Moody Mares-Is Ovariectomy a Solution?
Authors: Melgaard Daniel Taasti, Korsgaard Trine Stokbro, Thoefner Martin Soendergaard, Petersen Morten Roenn, Pedersen Hanne Gervi
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Behavioural problems in mares present a significant clinical and practical challenge, yet the effectiveness of bilateral ovariectomy as a therapeutic intervention remains poorly characterised. Taasti and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis of 28 ovariectomised mares, stratifying outcomes by histopathological ovarian status (normal versus neoplastic) and using owner-reported semi-quantitative scoring (1–10 scale) to assess changes in ground behaviour and rideability before and after surgery. Rideability showed notably greater improvement than behavioural temperament: 80% of mares with normal ovaries and 57% of those with ovarian neoplasia achieved improvement scores of ≥5 points, whereas only 40–43% demonstrated comparable behavioural gains regardless of ovarian pathology. Importantly, both groups demonstrated statistically significant pre- to post-operative improvements, with no meaningful difference in outcome between normal and neoplastic ovary cohorts, suggesting that behavioural benefit is not contingent on underlying ovarian disease. For practitioners encountering mares with persistent unwanted behaviour unrelated to oestrous cycling or identifiable pain sources, ovariectomy warrants consideration as a potential management strategy, particularly where improved rideability is the priority, though expectation-setting around behavioural change requires nuance given the variable individual response.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Ovariectomy may improve rideability in problem mares regardless of ovarian pathology, with higher success rates for rideability (57-80%) than general behaviour (40-43%)
- •Consider ovariectomy as a treatment option for mares with unwanted behaviour not obviously linked to oestrus cycle or painful conditions, though owner expectations should be managed regarding inconsistent behavioural change
- •Histological findings (normal vs. neoplastic ovaries) do not predict treatment success, so surgery may be justified based on clinical presentation alone
Key Findings
- •Rideability improved with scores ≥5 in 80% of mares with normal ovaries and 57% with ovarian neoplasia following ovariectomy
- •Behavioural improvement of ≥5 was observed in 40% of mares with normal ovaries and 43% with ovarian neoplasia
- •Significant improvement was observed in both groups between pre- and post-ovariectomy scores
- •No significant difference in outcome was found between mares with normal ovaries versus neoplastic ovaries