When signs indicate the mare is about one to two days from delivery, she is sent to the veterinary hospital where the C-section will be performed. Prior to surgery, the mare undergoes general anesthesia and an incision is made through the midline of the abdomen. Then we will find the rear limbs and pull the foal out through the incision. The umbilicus is clamped and cut. Absorbable sutures are used to close the abdominal and uterine walls, and staples are used in the skin.
Surgery takes about an hour.
While the mare is being closed, other members of the staff work with the newborn, making sure the foal is breathing and dealing with any problems it might have. The foal is given colostrum from the mare or from a colostrum bank, or plasma might be administered as a source of antibodies if needed. Once the abdomen is closed, the mare is usually awake and standing within 30 to 60 minutes. The mare can have food one to two hours after returning to the stall. We will usually give them oxytocin to stimulate the uterus to contract.