Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Reproduction
• Thoroughbred Breeding

Background:

• Dystocia in horses, though rare, poses significant risks to mares and foals.
• Accurate data is essential for optimizing equine dystocia management and owner guidance.
• This study addresses the need for updated information on dystocia causes and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the causes of equine dystocia, focusing on isolated versus combined factors.
• To update datasets on equine dystocia for improved clinical management.
• To provide data for advising horse owners on dystocia prognosis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 72 equine dystocia cases over a 10-year period.
• Standardized, predetermined diagnosis codes were used to categorize dystocia causes.
• Evaluation of foetal and maternal factors contributing to dystocia.

Main Results:

• Multiple causes (≥2) accounted for 48.6% of dystocia cases, nearly matching isolated causes (51.4%).
• Foetal causes (66/69) were significantly more common than maternal causes (3/66).
• Incorrect foetal forelimb and head posture was the most frequent combined cause (25.7%), and isolated cause (18.9%).
• Foetotomy was performed in 68% of cases; caesarean section or extraction in 13.9%.
• Maternal mortality was 12.5%; neonatal mortality was high, with 61.1% of initially viable foals dying before discharge.

Conclusions:

• Multiple etiological factors in equine dystocia are as prevalent as single factors.
• High neonatal mortality underscores the critical need for prompt dystocia detection and intervention.
• Further research into optimizing treatment strategies is warranted to improve outcomes.