Dystocia—A True Equine Emergency

Dystocia, with the potential for mare and foal morbidity and mortality, contributes significantly to reproductive loss. Mare recovery and foal survival rates may be improved with knowledge of normal parturition and early recognition of dystocia. Through this, prompt veterinary intervention and dystocia resolution is facilitated. Foal compromise is common with prolonged second stage labor, necessitating medical resuscitation and stabilization. In the following article, dystocia survey results are reviewed and intervention methods are discussed.