Cedar Hills Stallion Station Horse Breeding Short Courses

11/22/2025

𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞

A Life-Threatening Malpresentation in Large Animal Obstetrics

The dorsotransverse fetal position is a serious obstetrical complication seen in both cattle and equine species. In this malpresentation, the fetus lies horizontally across the uterus with its back (dorsum) facing the birth canal. Neither the head nor the limbs are presented, making natural delivery impossible.

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞:
More commonly observed due to the larger uterine space

Manual correction is sometimes possible with proper restraint and lubrication

Delay may lead to uterine rupture or severe dystocia

𝐈𝐧 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 (𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬):
Less frequent, but far more dangerous

Mares have a narrow window for successful intervention

Cesarean section is often the only viable solution

𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Detected through vaginal palpation during dystocia

The back of the fetus is felt instead of limbs or head

Confirmed via re**al examination in cattle

𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡:
1. Immediate veterinary intervention

2. Manual repositioning of the fetus if conditions permit

3. If manipulation fails:

C-section in mares

C-section or fetotomy in cows depending on viability

4. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy post-intervention

𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞:
This condition demands urgent attention. Delay in treatment often results in fetal death and threatens the life of the dam. Proper training in obstetrical techniques and early recognition can save lives.

Reference:
Roberts, S.J. (1986). Veterinary Obstetrics and Ge***al Diseases

11/21/2025

Watch feeding foxtail everyone. It is not just the big seed pod that gets stuck but the little fibers.

08/03/2025

This is why we sometimes have to flush the uterus! Look at that nastness in the first photo. You can see the layer that has settled.

Second photo is in sequence from left to right, you can see the progression of getting the ouss out of her uterus.

Anyone want to guess what it is?

04/20/2025

04/17/2025

04/09/2025

Do you have experience with the Madigan Squeeze Technique for "dummy foals"?

UC Davis researchers are gathering data on the use and outcomes of the Madigan Squeeze Technique, a procedure that resulted from research on Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (dummy foal) conducted by Drs. Monica Aleman and John Madigan.

If you are a:
- veterinarian who has used, observed, or recommended the Madigan Squeeze,
- breeder or farm manager who has applied the technique,
- horse owner who has performed the technique or witnessed its effects on your foals,
your experience will contribute to ongoing research and improvements in neonatal foal care.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3J2P32

It takes approximately 6 minutes. Your responses will contribute to an upcoming report on neonatal foal care, which will be shared with the equine community.

Please share this survey link with colleagues, breeders, and equine professionals who may have experience with this technique. Your participation is crucial in advancing our knowledge and improving foal care worldwide.

Thank you for your time and dedication to equine health!

Learn more about Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome and the Madigan Squeeze in our equine health topics database: https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/neonatal-maladjustment-syndrome-foals

03/16/2025

Breeding season is here! Hands on horse breeding short courses, 2025, April 12th-13th, May 17th-18th, June 14th-15th, July 12th-13th, August 16th-17th.
If these classes fill up, or if these dates do not work for anyone, I am happy to create more dates.
Please PM if you have any questions. Basic classes are $550 per day.
Located in Bedford Kentucky, just 40 minutes north of Louisville.
Both stallion and mare repro. Ultrasound sales as well.
All the information and hands on you will need to know to get your artificial equine breeding and semen shipping program up and running.

02/07/2025

Here is some very timely and important information courtesy of the horse doctors at Pine Ridge Equine Hospital:

As we are in the midst of foaling season, let’s talk about what is normal and abnormal. The placenta is made up of two major parts: the red bag (chorioallantois) and the white bag (amnion). The red bag attaches to the uterine wall, which allows the exchange of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. In a normal delivery the amnion is visible and characterized by a white appearance. A red bag delivery is characterized by a red velvety appearance.

A red bag delivery is considered an EMERGENCY as it signifies premature separation of the placenta leading to a lack of oxygen to the fetus so **you need to intervene immediately.** The red placental membrane should be opened carefully to release fluid, the foal should be delivered/pulled with your assistance and then stimulated to breathe. Foals may develop problems associated with lack of oxygen even though they appear normal at birth.

If your mare is having or had a red bag delivery, you need to call your horse doctor ASAP!

02/04/2025

It's foaling season and if you have foals coming you need to know what this is and how serious this is.

This is called a red bag. A person we know sent us this after her foal was born severely brain damaged from lack of oxygen and she lost him. She didn't know she had fescue in her hay.

Pregnant mares should not be eating fescue in the last several months of their pregnancy. It is a contributing factor for a red bag situation.

A red bag is the placenta being delivered first. Once this starts the foal is getting no oxygen. Should you Ever see any little bit of red coming get someone to call your vet immediately and send someone to get a really sharp , well cleaned knife.

You are probably going to get told to cut through it as quick as you can. It has 7 layers and this is very difficult to do.

If you are going to have foals please do not assume all will go well. It often doesn't. Read, Read, Read everything about foaling.

We recommend Complete Foaling Manual by Theresa Jones