Elective cesarean section in mares: eight cases (1980-1989).

This research study looks at cases over a decade where cesarean sections were chosen for horse births. The study reveals that avoiding natural childbirth with obstructed pelvic canals or cervical adhesions led to successful foal births in most instances.

Cesarean Section Selection for Mares

• The study is based on eight cases from 1980 to 1989 where cesarean sections were performed on five different mares.
• This procedure was selected for mares that had partially obstructed pelvic canals or suspected cervical adhesion.
• Two of the mares had previously lost foals due to dystocia, which is a difficult or abnormal childbirth. Therefore, cesarean section was performed before the mares entered the first stage of labor to prevent further losses.

Birth Readiness and Cesarean Procedure

• The readiness for birth was estimated by the development of the mare’s mammary gland and the presence of colostrum in the udder, an early form of milk.
• The cesarean section was performed using a ventral midline celiotomy, which is an incision in the middle line of the abdomen.
• This method provided excellent exposure and healed without complications in all instances.

Post-cesarean Outcomes

• Out of the eight foals delivered, one developed bacterial pneumonia and septicemia after surgery and died.
• The remaining seven foals were discharged from the hospital without issues related to the cesarean section.
• All mares survived the procedure with retained fetal membranes for up to 72 hours post-surgery; none developed systemic complications due to retained placenta.

Mares’ Subsequent Breeding after Cesarean Section

• Three of the mares were bred after their cesarean sections. Each mare conceived the year following the surgery.
• Out of these, one mare produced three foals and another produced two foals, all through elective cesarean sections.

Overall, the research indicates elective cesarean section can be an effective birth method for mares facing difficulties due to pelvic canal or cervical adhesion issues.