Fetotomy: a declining art in theriogenology?

During my professional career in practice and as an educator, I have been convinced that fetotomy is an essential skill that should be taught in academia, and is a very important skill for large animal veterinarians to be effective in dealing with dystocias. Fetotomy has a definite role in theriogenology, a procedure that can save a dam’s life. On many occasions on a dead fetus, fetotomy was used as a last resort to relieve dystocias. Extensive manipulations and force used on these fetuses prior to performing fetotomy resulted in variable outcomes. Furthermore, due to unfavorable results, veterinarians have moved away from performing this procedure. Selection of cases to perform fetotomy on a dead fetus is a very important decision that should be made earlier in clinical situations. Additionally, on numerous occasions, fetotomy is performed with lack of availability of essential instruments to perform this procedure effectively and safely, limiting probability of a good outcome. Presently, many veterinary schools no longer teach, demonstrate, or provide hands-on instruction on fetotomy to students. Fetotomy is an essential skill in theriogenology that must be developed and performed effectively to have a positive outcome. Not all dystocia cases need fetotomy; however, cases are chosen early in the decision process once determined that the calf is not viable.