Caslicks Procedure

A procedure named after E. A. Caslick DVM. He discovered air had an effect on broodmares maintaining a pregnancy. This is because the mare acquires an infection that makes the uterus an unfavorable place to carry a foal. Surgically closing the upper part of the vulva has been commonly practiced on broodmares for 60 years. The vulva is normally vertical and has a good seal to prevent contamination. Conformation abnormalities can be genetic or due to injury during previous births. This procedure is quick and simple and usually done from 15 to 30 days after breeding. It heals closed and remains in place until a month before the mare is due to foal when Dr Winter can surgically cut it open. If the mare foals with a caslicks in place, a lot of damage can occur and the birth is very difficult.

Recto-Vaginal Tear

During the foaling process, if the foal does not present correctly, damage can occur. This damage can be mild, such as bruising or abrasions, or severe and cause permanent problems. When a recto-vaginal tear occurs, the tissue separating the rectum from the vagina tears open and allows fecal material into the vagina. If this injury is not corrected soon after the incident, it can heal and leave scar tissue forever complicating reproductive abilities. When the anatomy is dramatically changed its ability to perform its job is lost. The vagina no longer has a good seal to protect the uterus from infection and the rectum no longer has good tone to hold fecal material within the body. This is a surgery that requires an experienced practitioner who is familiar with the equine reproductive anatomy. Dr. Winter has performed the procedure numerous times and is confident in his abilities.

Retained Placenta

After foaling a mare should “clean” or deliver the placenta within 3 hours. If a retained placenta is not removed, the milk production may be affected. The mare may develop a fever which could result in founder and a uterine infection may develop as well. Dr. Winter may sedate the mare (if needed), and give an injection to induce uterine contractions which results in the release of the placenta. If needed, he applies gentle downward pressure on the remaining placenta to slowly pull it out. After removing the membranes, he will flush the uterus with a lavage solution.