Survival rate and short-term fertility rate associated with the use of fetotomy for resolution of dystocia in mares: 72 cases (1991-2005).
OBJECTIVE
To determine survival rate, complications, and short-term fertility rate after fetotomy in mares.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
72 mares with severe dystocia.


METHODS
Records from 1991 to 2005 were searched for mares with dystocia in which a fetotomy was performed. Data relating to presentation and position of foals; survival rate, complications, and short-term fertility rate in mares; and 45-day pregnancy rate in mares bred 2 to 3 months after fetotomy were recorded.


RESULTS
Anterior fetal presentation was detected for 54 of 72 (75%) mares, posterior presentation was detected for 13 (18.1%), and transverse presentation was detected for 5 (6.9%). One fetus in anterior presentation was hydrocephalic. Survival rate after fetotomy was 95.8%. Complications included retained fetal membranes (5.5%), laminitis (6.9%), vaginal and cervical lacerations (2.8%), and delayed uterine involution (2.8%). Mares bred 2 to 3 months after fetotomy had good short-term fertility, with a mean pregnancy rate of 79.4% at 45 days after breeding.


CONCLUSIONS
The survival rate was high, compared with rates reported after cesarean section, and short-term fertility rate was similar to those reported for mares that had a controlled vaginal delivery or cesarean section. Fetotomy performed by a skilled veterinarian on a nonviable fetus should be considered as a means of quick and safe correction of dystocia that does not necessarily impair short-term fertility in affected mares.
Carluccio
Augusto
A
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
Contri
Alberto
A
Tosi
Umberto
U
De Amicis
Ippolito
I
De Fanti
Claudio
C
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004420:Dystocia / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D005333:Fetus / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000662:veterinary; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors