Management of equine dystocia

Background : Historical methods of managing equine dystocia – prolonged attempts at standing resolution causing mare exhaustion or irrecoverable pelvic nerve injury, eventual delivery or delayed caesarean section with unsatisfactory mare survival rate – have thankfully been replaced with the efficient, stepwise processes that now achieve timely resolution of the fetal maldisposition and delivery of the foal. This article attempts to define this current approach. Aim of the article : This article discusses the management of common fetal maldispositions with the aim of achieving rapid resolution of the equine dystocia case and maximising the likelihood of securing a successful outcome for mare, foal and client. It should be noted that while foal resuscitation during and after delivery is a vital part of current obstetrics, this subject is beyond the remit of this article.