IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVATION

Following the birth of the foal, the mare and foal should be monitored for the following:

 

bulletFoal is breathing normally.
bulletFoal is bright and alert to it’s new surroundings. The foal should make attempts to rise within 30 minutes following it’s birth
bulletMare is non-aggressive, curious and accepting of her newborn. Occasionally a mare will reject her foal. In such a case, the foal should be removed and reintroduced with the mare under restraint. Foal rejection is more common in maiden mares.
bulletFoal should stand and nurse within 2 hours of birth. If the foal has not nursed within 3 hours it may begin to get weak and be in need of assistance of medical attention.
bulletFoal should pass meconium (the first sticky, dark stool) within 12 hours after birth. A fleet enema should be given to insure the foal passes the meconium. Also, a foal shot should be given.
bulletMare should be bright and alert. Allow her to eat as soon as she is ready and supply plenty of clean, fresh water.
bulletOnce the placenta has been expelled, examine it to make sure it is intact. The afterbirth will be Y-shaped and should have only the hole through which the foal emerged.
bulletIf you suspect the mare has retained part of the placenta, call your veterinarian.
bulletYou may wish to check the mare’s temperature and other vital signs periodically within the first 24 hours to make sure they are normal. An elevated temperature may indicate infection (normal is 100.5F).

 

 

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