Page 936 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

following insemination will reduce the chance of a successful pregnancy. A post-

insemination examination is usually performed and if intrauterine fluid is identified,
VetBooks.ir treatment will be undertaken to remove it. This may involve repeat injections of oxytocin
if the cervix is relaxed or infusion of 1–2 litres of warm sterile saline into the uterus. The

saline stimulates contraction of the uterus and expulsion of the fluid (Figure 19.17).

Figure 19.17 Infusing the uterus with warm sterile saline

The advantages of AI

• The semen from a single stallion can be used to inseminate more mares than a stallion
could cover naturally.

• Transporting the semen means that mares and foals do not have to travel long distances

to unfamiliar surroundings.
• There is no risk of injury to the mare or stallion from kicks and bites.

• Fewer bacteria enter the uterus than with natural service.

• In expert hands it can increase the chance of conception, especially in mares susceptible