Why a Caslick surgery isn’t just relevant for equine reproduction!
Does the Caslick procedure really be relevant for my mare in the sport, you may think? The answer is: YES, the Caslick procedure is not only for broodmares as an unsatisfactory vulva conformation can provoke behavioral and performance problems in mares – and especially in high performing mares!
Why?
The mare’s vulva is designed to be an airtight seal to the vagina. Due to inadequate closure of the “lips” and an increase in negative pressure in the pelvic cavity while the mare is moving forward, air is sucked in the vagina. This gives a pneumovagina which can sometimes be heard by the rider while the horse is cantering and/or jumping. The irritating/inflammatory processes in the labia vulvae, vestibulum and vagina of the mare may cause problems attributable to hypersensitivity in dermal areas of the hindquarters.
Proof of relevance for performance?
In a very recent Danish study (Christoffersen et al. 2007) 14 mares exhibiting performance problems such as kicking against the rider’s leg, bolting, refusing to move forward, tail swishing and/or symptoms of stiffness in the back were treated with vulvoplastic surgery. In 12 out of the 14 mares (86%) the performance problems were totally eliminated (57%) or diminished (29%) within 6 months after the procedure.
Potential results?
Better trainability and performance results following a Caslick operation when applied to the right cases.
How?
To correct this abnormality, we can perform a Caslicks operation. This means stitching the portion of the vulva that sits above the pelvic brim and returning the rest of the vulva to an air-tight seal. Once stitched, the skin edges heal, and the actual suture material can be removed after 10-14 days.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or to book an examination of your mare and allow Dr. Kappelgaard Sury be you and your mare’s new equine ally!
Curious?
This short reel shows you the simplicity of the procedure: