Equine

Equine

Average gestation in the mare is 335 days, but normal pregnancy can range from 320 to 365 days. Mares that begin to show signs of impending foaling before 320 days and those pregnant for more that 365 days should be examined by a veterinarian. Mares that leak colostrum before foaling also require veterinary attention. Most normal mares that are close to foaling show signs such as decreased appetite, udder development and relaxation of the vulva and tail head. Maiden mares (those pregnant for the first time) may show none of these characteristic signs and foal with little warning.

All pregnant mares should have somewhere safe, clean and quiet to give birth. A 14x20 foot stall, clean paddock with shelter or grass pasture are all suitable. Stalls or paddocks require a bed of deep straw to help the foal stay clean and warm. Submissive mares should be allowed to foal in an area where they will not be bullied by more dominant animals. Foals can be easily trampled during interactions and nervous mares will not allow the foal to suck and rest normally.

Greater than 90% of mares have normal, uncomplicated foaling. Labour in mares is very short. Mares may show an hour of sweating and pacing before foaling, but once the water breaks, the foal should be delivered within 20 minutes. The foal’s feet first appear surrounded by a thick white, glistening sac. One foot may preceed the other by about 15cm. After both legs are out to the knee, the nose and head appear. The mare pushes very hard for 3 to 5 minutes until the shoulders and chest are out. The white sac breaks at this time and the foal begins to breathe. If the sac fails to break, it should be torn and moved away from the nose and mouth. Once the chest is free, the mare may take a little rest before pushing out the hindquarters.

After delivery, normal foals “sit up”, and begin to look around and nicker to the mare within five minutes. The mare may remain lying down for 20 minutes. During this time it is normal for the umbilical cord to stay connected – some foals continue to receive oxygen through the cord. It will break in the perfect spot once mare or foal start moving around. Immediate treatment of the foals umbilical stump with hibitane or iodine dip helps protect foals from infection. After a rest, most mares stand, experience cramps and pass the placenta. Mares that have not passed the placenta within two hours of foaling require veterinary attention. Normal foals begin attempts to stand within 20 minutes of delivery. They must stand and nurse successfully within two hours or veterinary attention is required. Because the foals entire immunity comes from colostrum, failure to obtain adequate colostrum in the six hours after birth will result in overwhelming infection and death.

Because labour is so rapid in mares, problems can arise very quickly. Any mare in which foaling problems are suspected should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Malposition of the foal in the uterus is detected when a mare shows signs of labour that do not progress. Sometimes one foot, two feet or the head may be visible at the vulva, but sometimes the only sign is ongoing discomfort of the mare. Premature placental separation or “redbag” occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterus during foaling. Once the placenta begins to detach, the foal is deprived of oxygen resulting in damage to the brain and internal organs. Redbag is detected when the foals feet appear at the vulva surrounded by a red velvet sac. In cases of redbag, the foal must be rapidly delivered so that it may start breathing to get oxygen to the brain and vital organs. Minutes can make the difference between life and death. Occasionally, foaling may result in bruising or tearing of the mares uterus, intestine or bladder. Any mare with ongoing pain after the placenta is expelled should be evaluated for these conditions.

Even in seemingly normal animals, it is often a good investment to have a post partum veterinary exam in the 12 to 24 hours after foaling. The veterinarian will examine the mare, foal and placenta to ensure all is well. Any abnormalities can be detected early, allowing for more successful treatment. A blood test is easily be performed stall side to ensure that the foal obtained adequate colostrum and will be protected from deadly infections. A post partum exam is a good time to discuss how to manage the mare and foal in the first year of life.