Equine Reproduction & Stud Work
Our equine reproduction veterinarians offer advanced services to stud farms and privately owned horses. Our team covers large distances to tend to the needs of equine breeding facilities across the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas.
Expert Reproductive Services
Dr Niel Moelich and Dr John Hodsdon perform a range of procedures for mares and stallions. At Vetscape, we enhance reproductive efficiency with techniques like semen cryopreservation, low-dose insemination, and embryo transfer. These procedures are aimed at ensuring an ideal reproductive environment to maximise the chance of successful fertilisation.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination is performed using fresh chilled semen or frozen semen. Mares’ cycles are closely monitored to ensure that they are inseminated at the optimal time to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Semen Options
- Cycle Monitoring
- Increased Pregnancy Chances
Stallion Breeding Soundness Assessment
This process involves a thorough clinical examination of the stallion, a testicular examination, an assessment of his external genitalia and checking his semen quality (volume, motility and concentration). Blood samples are taken to test for Dourine and swab samples are taken to test for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).
- Comprehensive Examination
- Semen Quality Analysis
- Disease Testing
Mare Breeding Soundness Assessment
A thorough clinical examination, assessment of her external genitalia, transrectal ultrasound of the reproductive tract (ovaries and uterus) and an assessment of her caslicks index are performed. Further diagnostics (uterine swabs for cytology and culture and/or endometrial biopsies) can be performed if indicated. Blood samples are taken to test for Dourine, and swab samples are taken to test for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).
- Thorough Examination
- Diagnostic Tests
- Disease Screening
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer allows competing mares to pass on their genetics without carrying a pregnancy. This process involves inseminating a donor mare, flushing the embryo early, and transferring it to a surrogate mare. The cycles of both mares are closely monitored and synchronised to maximise the chances of a successful transfer.
- Genetic Advantage
- Intricate Process
- Cycle Synchronisation
Semen Collection & Fresh Chilled Semen Transport
Our hospital is equipped with facilities that allow our vets to collect and evaluate semen from your stallion. This can either be used for the insemination of a mare at Vetscape or frozen and stored for future use, either locally or internationally.
- Collection and Evaluation
- Fresh Chilled Semen
- Frozen Semen
Problem Mares
Is your mare always in season or displaying abnormal stallion-like behaviour? Or are you struggling to get your mare in foal? There may be a medical reason. Our reproduction team can help identify the issue, give you a prognosis and tailor a treatment plan for your mare’s specific needs.
- Behavioural and Fertility Issues
- Diagnosis and Prognosis
- Tailored Treatment Plans
Thoroughbred Breeding
Effective mare breeding management requires a coordinated effort involving several key steps to ensure successful conception. At Vetscape, our veterinarians are deeply involved in this intricate process, working closely with stud farms to optimise breeding outcomes.
- Comprehensive Care
- Customised Packages
- Dedicated Support
Foal Health Checks
From birth to weaning, foals undergo many changes and face environmental pathogens that can cause disease. Regular monitoring of appetite, habitus, gait, faecal output and temperature is crucial. Early detection through health checks ensures timely treatment. Vaccinations and proper deworming plans are essential, with faecal worm egg counts at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to guide deworming needs.
- Early Disease Detection
- Vaccinations and Deworming
- Twice-Daily Monitoring
Foal Lung Scans
Rhodococcus equi (and other pathogens like Streptococci spp.) can cause pneumonia in foals. Thoracic ultrasounds can be used to screen for lesions on the foal’s lungs. Early detection and close monitoring of lesions is important for our veterinarians to assess whether treatment is needed.
- Early Detection
- Severe Pneumonia Management
- Convenient Scanning
Mare breeding services
At Vetscape, we offer a range of mare breeding services designed to support your breeding program with care and expertise. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised and effective care for your mares, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Insemination & Pregnancy Management
- Reproductive Surgery & Uterine Health
Stallion breeding services
Ensuring the reproductive success and health of your stallion is our top priority at Vetscape. We offer a range of specialised services tailored to meet the unique needs of each stallion, utilising advanced techniques and thorough evaluations to optimise breeding outcomes.
- Comprehensive Breeding Soundness Evaluation
- Advanced Semen Collection & Processing Targeted
- Training & Reproductive Issue Management
Our Equine Reproductive Team
Dr. Niel Moelich
Equine Veterinarian | BVSc
Dr Niel qualified in 2002 at Onderstepoort University of Pretoria. He joined the EmbryoPlus Team, specialising in semen freezing, embryo flushing and transfers. He then went abroad, gaining experience in general equine disciplines. He returned to South Africa in 2007, being involved in racehorse work and equine reproduction and wildlife. Dr Niel is currently one of our senior equine veterinarians primarily focusing on reproduction.
Specialities: Reproduction, Dentistry
Dr. John Hodgson
Equine Veterinarian | BVSc, CertAVP(ESM)
Dr Niel qualified in 2002 at Onderstepoort University of Pretoria. He joined the EmbryoPlus Team, specialising in semen freezing, embryo flushing and transfers. He then went abroad, gaining experience in general equine disciplines. He returned to South Africa in 2007, being involved in racehorse work and equine reproduction and wildlife. Dr Niel is currently one of our senior equine veterinarians primarily focusing on reproduction.
Specialities: Reproduction, Ambulatory
Dr. Tabitha Prior
Equine Veterinarian | BVSc, MSc
Dr Tabitha graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria in 2017. She completed her Master’s in Companion Animal Clinical Studies in 2020 and, since then has worked at a mixed practice veterinary hospital in Summerveld, KwaZulu-Natal. Tabitha is one of our equine veterinarians with a special interest in equine reproduction.
Specialities: Reproduction, Ambulatory
BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH A MEMBER OF OUR CARING, SPECIALIST TEAM
For more information about our equine services, please feel free to contact us. Our dedicated team is here to assist you with inquiries and the booking of appointments.
About Vetscape Animal Hospital
Innovation, Excellence, Dedication
Vetscape Animal Hospital was established in 2019 and we have meticulously grown our facilities and specialist teams to today’s mixed practice serving both equines and small animals. Developed with a commitment to medical excellence, our state-of-the-art facility offers specialised services and cutting-edge treatments to meet the diverse needs of our animal patients.
