Reproductive Services

Agnew Equine provides support if you are considering breeding from your mare. We help you to determine the mare’s suitability for breeding, offer ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, provide vaccinations to prevent abortion, assist with pregnancy or twin pregnancy management and are there through to the exciting and (often nerve-wracking!) experience of foaling and the care of the foal after birth. 

Artificial Insemination

AI is a process that allows a mare to get pregnant without being covered naturally by a stallion. The semen is collected from the stallion, either chilled or frozen, transported to the required location and then inseminated into the mare. This process requires a thorough knowledge of the stage of the mare’s reproductive cycle which may or may not have been influenced by drugs. Advantages of artificial insemination include:

  • The mare and stallion never have to come in contact with each other, which therefore reduces breeding accidents, such as the mare kicking the stallion
  • AI opens up the world to international breeding, as semen may be shipped across continents to mares that would otherwise be unable to breed to a particular stallion
  • A mare also does not have to travel to the stallion, so the process is less stressful on her, and if she already has a foal, the foal does not have to travel
  • AI allows more mares to be bred from one stallion, as the ejaculate may be split between mares
  • AI reduces the chance of spreading sexually transmitted diseases between mare and stallion
  • AI allows mares or stallions with health issues, such as sore hocks which may prevent a stallion from mounting, to continue to breed
  • Frozen semen may be stored and used to breed mares even after the stallion is dead, allowing his lines to continue.

As a rule, fresh and chilled semen are suited to a broader spectrum of mares and results in better pregnancy rates than frozen semen.

The timing of insemination in AI programmes is very important. In order to predict the time of ovulation and synchronise this with insemination we use ultrasound scanning. Ultrasonography enables us to detect changes in the mare’s ovaries and uterus that helps us to predict the time of ovulation. It is performed via the mare’s rectum and is generally well tolerated. The degree of restraint required is very dependent on the mare’s temperament.

In order for a mare to become pregnant, semen must be introduced into the mare’s uterus at the correct time – the time of ovulation. Ovulation occurs at the end of the mare’s oestrus period, the time when she is sexually receptive and showing signs of being in season. The optimal time to inseminate a mare using fresh or chilled semen is 24 hrs before she ovulates. This allows the semen time to mature within the mare’s uterus maximising its ability to fertilise the mare’s egg successfully. We can administer drugs to the mare that encourage her to ovulate at the ideal time. 

Following a successful insemination, mares are routinely scanned 24 to 48 hrs later. This is to confirm that the mare has ovulated and to detect any fluid within the uterus. Fluid accumulates within the uterus in some mares following insemination (termed post breeding endometritis) and if left untreated would impede the ability of the pregnancy to develop. If present, free uterine fluid is treated with an antibiotic washout and drugs that cause the uterus to contract expelling any fluid.

Mares are scanned to tell if they are pregnant usually about 14-16 days after ovulation. If there is one pregnancy at that time a repeat scan is performed about 10 days later to check for a heartbeat. If the mare is not in foal then the AI cycle can be repeated.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about how or when to get your mare in foal.  Arnie Agnew leads our reproductive services and would be happy to speak with you.

Ambulatory
We always come to you! We have hospital-grade veterinary and diagnostic tools which are entirely mobile, which means you have the convenience of keeping your horse right where they are.
Independent
We are proud to be a local, family-run practice, and if your horse needs specialist treatment, we are free to refer them to the top experts in the country for their specific needs, not where a corporate dictates.
Experience
Over 20 years as a practice we have built an outstanding reputation for trustworthy care, treatment and professionalism - and our team of vets have devoted their careers exclusively to equine medicine.
Emergencies
We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you always have our support and your peace of mind.

Our Services

Castrations

Castrations

Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, ideally during the spring or autumn.
Dental Care

Dental Care

We provide expert routine dental care and examinations - as the condition of your horse’s mouth plays such an important role in their overall health and welfare.
Emergencies

Emergencies

We know that emergencies can happen any time of the day or night - and we offer the assurance that you always have the veterinary support you need standing by. We offer our own in-house emergency cover, meaning you will always see one of our vets in your time of need.
Equipment and Diagnostics

Equipment and Diagnostics

We are proud to be a fully ambulatory practice and welcome the fact that modern mobile technology allows us to effectively deliver treatment and diagnoses at the convenience of your stable.
Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

We are privileged in veterinary medicine to have the ability to end suffering, and have a responsibility to work with you to do so in a way that is painless and minimises stress for all involved.
Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy continues to be the only reliable method for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses. At Agnew, we offer this service using our mobile equipment at your home stables to avoid any additional stress caused by transporting your horse or pony.
Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

We examine horses for a wide range of medical problems including weight loss, diarrhoea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders and skin disease right at your stables.
Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

We have close links with a number of outstanding veterinary clinical laboratories in Newmarket and around the country - and we are able to choose the most appropriate and experienced lab depending on what we are testing for.
Lameness Investigations

Lameness Investigations

Our vets have a great reputation for their lameness investigations at the convenience of your own stables. Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics.
Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Vettings are very important and are one of the most consequential things you’ll ask your vet to do – because purchasing a horse is a big decision! On that basis, Robin, Arnie & Stuart carry out the majority of our vettings as we feel experience is key to delivering the best outcome for you and the horse.
Reproductive Services

Reproductive Services

We offer a variety of reproductive services for your mare including artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancy management, foal management and vaccinations to prevent abortion.
Routine Health Care

Routine Health Care

At Agnew Equine, we believe that keeping your horse happy and healthy starts with Routine Preventative Care; vaccinations, regular dentistry, parasite control are fundamental to the well-being of your horse and doing all you can to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Surgery/Referral

Surgery/Referral

As an independent practice, our vets at Agnew Equine are able to review each case and, where necessary, recommend referral to the most appropriate hospital in the circumstances to help with the specialised care of your horse or pony.
“My best advice is register with Agnew Equine - they are the best!” Louisa Kelly
“Love these vets - wouldn’t go anywhere else! Fantastic.” Paulina Nicholls
“A great team of vets! Calm, caring, experts with a professional manner” Kelly Pope
“Best vets anyone could have. Fantastic in all ways.” Angela Frost
“By far the most attentive and polite practice I’ve come across”
Agnew EquineHot Lane Farm, Hot LaneBiddulph MoorStoke-on-TrentStaffordshireST8 7HP01782 510502find us
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Monday to Friday
8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday
Closed
Sundays
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In An Emergency

We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Simply call the practice on 01782 510502 to access our support.

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