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College of Veterinary Medicine

Equine Theriogenology Referrals

The Equine Theriogenology Service at the Purdue University Equine Hospital works with referring veterinarians on reproductive cases involving mares and stallions.

Veterinarians may contact the service for support with breeding management, infertility evaluation, embryo transfer, embryo freezing, semen collection, semen freezing and storage, pregnancy ultrasound, twin management, high-risk pregnancy care, and related reproductive concerns.

Call us at 765-494-8548 to discuss a referral.

Dr. Justin Hayna speaking with a colleague about a case.

When to refer a mare

A mare may benefit from referral when additional reproductive evaluation, hospital-based monitoring, or specialty reproductive planning is needed.

If you are unsure whether referral is appropriate, call us at 765-494-8548 to discuss the case.

Difficulty conceiving

Repeated breeding attempts without pregnancy

History of pregnancy loss

Suspected breeding-associated infection

Need for uterine biopsy

Need for hysteroscopy

Embryo transfer planning

Embryo freezing

Pregnancy ultrasound

Twin management or twin reduction

High-risk pregnancy monitoring

Hospitalization for high-risk pregnancy

Foaling out for a high-risk pregnancy

When to refer a stallion

The Equine Theriogenology Service also accepts stallion reproductive referrals.

Common referral reasons include:

  • Stallion fertility evaluation
  • Semen collection
  • Semen evaluation
  • Semen cryopreservation
  • Semen storage
  • Phantom training
  • Breeding soundness examination
  • Post-mortem gamete preservation

Because some stallion services require scheduling and preparation, early communication is helpful.

Stallion Semen Collection, Freezing, and Storage

A brown horse wearing a green halter stands in a metal grooming stall.

Records and history to send

The most useful records depend on the case. When available, please provide relevant reproductive history, examination findings, diagnostic results, treatment history, and current concerns.

For mare referrals, helpful information may include:

  • Mare’s age, breed, and use
  • Breeding history
  • Pregnancy history
  • Dates of recent breeding attempts
  • Semen type used
  • Prior pregnancy loss, if applicable
  • Prior uterine culture, cytology, biopsy, or treatment history
  • Ultrasound findings
  • Current medications or treatments
  • Current breeding goal
  • Reason for referral

For stallion referrals, helpful information may include:

  • Stallion’s age, breed, and use
  • Breeding history
  • Collection history
  • Prior semen evaluation results
  • Prior fertility concerns
  • Prior semen freezing or storage history, if applicable
  • Current breeding or semen preservation goals
  • Reason for referral

If records are incomplete, the service can help determine what information is needed.

Pregnancy and high-risk cases

For pregnancy monitoring, twin management, high-risk pregnancy care, or foaling out for a high-risk pregnancy, please include any available breeding dates, ovulation dates, pregnancy ultrasound findings, pregnancy stage, prior pregnancy history, and current clinical concerns.

Pregnancy concerns can be time-sensitive. For urgent needs, call 765-494-8548.

Pregnancy Ultrasound and High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Communication with referring veterinarians

The Equine Theriogenology Service values clear communication with referring veterinarians. The team works to understand the case history, explain recommended next steps, and coordinate care when additional reproductive evaluation or hospital-based services are needed.

Referring veterinarians are encouraged to Call us at 765-494-8548 to discuss mare or stallion reproductive cases.

Two women handle two dark-colored horses in a stable aisle.

Common questions

Calling before referral can help the team understand the case, identify needed records, and determine the most appropriate next step.

The Equine Theriogenology Service accepts referrals for mare and stallion reproductive concerns, including breeding management, infertility evaluation, embryo transfer, embryo freezing, semen services, pregnancy monitoring, twin management, and high-risk pregnancy care.

Helpful records may include breeding history, pregnancy history, recent ultrasound findings, semen type used, uterine culture or biopsy results, treatment history, and the current reason for referral.

Helpful records may include breeding history, prior semen evaluation results, collection history, semen freezing or storage history, fertility concerns, and current breeding or semen preservation goals.

Some reproductive cases are time-sensitive, including semen shipment, ovulation timing, twin management, post-mortem gamete preservation, and high-risk pregnancy concerns. Call 765-494-8548 as soon as possible to discuss the situation.

View more equine reproduction FAQs