Recent surgeries

Laparoscopic ovariectomy (ovary removal)

Ovarian tumours occur in mares. They usually affect one ovary, which slowly increases in size. Behavioural changes are common, especially stallion-like behaviour. They very rarely spread to other organs and all but the very largest can be removed during standing keyhole surgery. Cotts Farm uses a Ligasure electrosurgical system during ovariectomy to ensure no haemorrhage.

Mares occasionally become difficult to handle or ride during oestrus. Although progesterone treatment usually suppresses oestrus, mares can also safely have both their ovaries removed. This results in permanent suppression of oestrus, although future breeding is (naturally) impossible. The cost of lifetime progesterone therapy is more than the cost of ovary removal.

This mare had shown behavioural abnormalities and had stopped cycling. She an enlarged left ovary and hormone tests (inhibin) had indicated a granulosa cell tumour. She is shown shortly before ovary removal.

These photos show the endoscopic view of the ovary being removed.

These last photos show fluid being sucked out of the ovary to reduce its size before removal from the abdomen, and then the tumour shortly after removal. The mare resumed normal riding after 4 weeks and all stallion-like behaviour has disappeared. Fertility normally returns, although this case was carried out earlier in 2008 and she has not had the chance to conceive again.