PG.31
STAGE 2:
This stage starts with the breaking of the
chorioallantoic membrane and the passage of
fluid from the vulva (‘water breaking’). During
a normal delivery, the foal’s feet are presented
at the vulva within three minutes of the water
breaking followed by the head at five minutes.
They may be covered by the thin bluish/ white
amnionic membrane, which can be removed from
over the foal’s nose/ mouth. Some mares may get
up and change position during this stage. Stage 2
ends with the foal being born. This stage normally
lasts for 10-45 minutes with constant progression
of the foal out of the vulva. The mare often lies
quietly for 10- 15 minutes following foaling.
ONCE THE PLACENTA
HAS SEPARATED (RED
BAG DELIVERY), THE FOAL
IS NOT RECEIVING ANY
OXYGEN UNTIL IT IS
OUT AND BREATHING.
STAGE 3:
This stage involves the passage of the placental
membranes after foaling. The placenta is
normally passed within 30 mins to 3 hours after
foaling. The mare may display some mild signs of
discomfort during this time.
There are a variety of foaling problems that can
occur and the clinical signs for each can differ
greatly depending on what is wrong. Some
problems are obvious, i.e. the foal not emerging,
the placenta being delivered before the foal or
placental retention. Other problems have more
subtle or absent clinical signs immediately after
foaling.
DYSTOCIA
Dystocia is the most commonly encountered
foaling problem. This is where the foal is having
trouble coming out. This may be due to an
abnormal position (e.g. leg or head flexed back
or in breech position), abnormalities of the foal
(such as severe flexural deformities) or a very
large foal. If the mare’s water has broken and
you do not see two legs and a head within five
minutes (e.g. if you see nothing or only one leg)
or the foal stops advancing during the delivery,
you must contact your veterinarian immediately.
If your mare is having birthing problems you only
have a narrow window in which to seek veterinary
help for a favourable outcome. However, some
dystocias cannot be corrected in the field, and
may require referral to an equine hospital for
further assistance and potential caesarean.
These often have a more serious prognosis. The
outcomes of the mare and foal are often tied to
the length of time of dystocia prior to resolution,
i.e. the quicker you get help, the more favourable
the outcome may be.
RED BAG DELIVERY
Premature placental separation or ‘red bag
delivery’ is where the placenta has detached from
IMAGES FROM THE TOP DOWN:
Three examplies of dystocia (problem foalings).
Photo source Equine Reproduction,
Second Edition by Angus McKinnon et al.
ABOVE IMAGE: Red bag delivery where
the placenta is delivered before the foal. Quick
action is required because the foal will not be
receiving oxygen until it is out and breathing.
Photo sourced from: www.vetnext.com.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2020