C-section | Quizlet

What is a c-section in mares?

- Surgical removal of fetus through abdominal incision

- Used when vaginal delivery is not possible

When is c-section indicated?

1. Fetus is alive ⭐️ + cannot be delivered vaginally

2. Dystocia cannot be corrected manually

3. Fetotomy not possible or contraindicated

4. Uterine torsion

5. Narrow pelvis

6. Failure of cervical dilation

What are the main goals of a c-section?

1. Deliver a live foal

2. Preserve mare’s reproductive tract

3. Minimise trauma and complications

What are the types of c-section approaches?

1. Ventral midline

2. Ventrolateral (flank)

What is the preferred approach + why?

Ventral midline ⭐️

- Better exposure

- Easier access to uterus

- Faster delivery

What are the risks of c-section?

1. Peritonitis

2. Hemorrhage

3. Infection

4. Adhesions

5. ↓ future fertility

What are the advantages of c-section?

- Can save live foal ⭐️

- Controlled surgical environment

- Useful when fetotomy not possible

What are the disadvantages of c-section?

- Expensive

- Requires surgical facilities

- Higher risk than vaginal delivery

- Longer recovery

What factors affect prognosis in c-section?

- Expensive

- Requires surgical facilities

- Higher risk than vaginal delivery

- Longer recovery

What is critical before performing a c-section?

- Rapid assessment of mare + fetus

- Decision must be made quickly ⭐️

- Delay reduces foal survival

What post-operative care is required after c-section?

- Antibiotics

- Anti-inflammatories

- Fluid therapy

- Monitoring for complications

What complications can occur after c-section?

- Metritis

- Retained placenta

- Peritonitis

- Wound infection

- Adhesions

What is the prognosis after c-section?

- Good if performed early

- Poor if delayed

- Foal survival depends on speed of intervention

What is an important decision point between fetotomy + c-section?

Fetotomy:

- Only if fetus is dead

C-section:

- Preferred if fetus is alive

Why is timing critical when deciding on c-section?

- Delay → fetal hypoxia and death

- Delay → ↑ trauma to mare

- Early decision greatly improves prognosis ⭐️

What is an important handling principle during c-section?

- Minimise contamination of abdomen ⭐️

- Careful handling of uterus

- Avoid spillage of uterine contents

What is a key intraoperative consideration of the uterus?

- Uterus must be exteriorised if possible

- Incision made in less vascular area

- Avoid damage to major vessels

When should be checked before closing the uterus?

- Complete removal of fetus + membranes ⭐️

- No contamination or retained material

What is important regarding future fertility after c-section?

- Fertility may be reduced

- Adhesions may form

- Outcome depends on severity of trauma/infection

What is the key comparison between delivery methods?

- Vaginal delivery → preferred if possible

- Fetotomy → dead fetus only

- Caesarean → live fetus or failed correction ⭐️