techniques for normal, novice, and problem stallions.
• Learn collection and preservation of epididymal sperm.

Learning Objectives

• Reproductive examination
• Vaginoscopy
• Cytology
• Biopsy
• Endoscopy
• Interpretation of uterine cytologies and biopsies.

Learning Objectives:

• Mounting behavior evaluation
• Evaluation of external reproductive organs
• Semen evaluation
• Ultrasonography of external and internal reproductive organs
• Semen collection

Learning Objectives:

• Perfect the different options and techniques for preservation of ejaculated semen, preparation of chilled semen, and cryopreservation of equine semen in normal and problem stallions. Learn collection and preservation of epididymal sperm.
• Understand the significance and scope of the different assisted reproductive techniques in the horse and acquire basic skills to perform some of the most used in practice.
•  Review the importance and different options of artificial insemination techniques, discuss different insemination regimens depending of the type of semen and prognosis for pregnancy. Learn semen sexing options and techniques as and aid in the artificial insemination industry, success rate and indications.
• Learn and practice embryo transfer technology in the mare as one of the main assisted reproductive techniques in the equine industry. Discuss importance for broodmare genetics, success rate and other indications.
• Learn and practice embryo cryopreservation as an option in an embryo transfer program. Discuss pros and cons versus fresh or chilled embryos.Comprehend the follicular aspiration technique as the basis of the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques in the horse.
• Acknowledge the usefulness of oocyte transfer assisted reproductive techniques as an alternative in broodmare infertility management, the rationale, approach, prognosis and clinical situations that warrant its use.
• Understand Intracytoplasmatic Sperm injection as the most advanced assisted reproduction technique in the horse. Discuss its use in male and female infertility, review the technique and discuss the prognosis and clinical results.
• Learn the different approaches and possibilities of its use in the future for embryo sexing as an aid in the embryo transfer industry Learn fetal sexing in different stages of pregnancy

Learning Objectives:

• Ultrasonography
• Embryo transfer
• Embryo freezing (cryopreservation)
• Follicular aspiration and oocyte evaluation
• Deep insemination
• Fetal sexing

Learning Objectives:

• Embryo freezing (cryopreservation)
• Follicular aspiration and oocyte evaluation

Learning Objectives:

• Review pregnancy diagnosis in the mare.
• Review the most clinically relevant aspects of the physiology of pregnancy and parturition.
• Understand the endocrinology of pregnancy as a base for diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Discuss early embryonic loss in the broodmare, physiological, and clinical aspects.
• Learn and discuss Twin management in the mare. Clinical management, different techniques for embryo and fetal reduction, and prognosis depending on the technique and stage of pregnancy.
• Comprehend the relevance of fetal evaluation in high-risk pregnancies and learn the main clinical aspects and ultrasound examination for fetal assessment in the pregnant mare.
• Discuss the pathophysiology of placentitis, its diagnostic approach, and therapeutics, as one of the main pregnancy loss problems in the mare.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the main infectious reproductive diseases that can affect the horse breeding industry.
• Learn necropsy techniques for abortions and mortinates.
• Discuss the main abortion problems in mares and investigation strategies for diagnosis.
• Familiarize with sexual differentiation physiology and main pathologies.
• Understand the main pathologic problems in the udder in mares.

Learning Objectives:

Study the process of placentation and fetal development. Learn the principal aspects of parturition and mechanics to be able to discern normal from abnormal events. Comprehend the importance and clinical relevance of placental evaluation for potential problems in the mare and neonate. Learn how to evaluate a placenta. Review the main pre and post-partum complications in the broodmare and discuss different management and therapeutic options. Learn the management of dystocia and parturition problems in the mare. Perfect obstetric techniques and review surgical options.

• Review the neonatal evaluation
• Identify the high-risk neonate
• Discuss diagnostics procedures for immature and septic foals
• Familiarize yourself with the different therapeutic protocols in neonates
• Review the main pathologies in the neonatal period in horses.
• Enhance your knowledge of angular and contractural limb deformities and therapeutic strategies. 

Learning Objectives:

• Semen collection
• Refrigerated semen preservation
• Cryopreservation of ejaculated and epididymal semen

Learning Objectives:

• Placental evaluation
• Fetal monitoring
• Dystocia and fetotomy

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the different indications, rationale and techniques of the most common reproductive surgical procedures in the horse
• Become acquainted with and discuss the management of rectal tears in mares, clinical, ethical, and surgical considerations.
• Recognize the most important surgical options for vulvoplastic procedures in mares.
• Discuss the importance of urethral extensions and different techniques as a method of preventing urine pooling in mares.
• Improve the understanding of the different surgical procedures for cervical lacerations, rectovaginal fistulas and tears.
• Understand the indications to perform cesarean section in the mare, and discuss surgical techniques and possible complications.
• Review the different techniques for ovariectomy in mares and basic indications for ovarian removal.
• Enhance knowledge regarding castration techniques in the horse and describe the surgical technique for cryptorchid castration.
• Familiarize with the main penile and preputial surgical techniques in the breeding stallion