Foaling rates after surgical repair of ventral cervical lacerations using a Trendelenburg position in 18 anesthetized mares.

OBJECTIVE

To (1) describe a surgical technique for repair of lacerations of the ventral aspect of the cervix in anesthetized mares in Trendelenburg position; and (2) report conception rates and foaling after repair.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case series.

ANIMALS: Mares (n = 18).

METHODS

Cervical lacerations were repaired in 2 layers with anesthetized mares in Trendelenburg position. The cervix was retracted caudally with stay-sutures, and after excision of the healed margin of the laceration, the internal cervical mucosa and fibromuscular tissue were sutured in 1 layer with a continuous Lembert pattern. The external cervical mucosa was sutured using a simple-continuous suture pattern. Number of foals produced by each mare before and after surgical repair was obtained from client/farm communication and from a commercial record keeping service.

RESULTS

Mean repair time for 1 laceration was 22 minutes and for 2 lacerations was 29 minutes. Nine mares conceived and 7 had at least 1 live healthy foal.

CONCLUSION

Trendelenburg position allows for efficient repair of a ventrally located cervical laceration in anesthetized mares.