PG.30
HORSE HEALTH
FOALING
Emergencies
THERE ARE A VARIETY
OF FOALING PROBLEMS
THAT CAN OCCUR AND
THE CLINICAL SIGNS FOR
EACH CAN DIFFER
GREATLY DEPENDING
ON WHAT IS WRONG.
ARTICLE BY: DR LINDA DILLENBECK, BVSC WESTVETS ANIMAL HOSPITAL & REPRODUCTION CENTRE
Having a foal on the way is very exciting and, although most foalings go ahead without a hitch, it is
vital to be able to recognise a problem early. It is important to understand the normal foaling process,
recognise problems and know when to contact your veterinarian for assistance.
This could mean the difference between saving the mare and foal, or losing one or both.
The signs of imminent foaling are
variable and subtle. Some mares
have udder development and
‘waxing up’ within the 48 hours
prior to foaling, some mares run
milk and some mares don’t give you any
obvious hints that they are about to foal.
Normal delivery of the foal is a continuous
process that is described in three stages:
STAGE 1:
This stage is not well defined and some mares
may not show obvious signs. Some mares
may display signs of increased restlessness,
getting up and down, stretching, flank
watching, tail swishing, kicking at the
abdomen, sweating in the flank region and
small frequent urination. If noticed, this
stage usually lasts for 15-90 minutes.
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