Retrospective Evaluation of Dystocia in Miniature Equids: 78 Cases (2002-2023)

Unfortunately dystocia in miniatures is not an uncommon event. Fortunately in 80% of the cases manual manipulation can relieve the dystocia. Recognition of a problem and correction must be prompt to save the foals life. Here is a review of the experiences at a large referral equine hospital.
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Retrospective Evaluation of Dystocia in Miniature Equids: 78 Cases (2002-2023)

J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2025 Aug 21. doi: 10.1111/vec.70014. Online ahead of print.
Authors
Ari Merari 1 , Langdon Fielding 1
Affiliation

1 Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center, Penryn, California, USA.

PMID: 40838371
DOI: 10.1111/vec.70014

Abstract

Objective: To describe patient characteristics, laboratory data, fetal orientation, methods of correction, survival, and treatment in miniature equids with dystocia.

Design: Retrospective study conducted from January 2002 to June 2023.

Setting: Equine referral hospital and field service.

Animals: Seventy animals with a total of 78 instances of dystocia.

Interventions: None.

Measurements and main results: Recorded variables included signalment, clinicopathologic data, fetal presentation, correction method, survival to discharge, and complications. The survival of miniature equid mares was 94% (73/78), while survival of foals was 17% (13/78). The most common causes of dystocia were abnormal limb presentation in 27% (21/78), neck flexion in 23% (18/78), and caudal presentation with bilateral hip flexion in 17% (13/78). The correction methods used were controlled vaginal delivery in 45% (35/78), assisted vaginal delivery in 35% (27/78), cesarean delivery in 17% (13/78), and fetotomy in 4% (3/78). Complications included retained fetal membranes in 19% (15/78), metritis in 8% (6/78), obturator nerve paralysis in 5% (4/78), and hyperlipidemia in 5% (4/78).

Conclusions: Miniature equid mares appear likely to survive dystocia. The condition can be resolved by controlled or assisted vaginal delivery in the majority of cases. Continued research and training are needed to improve survival in foals.

Keywords: dystocia; foal; mare; miniature donkey; miniature horse.

© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.

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