Safe Foaling this Breeding Season

FAST FOALING FACTS

Here’s a quick refresher on things to consider around the time of your mare foaling.

PREPARATION TO FOAL

The following may be seen:

·       Udder development, or “bagging up”, usually occurs 2-6 weeks before foaling.

o   Note: call your vet if your mare bags up well before her expected due date as this can be a sign of infection of the placenta and impending abortion of the foal

·       Waxing of the teats 2-4 days before foaling (some mares don’t do this)

·       Dripping colostrum 24-48hours prior to foaling- note if this is excessive as might cause inadequate supply for the foal

·       Relaxation of the hindquarter, tail and buttocks muscles

·       Elongation of the vulva

DELIVERING THE FOAL

Most mares foal between 10pm and 2am. They can actually hold off delivery if they are disturbed.

POST FOALING

Remember the “1, 2, 3” rule:

1      The foal normally stands within one hour of birth

2      The foal should normally have taken its first drink within two hoursof birth

o   Colostrum (first milk) produced by the mare is essential for the development of the foal’s immune system

o   The ability of the foals gut to absorb colostrum rapidly declines over the first 18-24hours of life - the more colostrum your foal drinks within the first 12 hours of life the betterchance of successful transfer of immunity

o   To ensure your foal has received adequate immunity a blood test can be done by your vet to check its IgG level

3      The mare should pass her placenta (afterbirth) within three hours of foaling

o   Retained placenta can be life threatening in mares

The foal should pass its meconium (first dark, sticky manure) within the first 24 hours of life

WHAT CAN GO WRONG?

Dystocia

Dystocia is when the foal is having trouble coming out. This might be due to a very large foal (foetal-maternal disproportion) or severe flexural deformities. It may be due to an abnormal position, for example backwards “breach” or a flexed head or leg.

Call your veterinarian immediately if the foal stops advancing. Some dystocia can be corrected in the field, others require more intensive assistance of C-section. Acting promptly is key for early intervention and a favourable outcome.

Retained placenta

If the placenta has not been expelled within 6 hours of foaling there can be serious complications, including uterine infections, septicaemia, endotoxaemia and laminitis.

Red Bag delivery

Presentation of a “red bag” at the vulva during foaling is a medical emergency. The placenta has prematurely detached from the uterus and is being delivered before the foal.

The red bag needs to be cut immediately with scissors. Assist the foaling and call the veterinarian immediately as these foals can become compromised.

Keep an eye out next week for part two of our foaling series, The Newborn Foal.