Field Obstetrics and Supportive Care: Part I

Treatment of moderate to severe cases of equine dystocia in a field setting can be intimidating, given the need to perform rapidly, efficiently, and confidently physically demanding procedures with which most veterinarians lack hands-on experience. Compounding the problem are the far less than optimal conditions under which the veterinarian must work, e.g., poor physical circumstances or facilities and little, if any, trained technical support. However, resolving a moderate to severe equine dystocia in a field setting can be a highly rewarding opportunity to exercise creativity when referral is not an option. Not infrequently, the high cost of tertiary care prohibits referral of a dystocia to an expensive veterinary hospital in cases in which the animal is of relatively low value.