23 cases of caesarian sections in mares are presented in the article. 9 mares were operated in the clinic, 14 in field conditions. In all cases dead fetuses were found during the clinical examination performed before the operation. 3 mares were operated by the flank approach, 20 operations were carried out by midline incision. In 3 cases it was impossible to perform the incision of the uterus extraperitonealy. In one of these cases operators were forced to conduct a fetotomy during the operation. In all other mares the incision of the uterus was carried out extraperitonealy. From the 23 mares, 2 mares in a very bad condition died the during operation, a third passed away after 3 months (for unknown reasons). Other mares survived the operation but the further reproduction history of these patients is unknown. Among serious postoperative complications were: 2 abdominal hernias and one serious peritonitis with postpartum laminitis, which left permanent lameness. An approximately 86% survival rate in mares that underwent caesarian section with dead fetuses before an operation seems to be a good result. When there is no possibility of transportation of the mare to the clinic, a caesarian section can be carried out successfully in field conditions.
Distocia (difficult parturition) in small animals is a common problem in veterinary practice. In such cases immediate, professional help is required. Causes of distocia can be classified as maternal (absolute narrowing of the birth canal, uterine inertia or too strong uterine contractions, pelvic obstructions like tumors, abscesses or hematomas) or fetal (absolute fetal oversize, simultaneous impaction of fetuses from uterine horns into the body of the uterus, monstrosities, etc.). An owner or inexperienced veterinarian can contribute or even be the reason of difficult parturition. The authors describe the case of distocia in a cat caused by hydrocephalus in the kitten. This kind of monstrosity occurs extremely rarely in queens (female cats). The fetus is unable to move down the birth canal due to an oversized head and delivery is ceased. There is only one possible therapeutic procedure in this case: cesarean section. The majority of veterinarians think that a cesarean section in small animals should be performed in the case of any prolonged delivery regardless of the reason. The priority is to rescue fetuses as well as keeping the female in good condition (which deteriorates in the course of prolonged labor). Unfortunately, the majority the causes of distocia cannot be prevented. A basic knowledge concerning the normal birth process and a careful monitoring of animal behavior by the owner will help to detect problems early and get prompt veterinary assistance. This will give the owner and the female the best chance of delivering live healthy kittens.