Author: Courtnee Morton, DVM, CVA, CVC

In This Article Summary View 6 More +

WRITTEN BYCourtnee Morton, DVM, CVA, CVC Veterinarian Dr. Courtnee Morton is a 2017 Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine graduate. Since graduation, she completed an equine internship…,A normal mare’s gestation, or pregnancy, lasts about 11 months. As she gets closer to delivering, you’ll start to see signs that she’ll give birth within a few weeks. This will likely include enlarged mammary glands, a more relaxed or “dropped” belly, and maybe a slight decrease in her appetite. A few days before birth, a bit of white milk “wax” may appear at the tips of her teats, although this is not always the case. At this point, she should be moved to a large, heavily bedded stall or a small turnout away from other horses, in a quiet area. She should be as minimally stressed as possible. As the exciting day approaches, there are some things you can do to prepare to help your mare and her goal through the birthing process. Preparing Your Foaling Kit While she’s getting ready, you can get ready for the impending birth by preparing a foaling kit, including the following: Thermometer—To monitor the mare’s and the foal’s temperature and health after birth before their first veterinary visit. Towels—If your mare is calm and amenable immediately after the birth, you can dry the foal gently with towels to keep it from getting too cold. Dilute chlorhexidine or betadine—After your foal is up on their feet, it is often recommended that their umbilicus should be dipped in a dilute chlorhexidine or betadine solution after it naturally tears from the placenta. The umbilicus is an open connection between the outside world and the foal’s circulation, making it a possibly entry point for infection. Dip the umbilicus a few times over the first few days while it dries. If the umbilicus doesn’t dry, becomes warm or swollen, or drips urine, take the foal to a veterinarian for an examination. These are all signs of a possible infection or a patent urachus (this condition occurs when the urinary tract does not close appropriately after birth). Fleet enema—This can help if the foal strains to pass their meconium, or first manures that were formed during gestation. The first manures are typically dark or caramel in color and shaped into firm balls. They should be passed in the first 9–12 hours of life. If your foal is straining to pass manure, your veterinarian may advise you to administer a Fleet enema. Do not administer more than one or two enemas under their guidance, as severe meconium impactions may need further veterinary intervention and too many enemas can be traumatizing to the colon or cause other issues. Banamine—This can help your mare deal with any aftereffects of pain, discomfort, or inflammation from the birthing process.

In This Article Summary View 6 More +

In This Article Summary View 6 More +