MARCH/APRIL 2014 THE RIDER /61
WHAT’S UP DOC From the desk of Dr. Laura Frost
HALTON EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES This past winter has been long, howev-
er don’t despair spring is in site. Spring to many horse owners means foals. This can be an exciting time for all and for some it can be an anxious time too. The following list will help prepare you better for your mare’s foaling in the last month of gestation and will help reduce the risk of complications. 1. If possible, find out the expected foaling date and past breeding dates. 2. Move your mare to the foaling stall within one month so your mare can acclimatize. 3. Perform a fecal egg count (FEC) one month prior to foaling if you have not already been monitoring your mare with FECs. 4. If your mare has had a Caslick (suturing the vulva partially closed) have your veteri- narian open this 3 weeks prior to the expect- ed foaling date. 5. Booster your mare’s vaccinations one month prior to foaling to ensure the antibod- ies to these diseases are passed into the colostrum (first milk) to keep your foal pro-
tected for the first few months of life, anti- abortion vaccines can be given at 3, 5, 7 and 9 months gestation. 6. Contact your veterinarian to discuss the foaling and what to expect and what to do in an emergency-have phone numbers handy. 7. Prepare a foaling kit-some items may include several towels to dry the foal, scis- sors, baling twine, strong flashlight or light source, lubricant such as KY jelly, naval dip solution (discuss with your veterinarian), enema 8. Be able to identify emergencies such as premature placental separation (Red Bag), improper presentations 9. Camera ideally attached to phone to send images quickly if needed. 10. Nutrition in the last trimester should be balanced and the mare should not be allowed to become obese as this can increase the risk of dystocia (difficult birth). 11. Examine the mare regularly for signs of preparing to foal including: development of the udder, distention in the teats, waxing of
Preparing your mare for the foaling season
the teats, dripping milk, softening of the muscles over the croup. An easy reading textbook for the novice
or for the experienced horse owner looking for a refresher is “Blessed Are the Brood- mares”.
Where Quality is Raised
Joe and Miriam Terpstra 84483 McNaught Line, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 519-887-6532 - H 519-440-8116
miriamt@xplornet.ca
www.huronwaystables.com
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