Deviations of the head and neck are common type of abnormal posture in anterior presentation causing dystocia in all species (Roberts, 1971). Lateral deviation of the head is seen most often in primiparous animal and the prognosis is serious when thefetus is dead and the deviations are due to muscle contractures (Sane et al, 1994). The incidence of dystocia in equines is low (4%) when compared with the incidence in cattle (Morrow, 1986). Foaling in mare is a quick and violent process. Due to the long neck and legs of the foal, there are many postures that the fetus might assume during the foaling process, any of which might cause problems in delivering the foal properly. During dystocia, the mare continues to make efforts to push out the fetus. Present communication reports a case of dystocia in a mare due to severe right lateral deviation of the head and neck of fetus and its successful delivery through partial fetotomy and forced traction.
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