Q: My veterinarian said my mare probably didn’t conceive this year because she was "dirty." We treated her and cleared up her problem, but what are our chances of getting her pregnant, and could she get "dirty" again?

A: The term "dirty mare" can be very complicated, and one that applies to as many as 85% of broodmares that have problems conceiving. It consists of more than one specific complication; in fact there are three broad categories of problem mares.

The first group consists of mares that have an acute infection, which means bacteria can be cultured on the first or second day of heat. This mare is relatively easy to diagnose–many have a purulent discharge and when her uterus is cultured bacteria can be isolated. Once your veterinarian determines that your mare falls into this category, treatment consists of antibiotics to specifically kill the bacteria that has been cultured.

The mare should be evaluated at the time the infection is noted because she may re-infect herself if she has poor reproductive conformation. A Caslick procedure may be needed to stop re-infection. This involves stitching up the vulva from the top of the vulva to the brim of the pelvis so air and bacteria can no longer enter the uterus, but the mare can urinate