1. What is the proper care of the mare and foal during and after foaling?

2. Definitions Fetus Colostrum Allantois Foaling Labor
An unborn offspring of a mammal
Colostrum
The first secretion from the mammary glands after giving birth, rich in antibodies
Allantois
Fetal membrane
Foaling
Giving birth to a foal
Labor
the process of birth

3. Definitions Meconium Parturition Placenta Udder Umbilical Cord
the dark green substance forming the first feces of a newborn
Parturition
Act of giving birth
Placenta
a flattened circular organ in the uterus of pregnant mare, nourishing & maintaining the fetus
Udder
Mammary glands
Umbilical Cord
A flexible cordlike structure containing blood vessels & attaching a fetus to the placenta during gestation

4. Pregnant Mare Care Immediately Prior To Foaling
Tetanus booster 30 days prior
Results in higher antibodies, so foal receives adequate antibodies in colostrum
Mares shoes, if any, should be removed
Stall should be at least 12 x 14 ft
Bedded w/straw, free of dust, long cut
Wood shavings  avoided
Can stick to the foal’s wet nostrils & suffocate it
Disinfected

5. Signs of Approaching Parturition
General Indicators
Udder development begins about 2 – 6 weeks before foaling
7 – 10 days before the muscles & ligaments in the croup & pelvic area begin to relax
Teats fill out 4 – 6 days
“Waxing”
Waxy secretion oozes out of the end of the nipples
Building up 2 – 4 days prior
W/in 24 hours, the wax may fall off and milk may drip or stream from teats

6. Signs of Approaching Parturition
General Indicators (cont.)
Mare will become nervous
Pass small amounts of urine
May appear to have cramps
Sweat
Pace
At this point  wash the perineal area w/warm water & mild soap
Wrap tail to help maintain cleanliness & prevent hair from entangling the foal

7. Stage of Parturition 3 Stages Stage 1 – Labor
Stage 2 – Expulsion of Fetus
Stage 3 – Expulsion of the Placenta

8. Stage 1 - Labor Uterine muscles contract rhythmically
Increase in strength until foal is born
Increasing contractions force the allantois in the cervical canal & cause it to rupture
Releasing 2 – 5 gal of water
Stage 1 is complete
Varies from a few minutes to 5 hours

9. Stage 2 – Expulsion of Fetus
After the rupture of the allantois, contractions continue
Mare will lay down, roll, and get up several times
This allows the fetus to get in the proper position
2 front feet appear w/the nose resting between the knees
Mare may show difficulty as the hips pass through
Once delivered clear any membranes from nostrils
Stage 2 is complete
Time frame : 10 – 30 minutes

10. Stage 3 – Expulsion of the Placenta
The foal with rise and break the umbilical cord
Treat with iodine solution
Tie afterbirth to prevent mare from stepping on it and tearing it
Placenta should be expelled within 30 minutes
If longer than 4 hours, contact a vet
Retained placenta can cause health complications
Check the placenta for any holes
Should weigh around 13 – 14 pounds
Stage 3 complete

12. Postnatal Foal Care Examine foal
Naval cord should be dipped in a 10% iodine solution to prevent bacterial invasion
Give tetanus antitoxin injection
Provide protection for 2 – 3 weeks
Foals should nurse w/30 mins – 2 hours
Will receive the colostrum
Antibodies are absorbed into the digestive tract for up to 36 hours
Meconium should be passed within 12 hours
If not foal should be give an enema

13. Postnatal Mare Care Few mares have complications
Some may exhibit signs of colic
A mild sedative may help

14. Review The mare should be given what booster 30 days prior to foaling?
Tetanus
What type of bedding should be used in a foaling stall?
Dust – free straw
What contains antibodies that are important for the foal to get within 30 minutes post-foaling?
Colostrum
The foal should produced what within 12 hours of birth?
Meconium
What are the 3 stages of parturition?
Labor, Expulsion of the fetus, Expulsion of the Placenta

15. Poster Bring poster supplies tomorrow!
Develop a poster on the normal stages of parturition and post-foaling care for the mare and foal
Poster will be due Friday, February 12