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Foaling

Learn more about what to expect with foaling

Impending Foaling

  • Increased udder development
  • Relaxation of pelvic ligaments and muscles around the tail
  • Elongation of the vulva
  • Ventral oedema
  • “Waxing-up”

 

Foaling alarms + camera

Predicting foaling is often quite challenging, and using foaling alarms close to the mare’s due date is recommended.

Changes in milk electrolytes and pH may help predicting foaling, as in most mares the values change 24 – 72 h prior to foaling.

STAGE 1

< 12 hours

Restless, looking to her flanks, sweating, getting up and down frequently.

Foal is getting into the correct position.

STAGE 2

< 30 minutes

Starts with “breaking the waters” or opening of the chorioallantois.  

Forceful uterine and abdominal contractions.

The foal’s front feet should be visible in the vulva within 5 min.

Foal should be out in 20-30 min.

Call your vet if there is a very bright red membrane coming first.
Call your vet if any of these times are longer.
Call your vet if you see only the head, only one foot or the feet are pointing upwards.

STAGE 3

< 3 hours

Expulsion of the placenta should be done in less than 3 hours.

Once the mare is up after foaling, the placenta can be tied up at the level of the hocks to prevent the mare to stand on it and tear it.

Once the placenta is out, it should be inspected. The placenta should be laid out and having a “F” shape.

Call your vet if the placenta still hasn’t passed after 3 hours.
Call your vet if the placenta isn’t complete.

What should be done after foaling?

Please call your vet immediately if your mare is showing any signs of abdominal pain, if she is “off colour”, not eating or has an increased temperature (>38.3ºC).

24 hours after foaling we recommend having your mare and foal checked by a vet for any abnormalities. The newborn will be administered a tetanus antitoxin and a blood sample taken to check passive transfer of immunity (IgG) and any potential evidence of an impending infection. The placenta is checked at that time for completeness and appearance.

We recommend a rectal examination of your mare seven days post-foaling to confirm that the womb has involuted normally and there is no post-foaling trauma or uterine infection.

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