Survey on outcomes of emergency standing caesarean section in equids.

This research article investigates the outcomes of emergency standing caesarean sections (C-sections) performed on equids (horses) using a survey that collected data from veterinarians. The results showed that despite the main postoperative complication being infection, the survival rate for mares was quite high, leading researchers to suggest that the socio-economic benefits and survival rates make this method a feasible option.

Study Design and Methodology

• The researchers developed a questionnaire aimed at field veterinarians who have practiced standing C-sections. The focus of the survey was to capture data around their experience and the circumstances surrounding the procedures they performed.
• Details about the mare, the reasons for performing the C-section, the condition of the mare during the procedure, and information about asepsis protocols were all included in the survey.
• Additionally, the survey looked into the anesthesia used, surgical techniques, medications used, and the management of any complications that arose post-operatively. Information was further gathered on the survival outcomes of both the mare and the foal.
• These details were used to compute complication and survival rates, which were analyzed to identify any potential risk factors. Fisher’s exact tests were employed for this statistical measurement with significance set below 0.05.

Results and Findings

• Out of 35 questionnaires compiled by 19 different veterinarians, the prime reason given for opting for this type of surgical intervention was primarily economical.
• The most recurrent postoperative complication was infection or wound dehiscence (splitting open of the surgical wound), which occurred in 12 out of 34 reported cases.
• Despite these complications, the survival rate of mares one year after surgery was reasonably high at 74 percent.
• However, the survival rate for foals six months post-operation was significantly lower at 20 percent.
• Interestingly, the researchers found that a greater number of live foals were delivered when dystocia (difficult labor) lasted for a duration under two hours.

Conclusion

• The findings of the survey suggest that performing an emergency standing C-section in the field could be a practical technique when considering both economic and survival aspects.
• The results, however, highlight the necessity of prompt intervention in case of dystocia to increase the likelihood of the foal’s survival, and the importance of proper postoperative care to mitigate the risk of infection.