Summary The results of a retrospective analysis of 3,804 endometrial biopsy specimens collected from non‐pregnant mares during the course of routine equine stud farm practice demonstrates a significant and practically useful correlation between the severity of chronic degenerative endometrial disease (CDE) diagnosed and age of mare at the time of examination. There were significant correlations between the number of foals born and the mares' barren years prior to biopsy and the severity of CDE, but the differences were not sufficiently large to be useful. Correlations between the severity of chronic infiltrative endometritis (CIE) and age or pre‐biopsy parity were minimal. The results suggest that using similar histopathological criteria to those used by Kenney and Doig (1986), mares up to nine years of age should have no signs of CDE, mares up to 13 years of age should have no more than mild signs, mares up to 15 years of age should have no more than moderate signs and mares aged 17 years or older are likely to have severe signs. We believe that these guidelines are a useful, objective aid for formulating a breeding prognosis.

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Summary An outbreak of pharyngeal and limb paresis involving four horses and nine ponies in the south east of England is described. Nine of the animals died or were destroyed on humane grounds. The clinical features suggested a diagnosis of botulism and mouse innoculation tests confirmed the presence of type B toxin in the serum of one case. All animals were fed big bale silage. It is described how, in plastic wrapped silage manufacture, conditions of fermentation may be inadequate to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Examination of a sample of silage fed to the affected horses suggested that this was probably the source of the toxin.

SUMMARY The technique and interpretation of the results of paracentesis abdominis in the horse are described. Normal values for nucleated cell count, differential cell count, protein and specific gravity are listed. Peritoneal fluid from normal horses is compared with that from horses with colic. Selected case reports illustrate the value of paracentesis as an aid to the differential diagnosis of colic. RÉSUMÉ La technique et l'interprétation des résultats de la paracenthèse abdominale chez le cheval sont exposés. Les valeurs normales pour les cellules nucléées, le compte cellulaire différentiel la nature des protéines et le poids spécifique sont indiqués. Le liquide péritonéal des chevaux normaux est comparé avec celui des chevaux atteints de coliques. Des cas choisis illustrent la valeur de la paracenthèse comme aide au diagnostic différentiel des coliques. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Technik der abdominalen Paracentese beim Pferd und die Interpretation ihrer Resultate wird beschrieben. Normalwerte für die Anzahl kernhaltiger Zellen, für das Differential‐Zellbild, Proteingehalt und spezifisches Gewicht werden angegeben. Peritonealflüssigkeit normaler Pferde wird mit Punktaten von Kolikpatienten verglichen. Ausgewählte Fälle dienen zur Illustration des diagnostischen Werts der Paracentese.

SUMMARY The author describes a technique for obtaining endometrial biopsy specimens from mares, the normal cyclical histology of the endometrium and an arbitrary classification of the histopathology seen in endometrial biopsy specimens. Previous literature on the subject is cited. Results of endometrial biopsies taken by the author from 134 barren mares, with histories of subfertility are described and classified. The use of the technique and the interpretation of its findings in relation to reproductive performance is discussed. RÉSUMÉ L'auteur décrit une technique de biopsie de l'endometre chez la jument. Puis indique les variations cycliques de l'endometre et donne une classification des lésions histologiques de l'endometre. La litterature sur ce sujet est indiquée. Les résultats de 134 biopsies de l'endometre pratiquées sur 134 juments vides avec des commémoratifs de sub fertilité sont analysés. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Der Autor beschreibt die Technik zur Entnahme von Endometrium‐Biopsien bei Stuten, die normale Histologie des Endometriums in Abhängigkeit vom Cyclus und auch eine willkürliche Einteilung der histopathologischen Befunde. Die ältere Literatur wird besprochen. Die bioptischen Resultate von 134 leeren Stuten mit Fruchtbarkeitsstörungen werden beschrieben und klassiert. Der Gebrauch der Methode und die Interpretation der Resultate in Beziehung zur Fruchtbarkeit werden diskutiert.