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Foal Care
Most mares have good mothering instincts; care should be taken not to crowd the newborn foal and prevent the mare from doing her job. However, some intervention will improve the foal’s health and well-being. Following is a list of recommendations.
1. Ensure that the membranes are cleared from the foal’s head, especially the nostrils and mouth.
Ensure that the animal is breathing. If not, rub the foal briskly with a cloth or straw. Elevate the hind-end and hold the head upright to encourage fluid to drain from the airways. If this fails to stimulate breathing, mouth to nose resuscitation should be attempted. If veterinary attention is not available immediately, it is imperative that the handler initiate resuscitation.
If the umbilical cord does not break during delivery, allow it to break naturally as the mare stands after foaling. Do not cut it as this may cause bleeding.
Dip the naval in a dilute hibitane or bridine solution.
Allow adequate time for the mare to clean her foal. If the mare fails to do this, the foal should be dried with a clean cloth or straw.
The foal should be standing within 1 hour and suckling within 90 minutes. Receiving adequate colostrum or first milk within 12 hours of life is very important. This milk is rich in antibodies which will protect the young foal from many infectious diseases.
Watch for the passage of the first bowel movements (meconium). If 24 hours has passed without consistent, yellow coloured faeces, an enema is required.
All foals should receive an examination from a veterinarian at 24 hours of age, unless a problem warrants an earlier examination.
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Care of The Postpartum Mare
Mares require close observation for approximately 10 days after birth. This will ensure that any complications arising from the foaling will be dealt with promptly.
Mares should be allowed to rest quietly for up to one hour after foaling. When she does rise, she should be allowed to bond with her foal with minimal intervention. Mares should be checked for adequate milk production; the udder should be full and milk easily expressed from teats. Watch the foal suckling to ensure that he is finding the udder and sucking normally. The mare should also be checked for foaling injuries. Providing that there is no evidence of complications, the mare can be examined by a veterinarian at the 24 hour neonatal check up.
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Vaginal Discharge
A small amount of odourless, bloodstained discharge during the first 24 hours is normal. The mare should be monitored for any abnormal discharge for 10 days postpartum. These would include a heavy, bloody discharge or a foul smelling discharge.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection in the udder that can cause the mare to become quite ill. If the mare refuses to allow the foal to suck, the udder should be checked for signs of infection. These include a hot and painful udder and milk that appears abnormal.
Exercise
Exercise during the postpartum period is important as it encourages the uterus to shrink to normal size, and stimulates appetite and bowel movements. If the mare will leave the foal, she can be exercised lightly for about 20 minutes, 3-4 hours after foaling. Mare and foal can be turned out the day after delivery in a small paddock for a short time. Gradually increase turnout time to a full day by the end of the first week.
Diet
For the first 2 days after foaling, the mare should be fed a laxative diet such as bran mashes to avoid constipation. Good quality hay and unlimited water should also be offered.
There are special nutritional requirements for the lactating mare. Care should be taken to ensure that the diet is supplying adequate nutrition.
Deworming
The mare should be dewormed 2-5 days after foaling with a product suitable for a lactating mare. This will protect both mare and foal from a heavy worm burden that often occurs around 10 days postpartum.
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Care of the Navel
After the foal is delivered and respiration is established, attention should be given to disinfecting the umbilical stump. Generally, an iodine preparation is used for this procedure. It has been stated that the value of this procedure decreases in direct proportion to the length of time required to complete it. If the navel remains moist or bleeding occurs, it is beneficial to apply the iodine solution several times during the first 2 or 3 days of life. The object of navel disinfection is to prevent infection: Once the navel has become contaminated and infected, it is difficult to disinfect it completely.
The value of routinely injecting antibiotics is controversial. These medications should be administered only when a veterinarian recommends their use as necessary or worthwhile for a particular situation.
The normal foal usually will stand and nurse within 1 to 2 hours after birth. Apparently, there is an inborn behavioral instinct that enables the foal to stand. The forelegs are extended and the hocks flexed; the foal raises the fore quarters first, then the hind quarters, as does the adult horse. Most foals, even the stronger ones, have to roll, stumble and fall several times before they can stand. This important process aids in the development of muscle tone and coordination.
