Breeders and veterinarians understand the risks and frustrations involved in trying to obtain that perfect, healthy foal. Sometimes there are added complications of a mare which has problems that might prevent or hinder her ability to produce a foal. With veterinary care and knowledge of the mare's problems, that dream foal can become a reality even from a problem mare. Attendees at the 2003 American Association of Equine Practitioners' convention learned more about the high-risk mare at a table topic moderated by Tom Riddle, DVM, of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.; and Wendy Vaala, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, of B.W. Furlong and Associates in Oldwick, N.J.

Riddle started with a discussion of non-reproductive problems in the mare that could affect her pregnancy, such as laminitis, an old performance injury, or hypothyroidism. For the laminitic mare or for one which has an old injury, pain management must be considered. Pain could affect her ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy, said Riddle. He commented that there has been a previous concern about fertility of the mare with hypothyroidism; however, he said there has been no study confirming a relationship between low thyroid levels and low fertility.

The discussion turned to vulvar conformation. Riddle considers it a given that a proper Caslick's (an operation to improve the vulva seal) procedure should be done, especially if there are signs of infertility. "You should look for any indication that the vulva needs reconstruction," he advised.

He recommended that a veterinarian examine a mare with a speculum and by manual palpation in case there are significant tears in the reproductive tract