Caesarean section in the mini-Shetland horse: Surgical technique and outcome in ten cases

Dystocia fetalis and its treatment by caesarean section are described in te n mini-Shetland mares. A relatively oversized fetus was the cause of dystoc ia in seven cases. Two foals had convex skulls and with another foal a tran sverse presentation caused difficulties. Nine foals were dead on admission. A caudoventral midline approach, atraumatic aseptic surgery and the use of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (S-CMC) resulted in excellent recovery in ni ne cases. Caesarean section is an easy and quick solution to dystocia in mi niature horses.