Reproduction Services
This late term pregnant mare is being treated for a pre-pubic tendon rupture.
The Equine Medical Center offers a wide range of equine reproduction services including:
- mare fertility evaluation
- management of twin pregnancy
- high-risk pregnancy evaluation
- reproductive surgery
- management of reproductive emergencies such as dystocia
In addition to the above-mentioned services, we offer consultancy on equine reproduction problems to clients and referring veterinarians.
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Our expertise
- Dr. James Brown is board certified in animal reproduction and obstetrics and is highly skilled in managing complex equine reproductive cases including mare and stallion infertility and dystocia.
- As a board certified surgeon, Dr. Brown routinely performs reproductive surgeries using minimally invasive procedures that offer faster healing time.
- With our team of veterinary experts in reproduction, surgery, and internal medicine as well as a full-service hospital offering round-the-clock care, the Equine Medical Center is well equipped to provide a successful outcome for reproductive emergencies.
About our services
Fertility
Mares with fertility problems can be very frustrating to owner and veterinarian alike. We offer diagnostic testing such as:
- high-resolution digital ultrasound
- hysteroscopy
- laparoscopy
- endometrial biopsy
- laboratory testing
In addition to providing these services, Dr. James Brown is available to offer advice on assisted reproductive technologies for preserving genetic material from mares, geldings, and stallions that have terminal illness.
Twin pregnancy
Twin pregnancy in the mare is undesirable for many reasons. Twin pregnancies often result in either mid-to-late term abortion or dystocia. Early recognition of twin pregnancy via transrectal ultrasound between days 14-16 post breeding allows management by manual reduction of one vesicle. This method of early twin management has been highly successful and is responsible for the very low incidence of twin pregnancies on breeding farms. In some cases, twins are not diagnosed until later in the first trimester. At this stage of pregnancy, treatment requires other surgical and non-surgical methods to reduce twins to singleton pregnancies. The Equine Medical Center offers a range of options for the management of twin pregnancy in whatever stage of pregnancy they are diagnosed.
Reproductive Surgery
Reproductive surgery is commonly performed at the Equine Medical Center. Examples of such surgeries include:
- routine and cryptorchid castration
- ovariectomy (normal and pathologic ovaries)
- correction of poor perineal anatomy
- endometrial cyst removal/ablation
In addition to laparoscopic-assisted surgery to remove retained testes, or normal and pathological ovaries, we also offer closed castration. A closed castration is where the scrotal skin incision is closed in addition to the deeper layers enveloping the removed testis. This surgery is an attractive option for owners of colts and stallions who want their horse gelded and returned to competition quickly.
Dystocia
We offer specialized care in the management of dystocia and other reproductive emergencies. The normal foaling process in the mare is very rapid and any problem with delivery can severely compromise both the mare and unborn foal. Prompt recognition of dystocia, early intervention by a team of veterinarians trained in reproduction, medicine, and surgery is vital to a successful outcome. At the EMC, we have board-certified veterinarians in these specialties and a hospital facility to handle dystocia cases to ensure the best possible outcome.
Resources
Scholarly research by EMC faculty members
Faculty members at the Equine Medical Center have conducted original research and published journal articles that have helped advance the study of equine reproduction. Below is a selection of their publications.
- Brown JA, O’Brien MA, Hodder ADJ et al., Unilateral testicular mastocytoma in a Peruvian Paso stallion. Equine Vet. Educ. 2008; 20:172-175
- Claes A, Ball BA, Brown JA., et al., Evaluation of risk factors, management, and outcome associated with rectal tears in horses: 99 cases (1985-2006). JAVMA 2008; 233:1605-1609
- Brown JA, Hodder ADJ, Benak J, Liu IKM, Ball BA. Uterus unicornis in two mares. Aust Vet J 2007; 85:371-374
Appointments for reproduction services
- For an appointment or for more information, call (703) 771-6800 or email emcinfo@vt.edu.
- View the Client Care Packet (PDF) to learn more about the facilities, services, staffing, and policies at the EMC.
Faculty clinicians
The following faculty have extensive experience in performing reproductive surgeries:
- Dr. James Brown, who is board certified in animal reproduction and obstetrics
- Dr. Norris Adams
- Dr. Jennifer Barrett
- Dr. Ken Sullins
- Dr. Nat White
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