'wooden cervix' question

[dogandbone]

Has anyone had trouble with a mare with a very stiff cervix? Stud says her only hope is AI, so have gone down that route, but so far no luck getting her in foal. Is there any thing we can do ? She is 12 years old, and in good condition - not fat, but looks really well.

[nutwood]

We had a mare in last year that the stallion could not cover for the same reason. The owner tried another stallion, and that did not work either. Eventually she went down the AI route and the mare foaled recently.

[dogandbone]

Thanks nutwood, keep fingers crossed then, she has just had 2nd AI, the first didn't work! She seems to fill with fluid, and the stud tells me that her very stiff cervix means that the fluid doesn't drain on its own -
Is there any way of softening her cervix? Any supplements that might help, or is that all too easy?

[romarnic]

Hi We have a mare in at the moment with the same problem. I can give you some very good hints. 07768 804856 Nicky

[helps]

Hi do you mean the cervix is shut tight even when in season? I have a mare who does this, vet said progesterone is too high. She has proper seasons tho. what can you do?

[holiday]

This is usually the case in an older maiden mare. The cervix is tight and she will probably need flushing after AI to drain the fluid, the vet can gently manipulate the cervix to help open it.

This problem is usually solved after the mare has successfully foaled (although obviously it is more difficult to get her in foal firstly!!!!!)

A good stud and vet should be able to deal with this problem by more intense work to her. We had a mare with a similar problem who has since successfully foaled with her 4th foal so dont despair!!!!!!

[dogandbone]

Thanks for all your suggestions - Her cervix is open, but not a lot, but as suggested above, she does retain fluid.
We started early in the spring and she was covered twice naturally, then when she was empty, she has been at a fantastic stud with vet in constant attendence. She has been AI'd several times, washed out, had a lavage, antibiotics - you name it, they have tried everything. She simply wont get in foal. I cannot afford to keep trying, but I am now in a complete quandry - what do I do with her? She is 12 years old, has had a difficult time before I had her, when she was ridden, she has a fab temperament, but due to 'peoples treatment of her' she is not suitable to ride any more - What do I do with her? I have limited space here, she is too young to pts imo, but ......any suggestions??

[holiday]

Just food for thought have you tried a different stallion?

[dogandbone]

Thank you holiday, yes we have tried 2, but still no luck! I think her only hope would be to go to a stud with their own stallion/s? with a view to keep trying without having to keep paying stud fees!! I am not suggesting this would be a free option, but it would reduce the cost somewhat!!

[romarnic]

To get the fluid out get the vet to stick a catheter into her and lunge her. It will get all the fluid out.

Also they can soften her cervix with gel you can get from the hospital

We have tried this with a mare that came to stud with the same issues and they did help to get her clean.

Good luck Nicky

[dogandbone]

Thank you romarnic - I think it is too late for this year now?? It has cost me the best part of £1000 ( dont tell my husband Lol!! ) I love her to bits and she is no problem to keep, I am thinking to try again next spring as a last ditch attempt - I have not heard of this method, did the mare that came to you get in foal with this method?