How does the handler/stud person know when the mare is going to foal?
Estimate the time from the covering date to get the date that she is due.It is important to have the previous foaling history, particularly where a mare tends to carry up to a month over the due date. She will actually follow the same pattern on subsequent foalings.Springing and size of udder – the mare’s udder gets larger as she gets closer to foaling.‘Waxing’ or ‘honey’ on the mare’s teats (may not always occur). It is a small bead of wax which usually appears at the top of the teats 24–48 hours before foaling.Relaxation of the mare’s vulva or ‘bearing’ within 24 hours of foaling.Dropping of the ‘pins’ - relaxation of the mare’s hind quarters within 48 hours of foaling. This may occur in some, although not all, cases. If a mare runs milk for a few days pre-foaling, what could be the resulting problem?
The foal will receive no colostrum and therefore very little immunity.
The foal may need either:
a) Artificial colostrums
b) Frozen colostrums or
c) Plasma.
Antibiotics may also have to be given.
When does a mare start to spring or “make a bag”?
A maiden mare may start to show signs of springing (udder filling or enlarging), approximately one month before foaling, whereas a mare that has had foals usually starts to spring approximately two weeks before foaling.It is important to note that some mares may foal without making any ‘bag’. How soon should the mare foal after the bursting of the water bag?
A mare that has had foals previously should foal within 20 minutes of the water bag bursting.A maiden mare may take up to one hour maximum.Unless delays over and above these times are encountered, human intervention is not required and is, in fact, best avoided. Where these timelines are exceeded and there are indications that the mare is in difficulties, she needs immediate assistance, either through your veterinarian and/or experienced attendants, depending on the type of problem. How long does the mare normally lie down for, after foaling?
Most mares lie down for approximately 10-15 minutes after foaling. Some may jump to their feet immediately. This may result in problems associated with premature breakage of the umbilical cord. Approximately 5% of mares foal in the standing position. This is likely to cause premature breakage of the umbilical cord causing Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (Barker foals and Wanderers) in the foal. Also the impact of the newborn foal during the delivery on to the ground presents extra risks for it. The majority of mares foal lying down and usually the umbilical cord is intact until the mare rises to her feet after foaling, when breakage may occur. It may also occur when the foal is active enough to cause breakage at this stage. How soon after foaling should the foal stand?
The normal foal should be standing within an hour of birth. How soon should the foal suck?
The foal should stand within one hour and should suck within one-two hours of birth. Why do some foals “smother” at birth?
Foals are often born with the sac (amnion) over the head. The majority of strong healthy foals will break through the amniotic sac. However a weak foal may not be able to do this and may suffocate. In these cases, minor intervention by the attendant to remove the sac from the foal’s head can save its life. What is the approximate birth weight of a foal?
Approximately 45–60 kg. What is the normal temperature of a newborn foal?
Approximately 101+/-0.5 degrees F What are the important routine checks which should be carried out on the newborn foal?
Foal is observed and checked for normal signs of health, for example foal sucking regularly.Navel/umbilical cord treated with iodine or antiseptic spray.Anti-tetantus injection.Check the placenta/afterbirth for health. Ensure that the placenta is entire, i.e. that it has been completely passed by the mare.When is it not necessary to give a newborn foal an anti-tetanus injection?
Where the mare has been given Tetanus Toxoid injection in the first month of pregnancy and thereby passes on the immunity to her foal while the foetus is in her uterus. How soon after foaling should the mare pass the placenta?
Within two hours after foaling. How soon should the veterinary surgeon be called to remove the placenta?
At approximately six–eight hours post foaling. What signs would be noted if the foal is not getting enough milk?
The foal may appear hungry.The mare’s udder may also look empty and the foal continuously nudging at the mare’s udder, searching for milk. This is obviously due to the fact that the mare is not producing enough milk.