Meddleton Equine Hospital

Recognizing the signs that foaling is eminent: While not all mares have read the textbook on foaling, most mares do progress according to the following chain of events. Two to four weeks prior to foaling, the mare's udder starts to develop in preparation for nursing. In the last few days before foaling, the teats will become engorged with milk, and a small waxy plug develops at the tip. Also, the ligaments and muscles around the pelvis relax, and as a result, the tailhead will become more prominent.

The foal is on its way!

Most mares seem to prefer to foal at night, however it can take place at any time of day. The first stage of labor is usually accompanied by the following signs: the mare becomes restless and anxious - she will generally pace and circle around the stall, often lying down and then getting back up. She may also kick at her belly, sweat, and bite her flanks.

These signs are also similar to those shown in a colicky horse, and since colic can be a concern, especially during the end stages of pregnancy, you will need to watch the mare closely during this time. If these signs persist for longer than an hour or two, and she has not come any closer to foaling, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Ok, so the water is boiled, and I'm ready to help!

Now that foaling is eminent, this would be a good time to quietly enter the stall to wrap the mare's tail, and spread a fresh bale of straw around the stall (to provide clean bedding that will not readily stick to the newborn). Now the hardest part is going to be fighting the urge to help too much.

Most mares foal without any difficulty, and it is usually best to disturb them as little as possible during this time. Find a place outside of the stall that you can quietly observe the process, and be ready to help (or call out the Veterinarian) if it becomes necessary.

The delivery

The next stage of labor begins when the white fetal sac (allantois) breaks, and there is a large expulsion of fluid. The foal should then be delivered within the next 30 minutes.

Soon after the sac breaks, you should see the front hooves of the foal appear from the vulva. In normal presentation, they will be facing down, and they are usually staggered one in front of the other. Right behind the appearance of the front hooves, the foal's muzzle should become visible followed by the head, shoulders and finally the hindquarters. (If it takes longer than 30 minutes, or if the foal appears not to be presenting in the normal position, call your Veterinarian immediately, as a problem at this stage of labor can rapidly become a life-threatening emergency to both the mare and foal.) Once the foal's abdomen is free of the birth canal, make sure that the fetal membranes are not still covering the foal's head so that it can begin breathing. At this time, the mare may rest for a few minutes before the foal's hind limbs are finally passed.

Usually the umbilical cord has not yet been broken - in the last few minutes before it breaks, there is still significant transfer of blood between the mare and foal. The cord will usually break on its own. If it does not, DO NOT CUT IT. Instead, hold it firmly on either side of the narrowed spot which is approximately one inch from the foal's abdomen. Then with firm, constant pressure, pull and twist it apart. In doing this, you minimize the chances that it will hemorrhage. If it does continue to bleed a little, hold the stump firmly for several minutes (until it stops).

Allow the mare and foal to rest as long as possible at this point (giving the mare some hay might help), this also gives them some time alone to bond. Once they are done resting, apply a gentle antiseptic solution (such as Nolvasan) to the umbilical stump; continue to apply it 2-3 times a day for the first few days after birth to help minimize bacterial infections.

The show is still not over...

Once the foal is delivered, the third stage of labor involves the expulsion of the placenta (afterbirth). This should occur within one to three hours after birth. Once passed, clean the placenta with fresh water and place in a plastic bag or a bucket for later examination by your Veterinarian. If it takes longer than 4 hours to pass the placenta, call your Veterinarian immediately as a retained placenta can quickly lead to a serious systemic infection and possibly laminitis.

The first few hours after birth, there are several other important steps that need to be monitored. The foal should be standing within thirty minutes of birth, and should be nursing within two hours. Also, the meconium plug (the first dark, sticky manure) should pass within the first 12 hours. It is critical that the foal nurse and receive the colostrum (first milk) from the mare. The colostrum is very thick and rich in antibodies which are essential to provide the foal with adequate immune protection from disease. If there is any concern that the foal has not received an adequate amount of Colostrum in their first 8 hours of life (any later than that they are not able to properly absorb the proteins) the foal may require an intravenous transfusion to survive.

If there is a problem with any of these steps, your Veterinarian should be notified immediately. Ideally, 12-24 hours after the foal is born it should be examined by a Veterinarian and blood should be drawn for a CBC and to test the antibody level in the foal. Early intervention will give you the best chances for success in raising a happy healthy foal.

Best of Luck, and Happy Foaling!!!