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“If you detect a problem at this stage, you need to intervene very promptly,” says Delvescovo.
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This timeframe is crucial, as the equine placenta detaches very readily - once that happens, the foal will be without oxygen, and thus cannot survive an extended labor. Stage two comprises the rupture of the water bag, signaling that the baby will arrive in 20 to 30 minutes.“They might pace around the stall, they might pull and sweat-those are all signs of normal uterine contractions.”
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Stage one involves initial uterine contractions, which can last between 30 minutes and six hours, and manifest as colic-like symptoms in the mare.So, write everything down,” says Delvescovo. “Sometimes, especially if it’s your first foaling, it’s difficult - your emotions come into play and it’s difficult to know how long it took. Straw is preferable to wood shavings, as shavings can stick to the horses and can be aspirated by the foal.ĭuring the birth, owners should keep a time record. This space should be stall measuring a minimum of 14X14 feet with good bedding. While some mares can successfully foal out in an open pasture, Delvescovo notes it’s typically best to have the mare confined so owners can easily observe the foaling. Those foaling at home should also make sure to have a clean, safe and quiet space for the birth. If owners do decide to foal at home, they should make a detailed plan with their veterinarian for the event. “Talk to your vet even before you decide to breed your mare, but especially during pregnancy, because the vet exam can highlight and detect high-risk pregnancies.”įor owners who are new to foaling, who cannot monitor around the clock, or whose horse has a high-risk pregnancy, Delvescovo strongly recommends against foaling at home. This makes veterinary monitoring during pregnancy very important.
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“Being prey, horses are trying to find the time of day where they feel the safest and away from the public,” says Delvescovo. Signs that a mare is about to give birth include her udder filling with milk about two to four weeks before foaling, and secretions of small amounts of colostrum one to four days before labor. A foal delivered before day 320 is considered premature and may suffer health problems, and foals that go beyond 360 days of gestation may also have problems from being in the womb too long. Horse gestation typically lasts around 342 days, with colt pregnancies lasting slightly longer than a filly’s. Please watch Delvescovo’s entire presentation for more extensive information. Understanding what is normal and abnormal is crucial as humans help our animals begin what will hopefully be a healthy and happy horsey life. The checklist for evaluating and caring for a newborn foal is extensive, with many things to look out for, both during birth and after. Barbara Delvescovo, clinical instructor in large animal medicine. This is an accompanying article to a Cornell Equine Seminar presented Dec.