Last Updated on March 29, 2022 by Allison Price
Vaginitis (inflammation in the vagina) and vulvitis (inflammation at the vulvae) may develop from difficult labor, chronic contamination of reproductive tract due to poor conformation, sex transmitted diseases, mating, or hard labor. After the birth of a foal, mares may experience hematomas and bruises. There may be severe inflammation of the vagina and vulva, as well as tissue death. Severe inflammation may manifest as an arched back or elevated tail, poor appetite and straining. It can also cause swelling of the vulva. The signs can appear as soon as the baby is born, and they last up to four days. Most cases require supportive care and antibiotic treatment.
Equine exanthema is caused due to a viral infection. It can lead to vaginitis or vulvitis. Although the disease can cause discomfort, it does not affect fertility.
Dourine is a sexually transmitted infection of horses by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma armerdum. The first signs are swelling in the vaginal and vulvae. Dourine is most common along the Mediterranean coast of Africa and the Middle East. It can also be found in southern Africa, South America, and the Middle East.
