Effect of Transvaginal Aspiration of Oocytes on Blood And Peritoneal Fluid Parameters in Mares.
Authors: Orellana-Guerrero Daniela, Dini Pouya, Santos Eduardo, de la Fuente Alejandro, Meyers Stuart, Koshak Sara, Dujovne Ghislaine
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Transvaginal aspiration of oocytes (TVA) has become routine in equine embryo production, yet little was known about its systemic effects until Orellana-Guerrero *et al.* evaluated blood and peritoneal fluid changes in 14 mares before and 24 hours after the procedure. Despite significant alterations in white cell counts and peritoneal parameters—including elevated lactate (>50% of mares), total protein, and neutrophil infiltration—13 of 14 mares remained clinically sound, with only one experiencing transient low-grade fever and mild colic; importantly, neither antibiotic use, number of ovarian punctures, nor procedure duration correlated with the magnitude of these changes. The findings demonstrate that TVA provokes an expected inflammatory response confined largely to the peritoneal cavity, with blood parameters remaining within normal ranges in most animals. For practitioners, this suggests that mild peritoneal fluid changes are normal post-procedure consequences rather than indicators of complication, though peritoneal lactate measurement could serve as a useful early marker should clinical concerns arise; the lack of correlation between procedural variables and inflammatory markers implies that current clinical protocols are appropriately protective.
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Practical Takeaways
- •TVA is a safe procedure with minimal clinical complications; expect transient inflammatory signs in individual mares but most recover quickly without intervention
- •Peritoneal fluid parameters (lactate, protein, neutrophil count) are reliable early indicators of inflammation following TVA and can guide post-procedure monitoring protocols
- •Procedural variables (duration, number of punctures) and prophylactic antibiotic use do not meaningfully alter the inflammatory response, suggesting these factors should not be modified based solely on attempting to minimize post-TVA inflammation
Key Findings
- •13 of 14 mares remained clinically healthy after TVA; one mare developed transient low-grade fever, anorexia, and mild colic resolving within 12 hours
- •All mares showed significant leukogram changes post-procedure, though most values remained within normal reference ranges
- •Peritoneal lactate, total protein, and neutrophil count increased significantly after TVA, with lactate elevated above baseline in >50% of mares
- •Antibiotic use, procedure length, and number of ovarian punctures did not significantly affect measured blood or peritoneal parameters