INDUCTION OF OVULATION
The most common cause of prolonged anovulation (greater than six months) in mares is Cushing’s Syndrome. A Cushing’s Screen (see BET Protocol) should be performed in these mares. If they are positive, they will not respond to the following protocols unless treated for Cushing.
Anovulatory mares have serum concentrations of progestagens that are less than 1.0 ng/mL. A progestagens assay should be performed before starting any protocol. Additional progestagen assays should be performed following completion of the protocol to detect ovulations, which may have occurred even though the mare did not show estrus. These mares will respond to prostaglandin injections and exhibit normal estrous cycle if TT4 levels are sufficient (ie greater than 12.0 ng/mL).
A Total T4 assay should be performed in all anovulatory mares or any mare not exhibiting normal estrous cycles or ovarian follicular development. Mares with TT4 concentrations below 12.0 ng/mL will not respond adequately to the anovulatory protocols. Response will be significantly improved when sufficient thyroxine is given orally to elevate TT4 concentrations between 14 and 20 ng/mL. The dosage should be titrated so that these concentrations are present 24 hours following the dosage of thyroxine. This simply means that the blood sample should be taken before the oral dose of thyroxine is administered and not afterwards. Thyroxine need only be given once per day. Thyroxine should be continued at least until 45-50 days of pregnancy. It is imperative to monitor TT4 concentrations to insure that the proper amount of thyroxine is being administered. Too much will cause weight loss and hyperexcitability, and too little will be ineffective.
ANOVULATORY PROTOCOLS IN POST-FOALING OR TRANSITIONAL MARES
Deep Anestrous Mares With Follicles Less Than 10 MM
- 50 µg Histrelin (LD) BID for 7 to 14 days until ovulation occurs.
- Histrelin + P4 Injection (1cc IM) SID for 10 days.
- Use Histrelin 0.5 mg when follicle is 35 mm or greater to induce ovulation.
*BET Pharm compounds these medications – click the links to prescribe.
Lactational Anestrous Mares With Follicles 10 MM To 25 MM+
Option 1:
Histrelin + P4 Injection for 10 days (see DEEP ANESTROUS MARES with FOLLICLES LESS THAN 10 mm). Approx. 85% of mares ovulate by 21 days from 1st injection.
Option 2:
Combination of Histrelin and daily Regumate (Altrenogest)
OR
1.5 cc Altrenogest 150, IM, on day 5 only
OR
5 cc P4 300, IM, on day 5 only
Option 3:
50 µg Histrelin BID for 7 to 14 days until ovulation occurs
Lactational Anestrous Mares With Follicles Equal To Or Greater Than 25 MM
Option 1 – 600mg (2cc) P4 300, IM, as a single injection
Option 2 – 225 mg (1.5cc) Altrenogest 150mg, IM as a single injection
Option 3 – 50 µg Histrelin BID for 7 – 10 days (until ovulation occurs)
Option 4 – 1 injection P+ (10cc IM)
Transitional Mares With Follicles Equal To Or Greater Than 15 MM (Must Have Been Under Lights For 60 Days)
P4 300, 600 mg (2 mL), IM, as a single injection
OR
Altrenogest 150, 225 mg (1.5 mL), IM, as a single injection