An equine corpus luteum (CL)
Keywords: corpus luteum, CL, equine, mare, ultrasound
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A normal-appearing CL in the ovary of a mare, seen via transrectal ultrasonography. It is highly echogenic and under most circumstances, very easy to see. In this species, it is not possible to palpate the ovary transrectally to determine the presence of a CL because of the tunica albuginea covering the equine ovary. Therfore, transrectal ultrasonography is invaluable in determining whether or not a mare has ovulated or has begun to cycle. By contrast, in cattle it is possible to palpate the crown of the CL transrectally therefore ultrasonography is not required for this purpose.
A normal-appearing CL in the ovary of a mare, seen via transrectal ultrasonography. It is highly echogenic and under most circumstances, very easy to see. In this species, it is not possible to palpate the ovary transrectally to determine the presence of a CL because of the tunica albuginea covering the equine ovary. Therfore, transrectal ultrasonography is invaluable in determining whether or not a mare has ovulated or has begun to cycle. By contrast, in cattle it is possible to palpate the crown of the CL transrectally therefore ultrasonography is not required for this purpose.