Pregnant Mare Dystocia Referrals

Dystocia in the mare is an extremely volatile situation. Referral of cases for hoist assisted deliveries (controlled vaginal delivery) under general anaesthetic is best carried out in an environment where foal intensive and critical care can be performed even while the foal is still in the birth canal. The mares recover in padded box and we have experienced 24 hour staff to deal with these situations. If the decision for a caesarean is made we have a surgery facility on hand for immediate transfer of the mare for surgery. Our ICU take over the care of both mother and baby hopefully to reunite them for a journey home once they recover. Decision making must be rapid. Mares showing any vascular compromise need immediate referral.

The problem pregnancy is an intensive situation to manage. Cases of mares with a history of foaling difficulty may benefit from elective caesarean. The mare is monitored continuously and caesarean is carried out at a time determined by clinical signs and milk electrolytes analysis. There is a foal ICU team on hand to look after the foal. The decision for elective caesarean can change a potentially problem situation into a success.

Foetal monitoring by transabdominal ultrasound