Cesarean section procedure in mare
Subject Areas : Veterinary Soft and Hard Tissue Surgery
mohammad ali sadeghi
1
,
Samaneh Ghasemi
2
1 - Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
2 -
Keywords: Surgery, Cesarean, Horse, Emergency, Fetus, Foal,
Abstract :
Background: Review study on cesarean procedure in horse
Objectives: Causes, methods, care, and prognosis of cesarean surgery in mares
Methods: Review of studies on cesarean procedure in horses
Results: Cesarean section in mares is an important surgery and performed when normal delivery is at risk or not possible. Dystocia is the most common cause of a cesarean section in the mares. Birth canal deformities due to previous pelvic fractures and soft tissue injuries within the reproductive tract, mares with a history of dystocia uterine torsion and severe uterine artery hemorrhage are the other conditions that need to cesarean procedure. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with the mare positioned in dorsal recumbency. The midline approach is the caudal ventral midline provides access to the uterus. An incision is made on the uterine from the level of the fetal hocks to the feet. Closure of the uterus is performed in two layers with an inverting pattern. Then the abdomen is closed in routine fashion for a ventral midline celiotomy. Systemic antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are administered post-operative. This procedure carries more risks for both the mare and the foal therefore, it is only performed under specific conditions. The cesarean section in horses requires high medical precision, and special post-operative care for both the mare and the foal is essential.
Conclusion: Although cesarean procedure may save the foal's life, it also carries risks for the mare. Some postoperative complications include hemorrhage, anemia, abdominal pain, ileus and retained placenta. As a result, especially in selected cases, an assessment of the situation is needed to decide whether to perform a cesarean section.
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