Caesarian sections in mares are an uncommon event in equine reproduction but sometimes necessary. They are most useful when the parturition occurs at a surgical facility and when the foal cannot be delivered vaginally within 15 minutes of the onset of the active pushing (second) stage of labor. Other indications for a Caesarian are

• removal of dead foals that cannot be repositioned and delivered vaginally
• vaginal removal of dead foals would result damage to the reproductive tract of the mare
• mares with a fractured pelvis or narrowing of the cervix or pelvic canal
• uterine torsion
• uterine rupture

This article discuses the indications and conditions for a Caesarian Section, the aftercare, prognosis, and fertility in horses.

Sometimes a caesarian is required to save the life of the foal and the mare but it is difficult to get a live foal. To save the foal the cesarean must be performed quickly as foal survival after 30 minutes of active labor rapidly declines and becomes poor at the 40 minute mark. Successful surgery requires a facility with a team ready to quickly anesthetize the mare, perform the surgery, and provide natal care to the newborn foal. This means a delivery of a live foal by cesarean section is uncommon when the mare with dystocia is not very near surgical facilities.

The expediency of cesarean section in a mare with a dead foal is not as critical but should proceed as rapidly as is possible and be accomplished within 24 hours of the onset of labor. The surgical procedure of cesarean section on a mare with a live or dead foal is the same. There are many surgical approaches to cesarean section and a discussion of these procedures is beyond the scope of this article.