Diagnostic techniques for endometritis: what’s new?

Endometritis in the mare is commonly categorised into acute infectious, chronic infectious or post-mating-induced endometritis [1]. While these definitions are appropriate, in clinical practice we are mostly dealing with mares that present with either clinical or subclinical endometritis. Clinical endometritis, by definition, is relatively easy to diagnose as the presence of intrauterine fluid on ultrasound, with or without a vaginal discharge, is readily apparent [2]. However, it is important to remember that not all mares with intrauterine fluid have clinical endometritis and its presence can be part of a normal physiological state, i.e. post-partum involution or oestrus. Clinical endometritis may occur post-foaling, post-breeding, or it may be part of a primary infectious process such as contagious equine metritis ...