Double cervices in a Gypsy Vanner mare

Abstract

A 7-year, purebred Gypsy Vanner, maiden mare was presented with abnormal cervical tissue that was detected during prebreeding examination. External vulvar examination, transrectal and ultrasonographic examination of uterus, and internal vaginal vault and cervical examination (via speculum and endoscopy) were conducted. Karyotype analysis included sex chromosome study with dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction for SRY gene. Mare had normal 64,XX karyotype with no evidence of mosaicism. Two distinct, patent, cervical ora separated by a frenulum, leading to a single uterine body, were observed. It was recommended to avoid breeding because of dystocia risk. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of this nature in a mare.