Caesarean in mare by Marcenac incision under local anaesthesia.

A study was carried out on a mare that exhibited severe dystocia – a difficult or abnormal childbirth process. The surgical procedure followed was a rare emergency caesarean via a Marcenac incision, administered under local anaesthesia due to the mare’s critical condition. This study illustrates a successful application of this rare procedure in equine medicine, during which the mare recovered without issue.

Case Presentation and Examination

• The study begins with a mare being presented, who was suffering from severe dystocia – she was lying down and appeared to be in shock. A physical examination by the researchers revealed that she was making no effort to strain, and the foetus was already partially visible from outside the vulva. However, it had died in utero as no pedal reflex was evident.

Initial Treatment

• Before any sort of surgery was conducted, multiple pre-operative measures were taken, including the administration of a Tetanus toxoid and Ceftriaxone via intramuscular injection, and Dexamethasone dissolved in a Dextrose Normal Saline (DNS) solution via an intravenous infusion.

Opting for Caesarian Section

• Due to inadequate pelvic space and an uncorrectable malposition, manual correction or foetotomy (the dissection of the foetus to facilitate removal) were not viable options. The researchers therefore stated that a caesarean section would be necessary.
• In addition, the mare’s weakened condition necessitated the use of local anaesthetic infiltration, as opposed to general anaesthesia, during the operation.

The Surgery and Post-Operative Care

• The procedure was carried out with the mare in lateral recumbency, meaning she was lying on her side, and a Marcenac incision was used. Following the operation, the mare was administered intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, and her wound was treated daily with an antiseptic dressing.
• The mare’s owner reported that she recovered without any complications, and the study authors concluded the case as a successful example of an emergency caesarean in equine through the employment of a Marcenac incision under local anaesthesia.