Female Horse Vagina

Inflammation of the vaginal lining can occur due to irritation, infection, or trauma.

: A rudimentary hymen separates the vestibule from the vagina. The internal environment is protected by a series of three "seals": the vulvar lips, the vestibulovaginal seal, and the cervix. Clinical Significance and Maintenance

Maintaining the health of the mare’s reproductive tract is crucial for her overall well-being and fertility. female horse vagina

The vaginal walls produce mucus that helps maintain a clean environment and provides lubrication.

The is the external portion of the reproductive tract and the first line of defense against contamination. Inflammation of the vaginal lining can occur due

As mentioned, poor vulvar conformation can allow air into the vagina. This is often corrected by a Caslick’s procedure , a minor surgery where the upper portion of the vulva lips are stitched together to create a better seal.

The rectum is located above the reproductive tract allowing for a non-invasive examination of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. * V... Extension Horses | Vulval Conformation and Caslick's Procedure • The “normal” mare has three functional genital seals forming a barrier between the external environment and the uterine lumen: * t... Equine-Reproduction.com, LLC Show all During Estrus ("Heat"): Driven by estrogen, the vaginal lining becomes more reddish and exhibits increased moisture. The cervix relaxes and moves to the floor of the vagina to facilitate breeding. During Pregnancy: Under the influence of progesterone, the cervix remains tightly closed and sealed with a thick mucus plug to protect the developing foal. Foaling: Approximately 24 to 48 hours before foaling, the vulva may elongate, and vaginal discharge may be observed as the pelvic area relaxes. Mad Barn Equine +2 Clinical Considerations Pneumovagina: Also known as "wind-sucking," this occurs when the anatomical seals (often due to poor vulvar conformation) fail, allowing air and bacteria into the vagina. This is often corrected with a Caslick's procedure . Vaginal Microbiome: The equine vagina hosts a resident microbiome including taxa such as As mentioned, poor vulvar conformation can allow air

Like any part of the body, the vagina can be susceptible to various health issues. Some common vaginal health issues in mares include:

Moving inward from the vulva is the , a short tube that leads to the vagina.

At the far end of the vagina lies the . This is a powerful, muscular "valve" that separates the vagina from the uterus. The appearance and texture of the cervix change dramatically based on the mare’s hormonal cycle: