More often than not, with cases referred for an ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries) the root cause of discomfort has nothing to do with the ovaries, McDonnell said. | Photo: iStock

The veterinarians at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center regularly evaluate mares for suspected ovary-related behavior issues. In most cases, however, they find the root cause is something else entirely.

Sue McDonnell, PhD, CAAB, adjunct professor of reproductive behavior and founding head of the University’s Equine Behavior Program, has been evaluating these so-called problem mares for decades. At the 2017 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held Nov. 17-21 in San Antonio, Texas, she described how the team at New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, evaluates them and shared some case examples.

“Diagnosing the root causes (for behavior problems) is important for welfare, safety, and client satisfaction,” she