Page 35 - NM Summer 2023

POST-PARTUM Problems in Mares
Complications sometimes occur
at foaling. Dr. Ahmed Tibary (Washington State University) says
many breeders have a standard protocol for post-partum examination of the mare by their veterinarian. “This examination is important not only for the mare, but for the foal as well, and occur within the first 24 hours. Even if foaling occurred quickly and with no observed complication, this
by Heather Smith Thomas
does not mean there are no problems in the mare. You cannot see cervical or vaginal injuries, and these may occur even without dystocia,” he explains.
“No post-partum examination is complete without saving and examining the placenta. Horse owners usually consult the veterinarian if they see something abnormal, but in most cases the owner should save it for the veterinarian to
examine. The placenta is where a lot of answers can be found,” says Tibary.
“There are two types of mares we examine. There’s the mare whose pregnancy has been completely normal, with no health problems, and she
would undergo a routine post-partum examination. Then there are mares we know had complications during pregnancy, and we need to stay on top of that, with a
“No post-partum examination is complete without saving and examining the placenta.”
SUMMER 2023 33