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In the News The Expectant Mare We go through a lot of expense, hassle, and heartache to breed our mares. Then we wait 11 months for the reward. Some general knowledge and guidelines should be followed to insure a healthy start. The arrival of a foal is an exciting, anxious time. Events seem to happen at inopportune times when we least expect them. Preparation and some basic knowledge will help assure a good outcome. Most often a mare will foal with no problems or complications; however, when we have a lot of time and expense invested we want to do everything in our power to prevent potential problems. Monitoring a mare as she approaches her due date can become tiresome. Methods for predicting time of foaling using milk/colostrum samples are quite accurate in narrowing the arrival time. Once foaling is imminent, constant surveillance either through night checks or electronic monitoring are useful. A mare in which is foaling is imminent may show obvious signs such as a decrease in appetite, pacing-pawing, sweating, and leaking of milk. Most of these signs suggest a foaling within 12-24 hours. Mares most often break their water while standing and will then lay down. There may be several episodes of lying down and getting up in an effort to do some last minute positioning of the foal in the birth canal. Eventually the mare will usually lie down and begin forceful contractions to deliver her foal. Some mares may lie down, have contractions, rise, pace, and then repeat the process. From the time the mare breaks her water to delivery of the foal, no more then 30 to 45 minutes should pass. If 20 to 30 minutes pass with no signs of progress, the appearance of the feet and nose, calling for veterinary assistance would be in order. Unfortunately a foal cannot endure a long complicated labor and survive. Realistically from the time you recognize a problem, a call for help is made, and help arrives, enough time has passed which will markedly decrease the chances of a good outcome. The ability of a mare owner or attendant to recognize a few common problems may be all that is needed to save a foal. An important aspect of the foaling mare's environment is freedom from distraction. Give the mare her space, and foaling is not an excuse for a slumber party with a lot of noise and unfamiliar people. Multiple distractions will add stress and may disrupt the normal foaling process. Keep people and noise to a minimum. When the mare's water breaks, note the time and quietly observe. If minimal to no progress is made in 15 to 20 minutes follow these steps to insure everything is all right.
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  Click here to read the article on Cushing's Disease, Peripheral Cushing's Disease, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome |
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Red Oak Animal Hospital | 22345 Antioch, Bucyrus, KS 66013-9462 913-533-2370 | information@redoakanimalhospital.com |
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