34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Introduction

A 10-month pregnant mare with severe lameness associated with a displaced, unstable pelvic fracture was hospitalised for monitoring and care with the goals of obtaining a healthy foal and saving the mare.

Methods:

Case history

Transrectal palpation, radiography and ultrasonography confirmed a fracture of the ischium involving the left acetabulum. The mare was kept in a well-bedded stall and treated with analgesics. When udder development, calcium concentration in the mammary secretion, and laxity of the pelvic ligaments indicated imminent parturition and foetal maturity, the mare was medicated with dexamethasone. Standing flank laparotomy was performed on the following day (42 days after admission) and allowed the successful delivery of a healthy foal.

Results:

Clinical outcome:

The mare and foal recovered uneventfully and were discharged after 10 days. The caesarean section surgical site didn’t show any sign of complication at any stage. Four months later, the mare was found recumbent and unable to stand likely due to a femoral fracture and was euthanized.

Conclusions:

This case illustrates that caesarean section via standing flank laparotomy is an alternative in mares when surgery under general anaesthesia is contraindicated or not possible. There is no detailed reports of this procedure in any major scientific journal or in the English veterinary literature.