Histological Changes in the Uterus during Postpartum in the Mare

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Abstract
Summary: An histological study of the postpartum period in 29 mares was carried out. Uterine biopsies were taken daily during the first 10 days postpartum in a total of 87 samples. At day 0, equine endometrium was characterized in the surface by the presence of regularly ordered microcaruncles; the stratum spongiosum was oedematous and contained distended and scarce glands. Degenerative changes in microcaruncles and endometrial glands were present on day 1 postpartum. The epithelium of the microcaruncles from 2 to 5 days postpartum showed cytoplasmic vacuolization, karyorrhexis and an inflammatory reaction with neutrophils and phagocitic cells. On day 7 postpartum, the histology of the endometrium was similar to the normal proestrus with cuboidal luminal epithelium and an oedematous stromal tissue. The changes are usually completed within days 9 and 10 postpartum with the histologically typical appearance of estrus in mares.