Modified technique for the repair of third-degree rectovaginal lacerations in mares.
Authors: Climent F, Ribera T, Argüelles D, Nomen C, Prades M
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary Third-degree rectovaginal lacerations represent a significant challenge in equine reproduction, yet surgical outcomes remain poorly documented in the literature. Climent and colleagues treated eight mares using a distinctive two-stage approach: the rectovestibular shelf was reconstructed with three parallel continuous suture lines along the vaginal length, whilst the perineal body was reinforced with three divergent simple continuous rows, departing from traditional single-layer repair techniques. All eight mares achieved primary healing following first-stage surgery, with seven completing the full two-stage protocol and all demonstrating primary healing again; notably, the five mares that were subsequently bred all conceived, producing a combined total of 11 foals across four pregnancies, with no recurrence of the laceration post-foaling. This modified technique offers farriers and veterinary surgeons a practical alternative to conventional repair methods, suggesting that meticulous reconstruction of both the rectovestibular junction and perineal body architecture substantially improves outcomes for breeding animals, though longer-term follow-up data and larger case numbers would strengthen confidence in the approach for routine clinical application.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This two-stage repair technique offers a reliable approach for third-degree rectovaginal lacerations in mares with high success rates for healing and return to function
- •Mares successfully repaired using this method can return to breeding and competition without recurrence of the laceration
- •Primary healing was achieved in all cases, suggesting the surgical technique and suture pattern distribution are effective for managing complex perineal trauma
Key Findings
- •Two-stage surgical technique using parallel circular continuous sutures for rectovestibular shelf correction and divergent simple continuous rows for perineal body reconstruction achieved primary healing in all 8 mares in stage one
- •Seven of eight mares completed both stages of surgery with primary healing occurring in all cases
- •Five mares that were bred became pregnant with no recurrence of lacerations after foaling; one mare foaled four times, two foaled three times, and one foaled once
- •One mare returned to endurance racing competition post-repair