Are you expecting the pitter-patter of little hooves this spring? Here's
a review of the signs of labor and a listing of the supplies you'll need for
the big event.
The majority of mares foal quietly, quickly, and without complication.
These are the mares everyone hopes for. Because most mares tend to seek
privacy, they will probably foal the minute you return to the house to warm
up and will be cleaning the little one by the time you come back. However,
for maiden mares or mares with a known history of foaling difficulties, it
is important to have the veterinarians phone number handy and to call the
clinic as soon as you sense a problem.
The foaling process should begin even before the mare shows signs of
labor. Find a clean, safe area for her to deliver, and have it ready prior
to her due date. In late spring or in summer, a dry, grassy area is
certainly acceptable for foaling . In many cases, a grassy pasture is
cleaner than a stall and will minimize the dangers of crowding or foaling
too close to a wall. Some owners prefer to have their mares in a foaling
stall to make monitoring easier, as well as have better control over the
environment. If you use a stall, select one that is easily cleaned and
disinfected. Adequate bedding is essential, both for the comfort of the mare
and the safety of the foal. Clean straw is preferable to shavings, which
will stick to the wet newborn making it difficult for the mare to clean the
foal. A broodmares stall should be a minimum of 14' x 14' in size. Carefully
search the walls and floor for dangerous nails or other sharp objects that
could harm the horses, and remove buckets and extra objects from the stall
during the foaling process.
Most mares will let a keen observer know when they are nearing
parturition with a variety of telltale signs. Some mares go by the book and
show every sign at the right time, while others give only a few hints that
they are about to give birth. Here are some guidelines;
- The mare's udder often starts filling with milk 2-4 weeks prior to
foaling.
- The teats may fill 4-6 days prior to foaling.
- The muscles of the vulva and croup relax, and the tailhead becomes more
prominent a few days before foaling. Often the gluteal muscles become soft
and "flabby" as the ligaments and muscles prepare to stretch at foaling.
- "Waxing", or the buildup of colostrum at the end of the teats becomes
apparent 1-4 days before giving birth. The teats may even drip milk several
days beforehand. (If dripping is excessive, the mare may lack important
colostrum needed for the foal.)
- Very close to foaling, the mare becomes anxious
and restless, often exhibiting signs similar to a colic episode. She may lay
down and get up several times, look at her flanks, kick at her belly, or be
disinterested in feed. Frequently, the mare will raise her tail and urinate
just before giving birth. This is generally the first stage of labor.
Remember, of course, that colic is still a possibility and if these signs
persist longer than two hours without progression of a foal, you should call
your veterinarian immediately.
When your mare reaches this stage in labor, ensure that the foaling area
is ready and that your necessary supplies are close at hand. To accurately
assess the time progression of labor, have a watch or clock close by. Wrap
the mares tail in a clean, dry tail wrap, being careful not to wrap the bony
part of the tail too tightly. A polo or standing wrap with Velcro closures
works well. Wash the mares vulva and hindquarters in preparation for the
foal with a mild soap such as Ivory, and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Labor is divided into three stages. The first stage involves the
onset of contractions and the positioning of the foal into the birth canal.
The actions of the mare in this stage can closely imitate a colic episode.
Because the foal actually spends the majority of his gestation upside down
in the uterus, he must now right himself and point his feet in the correct
direction to be born. The normal foaling position resembles a praying, or
diving position, with both front feet and the muzzle proceeding forward
through the cervix and vagina. The fetal membranes (allantoic sac) may be
visible at the vulva. When these membranes break, (also known as the water
breaking) Stage 1 is complete.
Stage 2 is the actual expulsion of the foal. In mares this stage
should take place quickly and with ease. The mare may lay down or stand to
deliver the foal, and may move around the stall quite a bit in these thirty
minutes. The best thing for you to do now is to watch and wait outside the
stall. Too much activity nearby can actually cause her to slow down the
birthing process. Don't try to help her by pulling the foal; both the mare
and foal can be seriously injured with excessive traction, and it may only
serve to stress the mare. If there is no progression of the foal after 30
minutes, the veterinarian should be called immediately. The foals oxygen
capacity can be severely compromised if he is not delivered quickly.
