06/06/2025
Sierra's Arsenal xx has had a really strange cycle, just like many of the mares I've been seeing lately. On Wednesday, 5 days following Estrumate, her largest follicle was only 27mm however she had heavy edema. Upon performing a vaginal exam, I discovered her cervix was wide open! Strangely, both ovaries were being held extremely superior - nearly out of reach - something I typically only see during diestrus or the transitional phase. I considered skipping this cycle, chalking it up to weird hormones from losing her c**t earlier this spring, but decided to scan her in 18hr before making a final decision.
Thursday afternoon came around, and I was surprised to find her right o***y easily accessible, but housing only very small follicles, which was no change from the day prior. Her left o***y showed significant changes, and her 27mm follicle had grown to 35mm - a large jump. The dominant follicle was rapidly losing shape, despite that o***y still being held superior and challenging to access. She had another follicle measuring 28mm on the same o***y, and I ordered semen to arrive Friday evening. I took the opportunity to perform a uterine lavage and due to the characteristics of the dominant follicle, I administered a double dose of Regumate and crossed my fingers.
Friday morning I scanned her to discover she has not yet ovulated, but her 35mm follicle has grown to 40mm and looks to be starting to break down. The secondary follicle has advanced to ~36mm but is still quite round. Due to how she's choosing to continue to hold this o***y it was nearly impossible to get clear images. Regardless, she has significantly less edema, and the semen is enroute to arrive this evening. As an added bit of insurance, I administered HCG in hopes that she doesn't switch gears, though I think it won't serve as much benefit. That being said, at this point, nothing this breeding season would surprise me so I would rather use it and have not needed it.
I'm grateful for an awesome Stallion Owner who goes above and beyond for clients and was able to work with me on short notice to get the goods enroute. My apologies to the mystery sire, who was pulled out of bed for an early morning collection so it could make it's 8AM drop-off time at the airport. As a result, things are lining up to be optimal timing.
With any luck, we will have a healthy black dot (or two) in 2 weeks. 🤞
