Comparison Between Gynecological Examination Methods and Sample Collection Techniques for the Diagnosis of Endometritis in Subfertile Mares.
Authors: Teixeira-Soares Carlos Mattos, Viana Arabela Guedes de Azevedo, Ribeiro Iara Magalhães, Silva Kamilla Dias Paes, Sancler-Silva Yamê Fabres Robaina, Machado-Neves Mariana
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Diagnostic Approaches to Equine Endometritis Endometritis remains a significant barrier to reproductive success in mares, yet diagnosis is complicated by inconsistent results across different examination and sampling methods. Researchers evaluated 40 subfertile mares using multiple clinical techniques (transrectal palpation, ultrasonography, vaginoscopy, cervical palpation) alongside laboratory investigations including endometrial cytology, histology, and microbiological culture, with samples collected via three methods: commercial cytobrush, low-volume flush, and material harvested from endometrial biopsy fragments. Transrectal palpation and ultrasound performed best among clinical examinations, but microbiological culture demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity compared to endometrial histology—traditionally considered the gold standard—whilst endometrial cytology showed intermediate diagnostic value. The commercial cytobrush/swab collector emerged as the most effective and practical sampling technique, combining diagnostic reliability with ease of use in field conditions. These findings suggest that practitioners should employ multiple diagnostic modalities in parallel rather than relying on any single method, and that microbiological culture warrants greater emphasis in endometritis diagnosis protocols for subfertile mares.
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Practical Takeaways
- •For subfertile mares, combine clinical examination (transrectal palpation and ultrasound) with laboratory confirmation using commercial cytobrush/swab collection and microbiological culture rather than relying on any single diagnostic method.
- •Endometrial histology alone is insufficient for endometritis diagnosis; microbiological culture should be prioritized as it shows superior sensitivity and specificity.
- •The commercial cytobrush/swab collector is the most practical sample collection technique for field use, making it suitable for routine diagnostic protocols in subfertile mare evaluations.
Key Findings
- •Uterine microbiological culture showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for endometritis diagnosis compared with endometrial histology (the gold standard).
- •Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography were the most effective clinical examination methods, but less efficient than laboratory tests.
- •Commercial cytobrush/swab collector was the most effective and practical sample collection technique for endometrial cytology and microbiological culture among the three methods tested.
- •Using multiple diagnostic methods from different examination approaches proved effective as an alternative strategy for endometritis diagnosis.