Resolution of two cases of ovarian abscesses in mares subjected to ovum pick up.
Authors: Fernández-Hernández Pablo, Valero-González Marta, Fuentes-Romero Beatriz, Iglesias-García Manuel, Ezquerra-Calvo Luis Javier, Martín-Cuervo Maria, Macías-García Beatriz
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Management of Ovarian Abscesses Following Ovum Pick Up Ovum pick-up (OPU) is an established technique for retrieving immature oocytes from live mares undergoing in vitro embryo production, though ovarian abscesses represent a recognised but poorly understood complication with no established treatment protocol. Two clinical cases presenting with ovarian abscesses caused by *Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus* demonstrated contrasting but successful management approaches: the first mare presented with systemic signs (tachypnoea, tachycardia, fever, elevated serum amyloid A) and underwent left ovariectomy via standing laparoscopy with histopathological confirmation of abscessation, whilst the second remained clinically silent with an incidental ultrasonographic finding managed conservatively through transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration followed by targeted antimicrobial therapy (rifampicin and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine) achieving complete resolution within 40 days. These cases suggest that ovarian abscesses need not be an automatic indication for ovariectomy; clinical presentation, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing should inform whether medical or surgical intervention is most appropriate. For practitioners involved in reproduction, embryo collection programmes or post-OPU monitoring, heightened awareness of this complication and knowledge of diagnostic ultrasound findings may enable earlier detection and discussion of treatment options tailored to individual mare circumstances and intended breeding use.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor mares post-OPU for signs of ovarian abscess including fever, tachycardia, lameness, and elevated serum amyloid A
- •Ovarian abscesses can be managed either surgically or medically depending on clinical presentation and mare's breeding value; obtain bacterial culture and antibiogram to guide antibiotic selection
- •Transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration can be both diagnostic and therapeutically beneficial as part of medical management
Key Findings
- •Ovarian abscesses can develop as a complication following ovum pick-up (OPU) in mares
- •Streptococcus equi Zooepidemicus was the causative organism in both cases
- •Surgical treatment (standing laparoscopic ovariectomy) successfully resolved the first case
- •Medical treatment with rifampicin and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine completely resolved the second case within 40 days