Page 35 - 28 December 2012

hours with a fair amount of accuracy. This can often decrease the number of sleepless nights for many do-it-yourself owners.
The foaling process itself is a very rapid event and is often missed by most observers.
If this is a valuable mare and foal it may be worth it to have the mare monitored and foaled out by an experienced staff. When monitor-
ing the birth of a foal there are three stages to the foaling process. The first stage can often
go unnoticed as this is the time the foal is getting in the proper position and the cervix is dilating. A mare may show signs of colic at this time, becoming increasingly restless, looking
at her flank, kicking at her abdomen, swishing her tail and laying down and rolling from side to side. She may also urinate frequently. Once the mare has reached the first stage of labor it is nice to wrap the tail and clean the perineal area with warm water. If this is not possible or the mare becomes anxious this step can be skipped.
Stage two of labor begins when the mare’s “water breaks” and ends with the birth of the foal. Normally the first portion of the foal you will see is a thin, opaque membrane filled with fluid and the foal’s front feet. This membrane
is a portion of the placenta that should open
on its own, but if it does not, carefully tear this membrane so that it does not cover the foal’s head and nose. If a red, velvet-like membrane
is encountered first, this indicates a premature placental detachment. This is not normal. Break the red membrane and call your veterinarian right away as the foal may be compromised.
Once the foal’s front feet, head and shoulders have passed through the birth canal the rest of the foal should pass quickly and with less difficulty. After the foal is out of the birth canal, stage two of labor is done and stage three begins. Stage three is the passing of the placenta. This process should take no more than 3 hours on average. A good rule of thumb to remember is “1-2-3” after foaling. “1” indicates the time it should take for the
In a normal birth, the first portion of the foal you will see is a thin, opaque membrane filled with fluid and the foal’s front feet. This is stage two of labor.
foal to stand, which is 1 hour. “2” indicates the time it should take for the foal to nurse, which is 2 hours. “3” indicates the time it should
take for the mare to pass the placenta, which
is 3 hours. Anything beyond 3 hours can lead to health problems for your mare or foal and a veterinarian should be contacted to discuss further treatment.
Care of the foal after birth will include applying an antiseptic to the naval. This may include an iodine mixture or chlorhexadine/ alcohol mixture. If the foal will be staying in a stall for a period of time you may want to repeat this application twice a day until the umbilicus is dry. It is recommended to have a veterinarian perform a newborn foal exam after foaling. The veterinarian can assess the foal for congenital abnormalities, contracted or relaxed tendons or other health problems
that may need to be addressed. Some own-
ers or farms prefer to administer plasma to all newborn foals for additional protection against diseases. Even if plasma is administered, it is good to preform a blood IgG test to be sure
the foal’s immunity is adequate after nurs-
ing. Additionally, many insurance companies require this test be performed if the foal is to be insured right away. If the IgG is low, then this indicates a failure of passive transfer of anti- bodies from the mare’s colostrum, which can be a life threatening condition. Your veterinar- ian can help formulate a plan to best treat your foal in this instance.
The birth of a new foal is a very exciting time. Being prepared and armed with good knowledge can make this experience much easier for all involved and set yourself, your mare and the foal up for the best possible outcome.
Don’t Let The Time Slip Away
Renew your Subscription to get the 2013 Stallion Register before it’s too late. Limited time left.
CALL US TODAY! (405) 288-2145
SPEEDHORSE, December 28, 2012 33
veterinary views
Courtesy JEH Equine Reproduction Specialists