AAEP 2026 Collaborative Case Study: Equine Dystocia
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Fertility after fetotomy: a clinical study focusing on heavy draft mares
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Paper by A. Ras´, A. Rapacz-Leonard, M. Ras´-Noryn´ska, W. Baran´ski
Although fetotomy is recommended for all mares when the fetus is dead and difficult to extract, little has been written about fetotomy and heavy draft mares. This lack includes indications for fetotomy in heavy draft mares, differences in treatment and prognosis of heavy mares kept by farmers of low socioeconomic status, and how this procedure affects the mare’s further fertility.
Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Paper by Markus Ellerbrock, Judith Krohn, Kathrin Büttner and Axel Wehrend
Dystocia is rare in horses, but is life-threatening for mares and foals. Therefore, veterinary research depends on up-to-date data to optimise equine dystocia management. In addition, knowledge of the prognosis of equine dystocia is necessary to advise animal owners. This retrospective study of equine dystocia aimed to enrich existing datasets with up-to-date information. For the first time, the focus was on the causes of dystocia that occurred alone or in combination. Over a period of 10 years, 72 cases of dystocia were analysed using a standardised, predetermined diagnosis code.
Review of how to triage a dystocia
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Paper by Michael A. Spirito, DVM
One of the most important parts of the initial workup of a dystocia is to determine that the cause of the mare’s distress is due to foaling. Therefore, understanding the stages of parturition and what is normal is important. Obtaining a comprehensive history is key to initial
decision making. Depending on the information provided, several decisions can be made prior to the initial examination of the horse.
Survival rates of mares and foals and postoperative complications and fertility of mares after cesarean section: 95 cases (1986– 2000)
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Paper by Kimberly K. Abernathy-Young, DVM; Michelle M. LeBlanc, DVM, DACT; Rolf M. Embertson, DVM, DACVS; Scott W. Pierce, DVM; Arnold J. Stromberg, PhD
Breeding in the same year as C-section, dystocia for ≥ 90 minutes before C-section, and mare age ≥ 16 years were associated with poor foaling rates. Prognosis for delivery of a live foal in years following C-section was good if duration of dystocia was < 90 minutes and the mare was < 16 years old at the time of surgery.
Dystocia and obstetrical manipulations in the mare
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Paper by Ahmed Tibary DMV, PhD, Dip. ACT and L.K. Pearson, DVM, MS
Dystocia is a true emergency in equine practice. The present article discusses the epidemiology of equine dystocia and in particular the incidence of various fetal madispositions according to breeds. An approach to diagnosis of the cause of dystocia as well as the principles for dystocia management in the field and in referral is presented. The paper concludes with a discussion on outcome of dystocia and a brief discussion on post-dystocia management of the mare and foal.
