Examination of the Equine Cervix by High Magnification Videoendoscopy

The equine cervix is thought to be essential for reproductive health in the mare. Based on published anatomical descriptions of its folded architecture and heavily ciliated epithelium, it was hypothesized that the cervix has a functional mucociliary apparatus. The objectives of this study were to: (i) develop a method for high magnification (200 X) video endoscopy of the equine cervix; and (ii) demonstrate the behavior of carbon particles in aqueous suspension applied to the cervical epithelium. Three reproductively sound Standardbred mares were used for the study. To reduce movement, mares were sedated with 5 mg detomidine IV and examined in stocks during estrus. [...]