Development of an equine endometrial histology scoring system to complement the Kenney–Doig scale

Abstract

Kenney–Doig scale is considered the international standard method for classifying uterine biopsies in mares; however, its objectivity has been questioned by various studies. In the present study, we analysed the degree of agreement between two pathologists when assessing the same set of 201 uterine biopsies, obtaining a slight to moderate level of agreement (κ = .34/κw = .57). Subsequently, we developed a numerical scale based on the evaluation of histological parameters, including inflammation, fibrosis, glandular density and lymphatic lacunae. Partial scores were summed to obtain a fifth parameter called Summation. The correlation between both scales was demonstrated (p < .0001), and their combined use resulted in a notable increase in the degree of agreement between the two pathologists (κ = .53/κw = .67).