Complications Associated With The Use Of Intrauterine Glass Marbles To Suppress Estrus In A Standardbred Mare

Abstract

An 11-year-old maiden Standardbred mare was presented to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center (OSU-VMC) Theriogenology service for treatment of endometritis and breeding management. It was suspected that pieces of a marble, placed in the uterus to suppress estrous behavior, remained in the mare’s reproductive tract following removal. The clear glass marble was reported to appear “flakey” upon removal and had been present for an unknown period of time. Reproductive ultrasonography showed luteal tissue, endometrial edema, hyperechoic free intrauterine fluid and small echogenic fragments in the endometrium. Hysteroscopy showed free glass shards in the uterus. Treatment of the endometritis included: acetylcysteine, uterine lavages, ceftiofur, and ecbolics. Intensive breeding management over two estrous cycles and two embryo recovery attempts were unsuccessful. This report describes potential complications with the use of an intrauterine glass marble and provides additional evidence that serious complications such as embedded glass shards in the endometrium, persistent endometritis and infertility may occur. Glass marbles are not recommended for estrus suppression in mares.