Fertility and complications after fetotomy in 20 brood mares (2001-2006).
Authors: Nimmo Matthew R, Slone Donnie E, Hughes Faith E, Lynch Timothy M, Clark Carol K
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Fertility Outcomes Following Fetotomy in Dystocia Cases Partial fetotomy—surgical dismemberment of a dead foetus to enable vaginal delivery—remains a viable option for managing equine dystocia, yet long-term reproductive consequences had been poorly documented until this retrospective analysis of 20 mares treated between 2001 and 2006. The researchers reviewed clinical records and Jockey Club breeding data to track conception rates and live foal production across 21 subsequent breeding seasons, with bilateral carpal flexion (occurring in 10 of 20 cases, either alone or combined with other deformities) being the most common dystocia presentation requiring intervention. Encouragingly, 83% of mares conceived in the post-fetotomy period (20 of 24 breeding seasons), with all 18 mares bred before 2006 producing live foals; the primary complication encountered was retained placenta in 42% of cases (8 of 19 mares), though all were successfully managed medically within 24 hours. For practitioners managing dystocia in valuable breeding stock, these findings suggest that partial fetotomy—particularly when limited to 1–3 surgical cuts—should not be dismissed on fertility grounds alone, and may warrant earlier consideration in cases where the foetus is non-viable and conventional traction has failed.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Partial fetotomy (1-3 cuts) does not compromise future fertility in mares—all previously bred mares in this series produced live foals
- •When foal is dead and vaginal delivery is not feasible, fetotomy should be considered before more invasive obstetric interventions to preserve mare's reproductive value
- •Monitor for retained placenta post-fetotomy as it occurred in ~40% of cases, but responds well to standard medical management
Key Findings
- •20 mares underwent partial fetotomy for dystocia; 83% conceived in subsequent breeding seasons (20/24 seasons) with all 18 mares bred before 2006 producing live foals
- •Bilateral carpal flexion alone or combined with other deformities was the most common fetal presentation requiring fetotomy (10/20 mares)
- •Retained placenta occurred in 42% of mares (8/19) but was successfully managed with medical therapy and expelled within 24 hours