Prostaglandin use in broodmares. Part 2: other applications in reproduction

Prostaglandins are essential medications used in equine reproduction, and the author has explored physiology, safety and some clinical applications in the first of this two-part article series. This second part focuses on reported applications of prostaglandins in other areas of reproduction related to the broodmare. These include termination of pregnancy and examining protocols to be used depending on the stage of gestation. Infertility and treatment related to presumed oviductal blockage, foal fostering and treatment of foal rejection are described. This article also examines the effects of prostaglandins on the uterus and cervix, and their possible uses in clinical practice relating to uterine fluid accumulation and infection. The uses of prostaglandins in broodmare reproduction are numerous, although the mechanism of effect is not always clear and, in some cases, scientific evidence can be inconclusive. However, they still represent one of the most frequently used drugs in this subspecialty.