Approaches to Dystocia in the Field

Approximately 10% of pregnant mares experience some level of a difficult birth or dystocia. Intervention is often required in a difficult birth to assist with delivery of the foal. The ultimate goals in assisting in a dystocia are to save the life of the foal, save the life of the mare and to preserve the future fertility of the mare. Time is critical during an equine dystocia (Frazer 2011). The average interval from rupture of the chorioallantois to delivery of the fetus is approximately 17 min (McCue and Ferris 2012). It has been estimated that for each 10 min increase in duration of labour beyond 30 min, there is a 10 per cent increased risk of failure of the foal to survive (Norton et al. 2007).

Mare owners and foaling attendants are the key personnel in the event of a dystocia. It is recommended that a veterinarian be called for assistance in the following circumstances:

1. If there has been no progress toward delivery after 10–15 min after rupture of the chorioallantois.

2. If progress toward delivery abruptly stops.

3. If the mare becomes acutely painful or exhibits signs of shock.

4. If the attendant is unsure if a problem with foaling exists.

5. If the attendant is confident that a problem is present.

6. If the attendant does not have the knowledge, training or ability to identify or correct the problem.

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