The third and final stage comes after the birth, and involves the
passage of the placenta. Normally this occurs within three hours after
delivery. Serious problems can arise from a retained placenta, including
laminitis and uterine infection, and veterinary treatment with oxytocin
often resolves the problem. It is important here as well to not pull on the
hanging placenta. It is fairly fragile and can tear, leaving "tags" within
the uterus which become a site for infection.
Hooray! You have a new foal! Observe the mare and foal after she
finishes delivering. If the amniotic sac does not break from the foals
muzzle you should tear it with your fingers to allow him to breathe. You can
wipe mucous from the foals nose, but keep your actions to a minimum for now.
Most mares will normally rest for a bit before standing to clean the foal.
The foal should appear bright and alert, and will begin testing its
surroundings within 30 minutes. Once the mare rises, the umbilical cord will
tear on its own. It is a good idea to let this happen naturally to prevent
hemorrhage, rather than cut it with scissors. The tearing action serves to
stretch the umbilical vessels and ligate them as it breaks. If excessive
bleeding does occur, apply thumb and finger pressure for several minutes or
use a pair of mosquito forceps to clamp off the vessels. The navel should be
dipped in an antibacterial solution (such as Betadine) soon after birth to
prevent umbilical infections that can progress to serious blood and joint
infections. Stay away from straight iodine because it is very irritating and
can burn the delicate tissue. Watch your mare, especially if this is her
first foal, for signs of aggression or disinterest in the foal. If she
appears aggressive the foal should be removed and reintroduced with the mare
under restraint. The foal usually stands on its own and nurses within two
hours after birth. He may need some steadying and occasional guidance to the
correct end of his mom, but he should get the idea pretty quickly. If more
than three hours go by without nursing, he should have medical assistance to
ensure adequate colostrum intake and nutrition. "Dummy foals" will appear
lethargic and disoriented and lack the suckle instinct. Steroids and fluids
may be necessary to revive such foals. Finally, inspect the expelled
placenta for tears that may indicate that tags have been left within the
uterus.
Colostrum is the first milk the mare produces, and it is rich in
antibodies. It the only natural means of providing disease- fighting
immunoglobulins which are critical to the foals future health. The foals
intestines are only able to absorb the antibodies in the first 8 to 12 hours
of life making it necessary to ensure milk intake soon after birth. If a
foal is too weak to nurse, your veterinarian may need to use a stomach tube
to provide milk. The mare is likely to be hungry after foaling, and can eat
as soon as she wants. A small amount of grain often stimulates milk
production, and providing clean, cool water will encourage her to drink.
Occasionally, mares show signs of mild discomfort as their body begins to
produce natural stimulants of milk letdown.
We recommend a veterinary exam of the newborn foal and a post-partum
check on the mare. The veterinarian can pull blood from the foal at 18-24
hours of life to test the IgG antibody concentration. If low,
treatment for failure of passive transfer (no antibody transfer from the
mare) can be instituted before the foal is exposed to potential disease.
Foals are commonly born with weak legs, and low pasterns shouldn't be a
concern in the first few days of life. The tendons will strengthen and the
legs will become straighter with time. Angular limb deformities (hooves,
fetlocks, and/or knees turning too far in or out) are more serious and
should be seen early to have the best chance at successful treatment.
Vaccinations and deworming schedules can vary between regions and
veterinarians, but they should begin by the time the maternal antibody count
has decreased in the foal, usually around 2 months of age. At Alaska Equine
we start the flu/rhino, encephalitis, and tetanus series at 2 months and
booster two months later. The strangles (Streptococcus equi bacteria)
bacterin series is recommended at 2,3, and 4 months of age. Foals born to
mares behind on their own vaccinations should receive a tetanus toxoid
injection at birth. Mares should have received their usual complement of
vaccinations at 10 months of gestation. Deworming of foals begins at 2-3
months of age and continues at 6-8 week intervals. Most deworming products
on the market (such as ivermectin and pyrantel) are safe for pregnant mares
and foals, but you should always ensure that the package doesn't state
otherwise.
Careful observation, diligent stable management, and complete veterinary
care will ensure that your mare and foal remain healthy and happy. Good luck
getting your foals off to a great start!
