Dystocia frequency and causes in horses with a history of dystocia

Dystocia frequency and causes in horses with pregnancy disorders or a history of dystocia: A prospective study

Reprod Domest Anim. 2024 Mar;59(3):e14541. doi: 10.1111/rda.14541.
Authors
Markus Ellerbrock 1 , Judith Krohn 1 , Kathrin Büttner 2 , Axel Wehrend 1
Affiliations

1 Veterinary Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Neonatology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
2 Unit of Biomathematics and Data Processing, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-Universität-Giessen, Giessen, Germany.

PMID: 38426354
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14541

Abstract

Dystocia typically presents a life-threatening condition for both the mare and the foal. This prospective long-term study aimed to ascertain whether mares with prior pregnancy disorders or a history of dystocia were at a higher risk of experiencing subsequent dystocia in comparison to those without such medical antecedents. To achieve this goal, the authors analysed 207 parturitions and 164 mares over a 10-year period. Of these, 57 were associated with pregnancy disorders or prior dystocia (Group 1), while 150 parturitions followed uneventful pregnancies in mares that had not yet experienced dystocia (Group 2). Mares in Group 1 were significantly more likely to develop dystocia than those in Group 2 (p = .0180; odds ratio = 2.98). Foetal causes of dystocia were more prevalent than maternal causes (p < .0389). Maternal mortality stood at 0.5%, and neonatal mortality reached 1.9%. The results demonstrate that mares are at significantly higher risk of developing dystocia after experiencing pregnancy disorders or parturition complications during previous pregnancies, emphasizing the need for systematic birth monitoring. Keywords: Dystocia; equine; parturition complications; pregnancy disorders.