Effects of Common Equine Endocrine Diseases on Reproduction

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2016 Dec;32(3):435-449. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2016.07.005. Epub 2016 Oct 8.

Abstract

Endocrine diseases, such as equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, are common in domesticated horse populations, and the frequency with which these diseases are encountered and managed by equine veterinary practitioners is expected to increase as the population ages. As clinicians learn more about the effects of these diseases on equine reproductive physiology and efficiency (including effects on reproductive seasonality, ovulation efficiency, implantation, early pregnancy loss, duration of pregnancy, and lactation), strategies and guidelines for improving fertility in affected animals continue to evolve. It is hoped that further research will establish these recommendations more firmly.

Keywords: Broodmare; Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS); Fertility; Insulin resistance; Laminitis; Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID); Pregnancy; Seasonality.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endocrine System Diseases / complications
  • Endocrine System Diseases / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases*
  • Horses / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproduction*