Dystocia in Mares: Diagnosis and Management

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-11

Key Takeaways

• Equine dystocia is a critical emergency due to the fetus's poor tolerance for hypoxia and the mare's powerful, rapid labor; intervention is indicated if active straining persists beyond 20-30 minutes without fetal expulsion.
• Fetal malpresentations, large fetal size, contracted foal syndrome, and twins are the most frequent causes of dystocia, often occurring concurrently, necessitating a thorough reassessment after each corrective maneuver.
• Maternal causes, though less common, include uterine torsion, rupture, and hydrops, and require prompt recognition due to high mortality risk for both dam and fetus.
• Fetal viability assessment (e.g., corneal reflex, anal tone) is paramount in guiding decisions between vaginal manipulation, fetotomy (for dead fetuses), or cesarean section (for live fetuses or when vaginal delivery fails).
• Fetotomy is indicated for dead fetuses when the cervix is dilated and vaginal delivery is impossible, while cesarean section is reserved for live fetuses, uterine rupture, or when other methods fail, with the standing flank approach preferred in stable mares.
• Comprehensive documentation of history, physical and vaginal examinations, all interventions, and outcomes is crucial for medicolegal defense, future breeding management, and understanding the complex etiology of dystocia.

Dystocia in the mare is an infrequent but immediately life-threatening emergency for both the dam and the fetus. Unlike in cattle, where prolonged labor is often tolerated for hours, the equine fetus is exquisitely sensitive to placental separation and hypoxia, and the mare's powerful abdominal press can rapidly convert a manageable malpresentation into a fetal fatality or a catastrophic uterine rupture. This article provides the practicing veterinarian with a structured approach to diagnosing dystocia, executing a safe and rapid resolution, and making defensible decisions about referral, fetotomy, or cesarean section. The content is written for clinicians who already command basic equine obstetrics and need a focused reference for the emergency setting.

The clinical question this article answers is direct: when the call comes in that a mare is foaling and something is wrong, what is the sequence of assessment, what are the permissible interventions, and when must the clinician stop manipulating and move to surgery? The evidence base for equine dystocia is comparatively thin, drawn largely from retrospective case series and institutional pathology records. The most recent retrospective analysis of 72 dystocia cases found that fetal causes significantly outnumber maternal causes, and that multiple concurrent causes are nearly as common as a single isolated cause, a finding that should temper any urge to diagnose one problem and stop looking Causes of equine dystocia, isolated and multiple. Historical pathology data from large abortion surveillance programs consistently rank dystocia and perinatal asphyxia as the second most common cause of equine fetal and neonatal loss, behind only infectious placentitis Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal death in horses.

At a Glance

Physiology of Equine Parturition

The mare's reproductive tract is designed for rapid expulsion. The fetus is delivered through a relatively short, straight birth canal, and the allantochorion typically ruptures at the cervical star during stage I, releasing the allantoic fluid. The amnion then presents at the vulva, and stage II begins with rupture of the amnion and the onset of vigorous abdominal straining. The fetus normally enters the birth canal in dorsal recumbency, with the forelimbs extended and the head resting between the carpi. The powerful, short-lived contractions of stage II are driven by oxytocin release and are supported by the mare's strong abdominal musculature.

The equine fetus tolerates hypoxia poorly. The umbilical cord is relatively short, and the placental attachment is diffuse and microcotyledonary, meaning that any significant uterine contraction or fetal displacement can compromise umbilical blood flow. This physiology explains why the acceptable duration of stage II is measured in minutes, not hours. The clinician must also recognize that the mare's myometrium is sensitive to exogenous oxytocin, and injudicious administration during an obstructed dystocia can cause uterine rupture, especially if the fetus is malpositioned or the cervix is not fully dilated.

Epidemiology and Causes of Dystocia

Retrospective pathology data from 3,527 cases of equine abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal death identified complications of birth, including neonatal asphyxia, dystocia, and trauma, as the second most common cause of mortality, diagnosed in 19% of cases Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal death in horses. A parallel study of 1,211 cases from central Kentucky foaling seasons found dystocia and perinatal asphyxia in 19.5% of submissions, with large foals, maiden mares, unattended deliveries, and malpresentations as the most commonly associated factors Equine abortion and stillbirth in central Kentucky.

The most recent published analysis, a 10-year retrospective of 72 dystocia cases using standardized diagnostic coding, reported that fetal causes accounted for the origin of dystocia in 66 of 69 cases where a cause could be assigned, while maternal causes were identified in only 3 of 66 cases Causes of equine dystocia, isolated and multiple. This same study found that 48.6% of mares had two or more concurrent causes of dystocia. The practical implication is that the clinician must perform a complete examination of fetal position, posture, and viability before and after each corrective manipulation. A foal that is both posterior and has a retained forelimb, or a mare with uterine torsion and a large fetus, will not resolve with a single maneuver.

Fetal Causes

Malpresentations dominate the fetal category. These include lateral or ventral positions, posterior presentation, retained or flexed limbs, and dorsal or lateral head deviations. Contracted foal syndrome, a congenital condition characterized by flexural deformities and joint rigidity, was identified in 188 of 3,527 cases in the Kentucky pathology series and is a common reason why a fetus cannot be repelled and corrected Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal death in horses. Twins, although less common than in the past due to routine early pregnancy diagnosis, still appear in dystocia series and present a particular challenge because the presenting fetus may be small but the second fetus can obstruct delivery.

Maternal Causes

Maternal causes are less frequent but carry a high mortality risk. Uterine torsion, typically occurring in the last trimester, can present as dystocia when the cervix is partially dilated but the fetus cannot enter the birth canal. Uterine rupture, an uncommon but life-threatening complication, is associated with dystocia, uterine torsion, fetal manipulation, and hydrops, and may result in the fetus being free within the peritoneal cavity Near-term extrauterine pregnancy secondary to uterine rupture. This case report describes a ventral body rupture that was successfully managed by ventral midline laparotomy, but it underscores the need for prompt diagnosis when a mare shows signs of colic, hemoperitoneum, or shock in the periparturient period.

Ergopeptine alkaloid exposure from contaminated feedstuffs during late gestation is a recognized cause of prolonged gestation, agalactia, and dystocia in mares Endocrine disruptive effects of ergopeptine alkaloids. Mares grazing endophyte-infected fescue or consuming contaminated hay may present with a thickened, edematous placenta and a fetus that is large or malpositioned. The clinician should consider this etiology when a mare presents with a history of prolonged gestation and no other obvious cause of dystocia.

Diagnostic Approach

The diagnosis of dystocia begins with a targeted history. The clinician must establish the mare's parity, gestational age, expected foaling date, and the duration and character of stage II straining. A mare that has been straining vigorously for more than 20 to 30 minutes without producing a foal is in dystocia until proven otherwise. The history should also include any prior dystocia, current medications, and the possibility of toxin exposure, particularly fescue toxicosis.

Physical examination begins with assessment of the mare's cardiovascular status, hydration, and temperature. A mare that is tachycardic, febrile, or showing signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome may have a ruptured uterus, a dead fetus, or a severe vaginal laceration. The clinician should then perform a careful vaginal examination using sterile technique, with the mare standing and restrained. The examination must identify the following: cervical dilation, the presence and integrity of the fetal membranes, fetal presentation, position, and posture, fetal viability as assessed by the pedal reflex, suckle reflex, or anal tone, and the presence of any vaginal or cervical trauma.

Fetal viability assessment is critical to the decision between fetotomy and cesarean section. A live fetus with a normal heart rate and strong reflexes warrants an attempt at vaginal delivery if the malpresentation is correctable. A dead fetus, or one with weak or absent reflexes and a declining heart rate, is better managed by fetotomy if the fetal size and presentation permit, as this avoids the morbidity of a cesarean in a mare that may already be compromised. The clinician must also assess the degree of vaginal trauma and the presence of any uterine torsion, which may require rolling or surgical correction before any fetal manipulation is attempted.

The diagnostic process is not complete until the clinician has identified all contributing causes. Given that nearly half of dystocia cases involve multiple causes, the clinician should systematically evaluate fetal size relative to the maternal pelvis, fetal presentation and posture, the presence of congenital anomalies, and the integrity of the uterus and vagina Causes of equine dystocia, isolated and multiple. This complete assessment, performed before and after each intervention, is the foundation of safe dystocia management.

Decision Framework for Intervention

The critical distinction in equine dystocia is between the mare that can be managed in the field and the mare that requires immediate referral. Stage II labor in the mare is explosive. The chorioallantois ruptures, and the foal should be delivered within 20 to 30 minutes of active straining. A retrospective analysis of 72 dystocia cases found that fetal causes were significantly more frequent than maternal causes, and neonatal mortality remained high despite intervention, underscoring that timely detection and treatment carry the highest priority (Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia).

Apply the following decision rules. If the chorioallantois has ruptured and the mare has strained for more than 20 minutes without delivery, or if the mare has been in stage II for more than 30 minutes, intervene. If the foal is alive and the malpresentation is correctable per vaginam, attempt correction in the field. If the foal is dead, the cervix is fully dilated, and the fetus is accessible, controlled vaginal delivery with fetotomy is an option. If the cervix is incompletely dilated, if the fetus is emphysematous, if uterine torsion is present, or if vaginal delivery has failed after two or three attempts, refer for cesarean section.

Mare size, breed, and parity modify these decisions. A maiden mare with a large foal is overrepresented in dystocia statistics, and unattended deliveries carry higher risk (Equine abortion and stillbirth in central Kentucky during 1988 and 1989 foaling seasons). A 500 kg multiparous warmblood with a simple unilateral shoulder flexion may deliver vaginally after correction. The same malpresentation in a 400 kg maiden Arabian with a compromised foal may warrant earlier referral. Regional access to surgical facilities changes the calculus. If a referral center is 20 minutes away, stabilize and transport. If it is 4 hours away, more aggressive field management is justified.

Decision Tree for Intervention

Obstetric Examination and Preparation

Before any vaginal intervention, perform a complete physical examination. Assess heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, and hydration status. A mare in uncompensated shock from uterine rupture or fetal emphysema requires stabilization before obstetric manipulation. Place an intravenous catheter. Administer systemic analgesia and sedation as needed for restraint. Epidural anesthesia, using a current formulary dose of a local anesthetic, provides perineal relaxation and reduces straining.

Prepare the perineum. Clip the tail and wrap it. Scrub the perineum with a surgical scrub. Wear shoulder-length obstetric sleeves. Apply sterile lubricant generously to the sleeve and the vaginal vault. The examiner must work with a clean, well-lubricated arm to minimize vaginal trauma and iatrogenic injury.

The vaginal examination follows a fixed sequence. Identify the cervix and assess its dilation. Identify the fetus and determine presentation, position, and posture. Determine fetal viability by assessing corneal reflex, pupillary light response, anal tone, limb withdrawal, or thoracic wall movement. Palpate the uterus for tears, torsion, or constriction rings. Assess the character of the fetal fluids. Meconium staining, fetid odor, or brown discoloration indicate fetal compromise or infection.

Document every finding. Record the time of chorioallantois rupture, the duration of stage II, the findings of the initial vaginal examination, fetal viability, and the number and nature of obstetric manipulations. This record supports subsequent decisions and medicolegal review.

Obstetric Maneuvers

Obstetric correction follows a logical progression: repel the fetus, correct the malpresentation, and apply traction. Repulsion requires pushing the fetus forward into the uterus to create space for manipulation. This is performed during uterine relaxation, between contractions. The mare must be adequately sedated and the uterus relaxed. Overzealous repulsion risks uterine rupture, particularly in a mare with a thin or compromised uterine wall.

Correction of Specific Malpresentations

Bilateral shoulder flexion. The foal presents with both forelimbs flexed at the shoulder. Repel the fetus, cup the hoof of one limb in the palm of the hand, and draw the limb forward and upward over the shoulder into the pelvis. Repeat for the second limb. Apply traction to both limbs simultaneously.

Lateral deviation of the head. The head is turned to one side. Repel the fetus. Grasp the head at the poll or the mandible and draw it into the pelvic inlet. If the head is deviated to the right, the examiner's left arm is often more effective. Never pull on the ears or the neck alone. Protect the orbit from trauma.

Breech presentation. The foal presents with the hindlimbs flexed at the hips, the tail and perineum presenting. This is one of the most difficult corrections. Repel the fetus, identify one hock, and flex the hock while drawing the hindlimb backward into the pelvis. Repeat for the second limb. Apply traction to both hindlimbs. Breech delivery carries a high risk of fetal trauma and uterine rupture.

Hock flexion. The hindlimb is flexed at the hock. Repel the fetus, grasp the hock, and flex it further while drawing the foot upward and backward into the pelvis. Correct the opposite limb if needed.

Dog-sitting posture. The foal presents with the forelimbs extended and the head in the pelvis, but the hindlimbs are flexed under the body. This posture is often mistaken for anterior presentation. Palpate for the hindlimbs. Correction requires repelling the fetus, flexing the hindlimbs, and converting to a posterior presentation, or repelling the hindlimbs and delivering anteriorly. This is a demanding maneuver that frequently requires general anesthesia.

Traction

Apply traction only after the malpresentation is corrected. Traction should be intermittent, coordinated with uterine contractions, and applied to both limbs simultaneously. Use obstetric chains or ropes with handles. Apply the chains above the fetlock with a half-hitch. Pull downward and backward, following the arc of the birth canal. Rotate the fetus slightly to reduce the diameter of the shoulders or hips. Never apply traction to a single limb. Never apply traction to the head alone.

The maximum safe traction force is not well defined in the literature. Clinical judgment dictates that traction should be sufficient to deliver the foal but not so forceful as to cause fetal rib fractures, diaphragmatic hernia, or brachial plexus injury. If the foal does not deliver with moderate traction after correction, reassess the malpresentation. Do not escalate force.

Fetotomy

Fetotomy is indicated when the foal is dead, the cervix is fully dilated, and vaginal delivery is impossible without fetal reduction. Partial fetotomy is preferred over complete fetotomy. The most common procedures are removal of a deviated head, removal of a forelimb, or transection of the trunk. Use a fetotome with a wire saw. The mare must be standing or under general anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia and systemic sedation are essential. The bladder should be catheterized to reduce the risk of bladder rupture during manipulation.

Fetotomy is contraindicated when the foal is alive, when the cervix is not fully dilated, when the uterus is torn, or when the operator lacks experience. Complications include uterine laceration, vaginal laceration, and retained fetal parts. A retrospective review of dystocia causes found that multiple causes occurred in nearly half of cases, so the operator must reassess for a second abnormality after correcting the first (Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia).

Cesarean Section

Cesarean section is indicated when vaginal delivery is impossible, when the foal is alive and valuable, when the mare's life is at risk, or when the uterus is ruptured. The decision to operate is time-sensitive. Fetal survival declines rapidly after 30 to 40 minutes of stage II. Maternal survival is excellent with prompt surgery but declines with prolonged dystocia, uterine contamination, and cardiovascular compromise.

The standing flank approach is preferred in the stable mare. The ventral midline approach provides superior exposure and is preferred when the foal is large, when uterine torsion is present, or when the mare is recumbent. The choice of approach depends on the surgeon's preference, the mare's temperament, and the available facilities. A mare with uterine rupture requires ventral midline laparotomy for exploration and repair (Near-term extrauterine pregnancy secondary to uterine rupture in a mare).

Postoperative management includes systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatory therapy, and monitoring for peritonitis, ileus, and incisional complications. The foal, if delivered alive, requires immediate neonatal assessment and resuscitation.

Monitoring and Documentation

Monitor the mare continuously during and after obstetric intervention. Record heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, and temperature every 15 minutes during manipulation and every 30 minutes for the first 4 hours after delivery. Monitor for signs of uterine rupture: tachycardia, tachypnea, pale mucous membranes, abdominal distension, and signs of colic. Monitor for hemorrhage: vaginal bleeding, pallor, and cardiovascular collapse.

Monitor the foal after delivery. Assess respiratory effort, heart rate, mucous membrane color, and neurologic status. Initiate resuscitation if the foal is apneic or bradycardic. The survival rate for neonates admitted to a perinatology center was 73.6% in one series, with neonatal maladjustment accounting for 39.34% of neonatal cases (Retrospective five-year study of equine casuistry in a Colombian perinatology center).

Document the entire case. Record the history, physical examination findings, vaginal examination findings, obstetric manipulations performed, fetal outcome, maternal outcome, and any complications. This record is essential for follow-up care, for breeding management decisions, and for medicolegal purposes.

Complications and Failure Modes

Dystocia management fails through three principal pathways: delayed recognition, incomplete correction, and iatrogenic injury. Each is preventable with disciplined examination and documentation.

Uterine rupture is the most catastrophic failure mode. It occurs during fetal manipulation, forced traction, or spontaneously in mares with compromised uterine integrity. Detection requires vigilance for deteriorating cardiovascular status, worsening abdominal pain, or loss of fetal contact during manipulation. A mare that deteriorates suddenly during obstetric intervention, particularly with hemoperitoneum or pneumoperitoneum on ultrasonography, requires immediate surgical exploration. Uterine rupture can also occur before parturition, as reported in a case of near-term extrauterine pregnancy secondary to torsion and ventral uterine rupture, where prompt laparotomy and primary repair preserved future reproductive potential (near-term extrauterine pregnancy secondary to uterine rupture in a mare).

Vaginal and cervical lacerations result from traction applied before full cervical relaxation or from fetal bony prominences during malpresentation correction. Early detection relies on systematic digital palpation of the entire vaginal vault and cervix after delivery, also the fetus. Undetected lacerations predispose to pneumovagina, ascending infection, and compromised future fertility.

Fetal trauma during manipulation includes rib fractures, vertebral damage, and limb fractures. These injuries occur most often when traction is applied to a malpositioned limb or when forced extraction is attempted through an incompletely dilated cervix. The clinician should reassess fetal position after every manipulation and before applying traction.

Maternal exhaustion and cardiovascular collapse develop insidiously during prolonged dystocia. Serial assessment of heart rate, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, and packed cell volume provides objective trending. A mare that becomes tachycardic, tachypneic, or systemically hypotensive during manipulation requires immediate reassessment of the approach.

Endometritis and metritis are common sequelae, particularly after prolonged manipulation or retained fetal membranes. Postpartum monitoring should include temperature, vaginal discharge character, and appetite. Placentitis is a frequent reason for mares to present to perinatology centers, and its presence before parturition increases the risk of complicated delivery (equine casuistry in a Colombian perinatology center).

Common Errors and Corrective Actions

Less experienced clinicians commonly mistake a flexed limb for an extended one when palpation is hurried. The corrective action is systematic identification of each joint from distal to proximal before any manipulation. Another frequent error is attempting correction of a breech presentation without first repelling the fetus cranially to create working space. Traction applied to a single limb without confirming the other limb's position produces oblique traction and potential fetal injury.

Evidence Limitations and Areas of Disagreement

The evidence base for equine dystocia is constrained by case numbers. A 10-year retrospective study of 72 cases found that multiple causes of dystocia occurred in 48.6% of cases, nearly as often as isolated causes, and that fetal causes significantly outnumbered maternal causes (isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia). This finding challenges the traditional teaching that a single identifiable cause is the norm, and it argues for complete obstetric examination instead of correction of the first detected abnormality.

Pathology-based studies consistently identify dystocia and perinatal asphyxia as leading causes of foal mortality, accounting for approximately 19% of losses in two large case series (causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal death in horses, equine abortion and stillbirth in central Kentucky). These data are retrospective and geographically specific, and they may not reflect current management outcomes.

Expert opinion still differs on the threshold for abandoning vaginal delivery in favor of cesarean section. Some clinicians advocate early surgical intervention after 20 to 30 minutes of unsuccessful manipulation, while others persist with fetotomy in selected cases. The decision depends on fetal viability, fetal size and position, mare temperament, and available facilities. No controlled trials compare these approaches, and the choice remains a matter of clinical judgment.

Referral, Consultation, and Reporting

Referral to a surgical facility is indicated when uterine rupture is suspected, when fetal manipulation fails to achieve delivery within a reasonable timeframe, when the mare's cardiovascular status deteriorates, or when facilities for cesarean section and intensive neonatal care are unavailable. Consultation with a theriogenology specialist is appropriate for complex malpresentations, suspected uterine torsion, or when future fertility is a priority. The Society for Theriogenology maintains professional resources on reproductive emergencies and management standards.

Laboratory involvement is warranted for placental culture and histopathology, fetal necropsy, and maternal serology when infectious causes are suspected. Ergopeptine alkaloid exposure should be considered in mares with prolonged gestation, agalactia, or dystocia, particularly when contaminated feedstuffs are a possibility (endocrine disruptive effects of ergopeptine alkaloids on pregnant mares).

Regulatory reporting obligations vary by jurisdiction. Reportable diseases that cause abortion or stillbirth, such as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy and contagious equine metritis, must be reported to the appropriate animal health authority. The WOAH terrestrial animal health standards provide international guidance on notifiable diseases, and the AVMA practice resources offer jurisdiction-specific guidance for practitioners in the United States. Clinicians should confirm local requirements before managing cases with suspected infectious causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum equipment needed to manage a dystocia in a field setting?

