Page 957 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
P. 957
few hours after birth.
• Rupture of a major vessel The incidence of severe haemorrhage from rupture of a
VetBooks.ir uterine artery increases with the age of the mare. The mare often sweats and shows signs
of extreme pain. The mucous membranes quickly become pale and the condition is often
fatal.
• Rupture of the caecum This may occur due to the high abdominal pressures
experienced during foaling.
All of these conditions are emergencies carrying a high risk of mare mortality. Fortunately
their incidence is relatively uncommon. Retention of foetal membranes, however (see pages
641–2), occurs in 2–10% of all foalings.
Post-foaling checks
Following the safe delivery of a foal, the following checks should be made.
THE FOAL
Most foals are on their feet within an hour of birth (Figure 19.29). The foal should search for
the teats and suck vigorously within 2 hours of birth (Figures 19.30a and b). Most foals then
suck 5–7 times per hour in the first few days. Veterinary attention should be sought if:
• the foal gives any immediate cause for concern
• it is not standing within 2 hours
• it shows little or no inclination to suck within the first 2 hours following birth.
