Discussion

Aims: Proper cervical function is necessary for a successful pregnancy. Cervical lacerations typically occur during uncomplicated parturition. Cervical defects or adhesions between 4 and 8 o'clock are the most difficult to identify, visualise and repair. Our objective was to describe the surgical technique and report the conception and foaling rates of mares with ventral cervical lacerations that were surgically corrected in a Trendelenburg position. Methods: The records of all mares with cervical lacerations (n = 41) that were admitted to HEMI for surgical repair between January 2009 and September 2011 were reviewed. Eighteen (44%) of these cervical tears were located in the ventral half of the cervix and thus deemed suitable for repair in 2 layers, under general anaesthesia in Trendelenburg position. Retrieved data included history, signalment, parity, tear number, location and extent, suture material used, surgery and hospitalisation time, post operative complications, conception and foaling rates. The effect of various clinical and surgical parameters on post operative conception and foaling rates were analysed statistically. Results: Five mares presented with 2 cervical tears and 13 with a single laceration. The mean surgery time for one and 2 lacerations was 23 and 26 min, respectively. The post surgical pregnancy rate was 9/14 (64%) and the post surgical foaling rate was 7/14 (50%). Previous surgery was the only variable that negatively correlated with pregnancy (P = 0.03) and foaling (P = 0.03) rates. Complications included pregnancy loss during the last trimester of gestation, cervical adhesions and associated pyometra. Conclusions and practical significance: Foaling rate was found to be lower than pregnancy rate. Prior failed standing surgeries were associated with subfertility. Surgery time was markedly shorter for surgical repair of one or 2 lacerations than with published standing techniques. This technique allows efficient repair of ventrally located cervical tears with a satisfactory post surgery foaling rate.