A clean, well-lit space, obstetrical sleeves and lubricant, a headlamp or exam light, and obstetric chains or straps with handles are the core requirements. A hoof knife, wire saw with handles, and a fetotome allow partial fetotomy when delivery per vias naturales is impossible. Intravenous fluids, sedatives, and oxytocin should be available, with doses verified against a current formulary. If a mare cannot be adequately restrained or the operator lacks sufficient arm length, referral is safer than attempting manipulation. Field management is acceptable only when the facilities and personnel match the anticipated difficulty of the case.

How do I decide between fetotomy and cesarean section when manipulation fails?

The decision rests on fetal viability, fetal size and presentation, and the mare's condition. A dead fetus with a accessible neck or limbs is often best managed by fetotomy, which preserves the mare's future fertility better than laparotomy. A live fetus, a fetus in transverse presentation, or a mare with uterine torsion or rupture requires cesarean section. The Society for Theriogenology provides decision frameworks for these scenarios. Time is critical: prolonged traction or manipulation increases uterine trauma and fetal mortality, so if the fetus cannot be delivered within 20 to 30 minutes of active intervention, surgical delivery is indicated.

What should I record during and after dystocia management?

Document the time of first examination, fetal presentation and position, findings on vaginal palpation, and every intervention attempted with its duration. Record the mare's vital parameters, any drugs administered with doses and routes, and the fetal outcome. After delivery, note placental completeness, fetal abnormalities, and any vaginal or cervical lacerations. This record supports later review, medicolegal defense, and breeding decisions. The AVMA practice resources offer guidance on medical record standards. Photographs of malpresentations or fetal lesions, taken with owner consent, are valuable for teaching and for referral communication.

How do I explain the prognosis and costs to the owner before starting treatment?

Give the owner a realistic range for fetal survival and mare survival before any intervention. Neonatal mortality after dystocia remains high, and the mare's future fertility depends on the speed and quality of obstetric care. Explain that fetotomy is less expensive than cesarean section but requires a dead fetus and carries risks of uterine laceration. Cesarean section offers a chance for a live foal but requires general anesthesia, surgical facilities, and postoperative care. Provide a cost estimate that includes hospitalization, medications, and potential complications such as placentitis or laminitis. The MSD Veterinary Manual provides background on expected outcomes that can inform this discussion.

Can the same obstetric techniques be used in other equids such as donkeys or miniature horses?

The principles are identical, but size and anatomy change the approach. Miniature mares have a smaller pelvic canal and a relatively large fetal head, making vaginal manipulation difficult and fetotomy technically demanding. Donkeys have a longer, narrower birth canal and a fetal conformation that predisposes to shoulder flexion. In both, early referral is advisable because the margin for error is smaller. The WOAH terrestrial animal health standards address welfare considerations for obstetric procedures in all equids. Always confirm fetal viability and position with ultrasound if available before attempting any maneuver.

What are the signs of uterine rupture and how should I respond?

Uterine rupture presents with signs of hemorrhagic shock, colic, or sudden deterioration after a difficult delivery. Vaginal examination may reveal a tear, but the defect can be cranial and out of reach. Abdominocentesis yields sanguinous fluid, and ultrasonography may show free abdominal fluid or a fetus outside the uterus. Immediate surgical exploration via ventral midline laparotomy is required. A case report of abdominal pregnancy secondary to uterine rupture demonstrates that prompt surgical removal of the fetus and primary repair can preserve the mare's life and future reproductive potential. Do not delay surgery for diagnostic confirmation if the clinical picture is consistent with rupture.

Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

• Diagnostic Approach to Canine Infertility in the Bitch
• Canine Neonatal Resuscitation: Protocol and Monitoring
• Equine Breeding Soundness Examination of the Stallion

References and Further Reading

• Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal death in horses: 3,527 cases (1986-1991).. 1993.
• Equine abortion and stillbirth in central Kentucky during 1988 and 1989 foaling seasons.. 1993.
• Retrospective five-year study of equine casuistry in a Colombian perinatology center.. 2025.
• Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia.. 2024.
• The endocrine disruptive effects of ergopeptine alkaloids on pregnant mares.. 2011.
• Near-term extrauterine pregnancy secondary to uterine rupture in a mare.. 2026.
• Society for Theriogenology Resources. Society for Theriogenology.
• MSD Veterinary Manual, Professional Edition. MSD Veterinary Manual.
• American Veterinary Medical Association Practice Resources. American Veterinary Medical Association.

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This article is educational professional reference material for veterinary audiences. It is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, individual clinical judgment, current product labeling, or applicable regulatory requirements.