Influence of cycle stage, age and endometrial biopsy score on oxytocin receptor distribution and gene expression in the cervix and uterus of non-pregnant mares.

Persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) or delayed uterine clearance (DUC) are major causes of mare subfertility. Oxytocin and its receptor are thought to play significant roles in the pathogenesis of DUC but the specific roles of oxytocin receptor (OR) distribution and gene expression remain undefined. In this study both OR distribution and gene expression in the endometrium, myometrium and cervix during both luteal and non-luteal phases in non-pregnant mares (n = 27) of differing age (young: 2-9 years, n = 17; old: > 10 years, n = 10) and endometrial biopsy score were described using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively.

Prevalence of dental disorders in an abattoir population of horses in South Africa by oral examination of intact and bisected heads.

Dental care is an integral part of equine veterinary practice. The objectives of this cross sectional study were to describe the prevalence of dental disorders in an abattoir population of horses, and to compare oral examination of intact and bisected heads. Heads from 40 horses, 19 males and 21 females, were examined and divided into immature, adult or older horses based on dental age.