Twin Reduction: Manual Technique

It is undesirable for the mare to maintain twins throughout gestation, primarily due to the poor outcome obtained. There is a very small chance (approximately 1%) that multiple fetuses will be born alive and survive the neonatal period. A high percentage of mares with twins will abort the pregnancies by 7-9 months of gestation, due primarily to placental insufficiency. This chapter discusses step by step procedure for performing twin reduction in the mare by using a manual technique. It lists equipments and supplies needed to perform the twin reduction.