Effects of uterine flushing on post-partum conception rate in throughbred mares

Abstract

The effect of uterine lavage with a 0.9% NaCl or 0.4% povidine iodine solution was evaluated on the foal heat conception rate of 93 thoroughbred mares. Their conception rate were compared to the conception rate of 27 Thoroughbred mares without any manipulation of the uterus. Another 15 mares with p.p. retained placenta were submited to uterine lavage with the same solutions and their reproductive performance were accompanied. It was observed that the p.p. uterine lavage, independent of the solution used, impaired the uterine involution and the conception rates; because of its inflammatory action it is suggested that the uterine lavage could be indicated only in mares with retained placenta and, if the procedure is performed until day 3 or 4 after foaling.