Exam 3 - Dystocia & Obstetrics Flashcards
what determinations must be considered prior to pursuing a fetotomy in the horse?
orientation of the foal
live foal vs. dead foal
diagnosis of the zebra
how many people are needed for a fetotomy? why?
two people - one to cut & one to be inside of the mare
whoever is cutting must follow the lead of the person who has their hand inside of the mare or else fingers can be cut!
what are some complications associated with fetotomies in horses?
urine pooling, atonic bladder, bladder sphincter problem
perivaginal abscess
retained placenta
toxemia/laminitis
severe trauma & abscess
what is essential for the mare when doing your physical exam? why?
pain control - pain level will determine what the mare responds to & how safe your exam will be
how do you prepare a mare for an emergency c-section/fetotomy surgery?
wrap the tail in a non-constrictive wrap - white tape should only be used temporarily because it is VERY RESTRICTIVE & can cut off circulation
make a plan - is referral an option?
determine if the mare or the foal is the priority
what criteria must be met to use general anesthesia for a mare dystocia?
mare is intractable/very painful
dystocia takes longer than 20 minutes without any progress
very difficult dystocia
what are the advantages of using general anesthesia for a mare dystocia?
mare is tractable - elevation of the hind legs provides an advantage!!!
foal can be repelled & reoriented
lubricant stays in the uterus & allows prep for c-section
what equipment is needed for a fetotomy?
gigli wire, krey hook, feeder, etc
what do you need to ask about the mare’s history when called about a potential dystocia?
age of the mare
previous foals - how many/when/normal?
mare’s due date
what is the mare currently doing? why is the client calling?
what are the client’s expectations - money, best case vs. worse case scenario
what is included in ‘zebras’ of dystocia in mares?
contracted limbs, hydrocephalus, limbs/neck in rigor
what are some examples of severe dystocia that should require referral?
malposture of the foal - 86% of cases
multiple extremity involvement
head or neck deviation
previous trauma to the vagina resulting in a narrow canal
