Expectant Mare Review (mare)

 

Spring is here and many mares are ready to foal.  Here are some guidelines to help you with your expectant mare!

 

GETTING READY:  A mare’s pregnancy is usually 320-360 days or around 11 months.  About 30 days prior to the mare’s due date, she should be moved to the “Foaling Stall.”  Ideally, the foaling stall should be larger than a standard 10 x 10 stall.  Moving her early will allow her to feel comfortable in her new surroundings.

 

THINGS YOU SHOULD HAVE ON-HAND:

  1. Tail Wrap (Vet Wrap works great!)
  2. Clean towels, mild soap, warm water
  3. Gentle Iodine- to dip foal’s navel
  4. Enema for the foal
  5. Latex gloves
  6. Container for the saved placenta.  (A covered bucket is best so that the dog doesn’t run off with it!)
  7. Foal Shot
  8. Veterinarian’s Phone Number

 

WHEN THE TIME IS NEAR:  Watch for the following signs to help detect when the foal is going to arrive.  Remember, these are guidelines and each mare may vary.

·        30 days before………the udder starts to enlarge

·        2-weeks before……..the muscles over the rear end relax and soften

·        1-4 days before……..teats may get a waxy “drop” on the end of the nipple

·        12-24 hours before…the mare’s temperature will drop and she may start to drip colostrum (thick, yellow milk)

 

THERE ARE THREE STAGES TO LABOR FOR A MARE:

Stage #1 Restlessness.  Your mare may get restless.  She may walk around with her tail raised and urinate frequently.  She may also lie down and get up often.  At this time, wrap the mare’s tail and gently wash her vulva with a mild soap and warm water.  Then, most importantly, leave your mare alone!  Most mares will not want to foal if you are watching closely.  Checking on her from an area where she may not realize you are watching is the best.  Mares are capable of stopping labor until they feel comfortable.

 

Stage #2 True Labor.  This is the stage where the water will break and the foal will be born.  Mares typically take between 5 and 30 minutes to foal and most often need no assistance.  If, during this stage your mare seems to be having a difficult time, the progression of the foal stops or you notice an abnormal presentation of the foal—CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.

 

Stage #3 Afterbirth.  The placenta should be expelled within 2-3 hours of foaling.  If the entire placenta is not expelled within 4-6 hours, you should call the veterinarian.  Save the placenta so that the veterinarian can examine it.  If any portion, however big or small, of the placenta is left in the mare it can lead to septicemia, laminitis and even death.

           

 

The Newborn Foal

 

Here are some guidelines of what the new baby should be doing in its first few hours of life.  If your foal fails to do these things, you need to call the veterinarian.

 

  1. Stand within the first 60 minutes.
  2. “Look” for the mare within the first two hours
  3. Start nursing within the first three hours, then about every 20-40 minutes after the initial suckling.
  4. Pass the meconium (black, tarry stool).  Many times we recommend a routine enema.

 

Care needed in the first 24 hours:

  1. Dip the navel with gentle iodine at least 2-3 times
  2. Be examined by a veterinarian
  3. Get an IgG test.  This is a blood test.  We are able to do this test right at your farm to determine if the foal had failure of passive transfer.  This is recommended for all foals, but highly recommended for maiden mares or high-risk mares.  Ideally, we like to do the test at 12-16 hours of life.
  4. Receive a Foal Shot.

 

If you have any questions about your mare or foal, at any time, please feel free to send us an e-mail at mnvalleyvet@wmconnect.com or call us at 507.665.2371 or 1.888.665.2371.

 

CHECK YOUR REQUIREMENTS!

 

Attention to all CATTLE, SHEEP, GOAT and ALPACA OWNERS:

Due to the status of our state changing from Tuberculosis Free, please pay special attention to all transport requirements.  Many shows, sales, and exhibitions are requiring Tuberculosis testing prior to the event.  Transporting across state lines for any reason may also require a Tuberculosis test.  Make sure to allow at least 10 days for test results prior to your event.  All animals will also need official identification when they get tested.  This can be done at the time of testing if they do not already have an official identification.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Please check your speed-dial numbers and refrigerator magnets.  As of March 31st, 2006, the 507-317-5988 cell phone number will no longer be in service.  We will be making up new magnets, let us know if you need one!  The number you should be calling is 507-665-2371 or 1-888-665-2371 for long-distance callers.  During those times when we are not in the office, all calls are transferred to Doc Susan’s cell phone; so all calls are covered!  We appreciate your patronage and would like to thank you for your patience while we go through this minor change in procedure.  Susan, Laurie & Heather