Vulvo vaginal candidiasis in thoroughbred mares following progestogen administration intravaginal treatment with clotrimazole

Six Thoroughbred mares developed vulvo vaginal candidiasis following oral administration of altrenogest, a synthetic progestogen, 12.5 mg/day for fifteen days. Vaginal congestion, whitish discharge and intertrigo were observed. Candida albicans was cultured from the vagina and the vulva of all six mares. Intravaginal administration of clotrimazole, 500 mg/day for five consecutive days, resulted in rapid disappearance of the vaginal symptoms, healing of the cutaneous lesions and negative cultures. Upon clearing of the infection, the mares were returned to normal breeding practices. Five of them became pregnant within three months after completion of the anticandida treatment.