Page 221 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

Caslick's Procedure (Vulvoplasty) 217

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Figure 39-4 Addition of a "breeding stitch" just

distal to the Caslick suture line.

Figure 39-2 Excision of vulvar mucosa along the

mucocutaneous junction using scissors.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

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Postoperative Care

Medications: Antibiotic and antiinflammatory

· therapies are generally not necessary.

Suture Removal: Sutures should be removed

10 to 14 days after surgery.

Other: No exercise restrictions are necessary.

Prior to foaling (3 to 5 days), an episiotomy

should be performed to minimize perinea! da-

mage during parturition.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Figure 39-3 Apposition of vulvar mucosa using a Resolution of pneumovagina is likely following a

Ford interlocking pattern.
Caslick's procedure in mares with normal to

mildly abnormal perineal conformation. Mares

missure with No. 0 nonabsorbable suture using a with moderate to severe abnormal perineal con-

continuous pattern. Simple continuous or Ford formation or persistent pneumovagina may

interlocking patterns are commonly used (Figure require perinea! body reconstruction.

39-3). A single "breeding stitch" may also be

placed just distal to the suture line with No. 1 non-

absorbable suture material using a loose single COMPLICATIONS

interrupted suture to protect the repair during

assisted live cover or artificial insemination Minimal complications are associated with this

(Figure 39-4). The "breeding stitch" should not be procedure; however, dehiscence and suture sinus

so ventral that it prevents urination or assisted live tract development are possible. Excessive ventral

cover breeding. A "breeding stitch" should not closure may result in urovagina. Unpredictable

be placed .in mares i11 which pasture breeding is vulvar tearing may occur if episiotomy is not per-

intended. formed before parturition.