2018: MANAGEMENT OF DYSTOCIA AND FETOTOMY IN A MINIATURE HORSE MARE


Management of dystocia and fetotomy in a miniature horse mare 

College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 

A five year old miniature horse mare was presented for signs of colic lasting 3 hours. No breeding 
date was known and pregnancy was not confirmed, but owners suspected late term pregnancy. Physical 
examination was unremarkable other than elevated pulse (88 bpm) and a full udder. 

Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed a fetus with no heartbeat and minimal placental fluids. 
No fetal movement was elicited on transrectal palpation. On transvaginal palpation, the cervix was open, 
but no fetal extremities were palpable. The mare was determined to have a dystocia and the fetus was 
presumed deceased. 

The mare was anesthetized to better assess fetal position. Fetal position was cranial longitudinal, 
dorsal sacral, with bilateral shoulder and ventral neck flexion. Due to position of the foal, prolonged 
dystocia leading to death of the foal, and small size of the mare, fetotomy was chosen.  

When the fetus is dead, fetotomy is often preferred over cesarean section because the mare’s 
recovery is shorter with less after care.1 Two different studies showed a mare survival rate of 95.8% after 
fetotomy2 compared to 85% after cesarean section.3 

A single cut was made at the base of the fetal neck using a fetotome, and the head and neck were 
detached. The head and neck slipped cranially, so the bilateral shoulder flexion was corrected and the 
body was removed from the uterus utilizing chains on the front limbs. The head and neck were then 
removed. 

The uterus was examined and lavaged with isotonic distilled water. No lacerations or rupture 
were identified. The placenta was retained for 12 hours and standard treatment was initiated. The placenta 
was passed uneventfully and the mare was discharged after 3 days. This case demonstrates a mare that 
presented for colic but was experiencing a dystocia. It also indicates when a fetotomy is chosen over 
cesarean section. 

Keywords: Dystocia, fetotomy, equine 

References 
1. Brinkso SP, Blanchard TL, Varner DD, et al: Dystocia and postparturient disease. In: Manual of equine reproduction.

3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby/Elsevier; 2011. p. 131-142.
2. Carluccio A, Contri A, Tosi U, et al: Survival rate and short term fertility rate associated with the use of fetotomy for

resolution of dystocia in mares: 72 cases (1991-2005). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007; 230:1502-1505.
3. Freeman DE, Hungerford LL, Schaeffer D, et al: Caesarean section and other methods for assisted delivery:

comparison of effects on mare mortality and complications. Eq Vet J 1999; 31:203-207.
4. Frazer GS: Dystocia and fetotomy. In: Samper JC, Pycock JF, McKinnon AO, editors. Current therapy in equine

reproduction, St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. p. 417-433.

Clinical Theriogenology • Volume 10,  Number 3 • September 2018351

R. Thomas, A. Johnson, F. Pinaffi