The Visual Guide to
Equine Reproduction
Reproductive Technology: Embryo Transfer
Stocks.
Restraint of the donor mare for the flushing procedure is important.
Ball BA (1987)
Preparation of the Donor.
The donor mare is placed in the stocks and cleaned in preparation for flushing of the embryos.
Ball BA (1987)
Placement of the Flushing Catheter.
The balloon catheter is directed into and through the cervix towards the uterine lumen with digital guidance per vaginam.
Ball BA (1987)
Collection of the Effluent.
The effluent is passed through an embryo filter. After the fluid has passed through the filter it is collected in a graduated cylinder to monitor the amount of fluid recovered versus the amount infused. The embryo is retained in the filter.
Ball BA (1987)
Use of the Embryo Filter.
The embryo filter is designed with an overflow system (a porous column in the center of the bowl) whereby the excess effluent continues to flow into a 2-liter graduated cylinder.
Ball BA (1987)
Preparation of the Recipient.
The synchronized recipient mare is prepared for sterile surgery and transfer of the embryo.
Ball BA (1987)
Embryo Recovery Supplies.
Shown are a large sterile balloon catheter, a sterile filter, which is set in a beaker, with tubing attached. The forceps are used to clamp off the tubing to regulate flow. There is also a tube of nonspermacidal sterile lubricant.
Ball BA (1987)
Embryo Filter.
The embryo recovery filter has a central column with a pore size of 75 micrometers. This permits the bowl to retain the embryo yet let the extra fluid drain off. The base of the column is impervious so there will always a 2 to 3 cm layer of flushing medium in the bowl which prevents the embryo(s) from drying out.
Ball BA (1987)
Stab Incision.
The tip of the uterine horn of the recipient mare is exposed via a flank incision, and a stab (puncture) incision is made with the eye-end of a suture needle through the wall of the uterus.
Ball BA (1987)
Puncture Site.
The puncture wound, in the uterine horn of the recipient mare, shows minimal bleeding.
Ball BA (1987)
Testing of the Stab Incision.
The stab incision is gently probed with a small straight catheter to avoid placement of the tip of the transfer catheter into the wall of the uterus.
Ball BA (1987)