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The Importance of Colostrum
Foals are born without any antibodies to protect them from infection For his reason, it is vitally important that they receve high-quality colostrum, the first milk, 5 soon after birth as feasibie. Foals obtain antibodies from their mothers that provide a high degree of resistance against many common bacterial infections. It is extremely important that foals receive these protecive antibodies before infection has an opportunity to start. Foals that require more than 2 hours to stand and nurse should be considered potentially abnormal. If, for any reason, a foal is unable to nurse, it is a good practice either to hold it up to the mare or to milk the mare and feed the foal with a bottle or stomach tube. Mares usually produce colostrum for 36 to 48 hours. If a mare leaks colostrum from the udder prior to foaling, the foal may not receive the necessary colostrum. For this reason, some of the larger breeding farms maintain a "colostrum bank." On these farms, 8 to 10 ounces of colostrum is collected from each mare after her foal nurses. This colostrum can then be frozen and stored. During the foaling season, colostrum from this bank can be administered to foals which, for one reason or another, do not receive colostrum from their dams.
It has been reported that 10 to 20 percent of foals experience partial or complete failure of this passive transfer of antibodies from the mare. This failure can be caused by one or a combination of the following conditions: a) the mare's failure to produce good-quality colostrum; b) loss of colostrum prior to foaling; c) the foal's failure to nurse during the first 24 hours of life; or d) the foal's failure to absorb antibodies from the intestinal tract.
The importance of antibody transfer from the mare's colostrum to the foal is demonstrated by the fact that most breeding farms routinely assess the serum antibody concentration of the foal at 18 to 24 hours of age. There are several methods available for making this assessment, which usually is performed by the attending veterinarian.
Once failure of passive transfer is diagnosed and treatment is prescribed, the age of the foal must be considered. If the foal is less than 24 hours of age, colostrum may be given by bottle or stomach tube. Occasionally, a foal may be more than 24 hours of age when FPT is diagnosed; such a foal can no longer absorb antibodies from the intestinal tract. In these instances, the recommended treatment is intravenous administration of compatible equine plasma. A large volume of plasma is required because generally the antibodies are not as concentrated in plasma as they are in colostrum. Volume overload to the foal is a potential problem when such a large amount of plasma is required. Although the use of plasma is thought to help prevent septicemia in foals with passive transfer failure, this is not well proven.
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by Thomas J. Lane, D.V.M.
©University of Florida
Everyone knows that newborns of the equine species arrive in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Nonetheless, assessment of the newborn foal, including recognition of both normal and abnormal conditions, is essential for the farm manager and those in attendance at the foaling. The moment foaling is completed, the care of the newborn becomes a matter of primary concern.
The neonatal period, considered to comprise the first 4 days of life, is a very important time for a foal. During this period, certain normal and characteristic behavior patterns can be anticipated and observed. Early identification of sick or injured foals is also critical, since it enables treatment to be initiated in time to be effective.
Physiological Changes
Any discussion about the birth of foals and the foaling procedure must consider the many changes each foal must undergo to adapt to the environment outside the mare's uterus. Certain physiological changes involving specific structures, biochemical reactions, functions and behaviors are necessary to ensure a successful transition from the intrauterine environment to the world outside. Dramatic adaptations are evident, for instance, in the neonate's lungs, heart, body temperature and behavioral movements. Among these are very specific functional changes in the foal's respiratory system, such as lung expansion and initiation of respiration. Anatomical changes involving the heart and cardiovascular system include closure of the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale. The status of the circulatory system can be determined by monitoring the heart rate and the color of the oral and mucous membranes. The heart rate can be determined by placing a hand over the heart on the left side of the chest and counting the beats for one-half to one full minute. The usual range in healthy foals following normal delivery is 40 to 80 beats per minute. During the time the foal is attempting to stand, the rate may increase to 150 beats per minute. When the foal is 2 to 3 hours of age, its normal resting rate will be 70 to 100 beats per minute.
Prior to birth, the placenta serves as the circulatory and respiratory system of the developing fetus. Immediately upon presentation, the foal's most urgent adjustment is that of establishing respiration. In most instances, the newborn foal begins to breathe within 30 seconds of final delivery. This is accomplished by respiratory movements of the chest and abdomen and may be accompanied by a series of coughs or gasps. Following the onset of respiration, the breathing rate will be approximately 70 to 100 beats per minute and will gradually decrease to 50 respirations per minute at one hour of age. Respiratory distress can be a major cause of death in the newborn. Occasionally, a foal will require such stimulation as a slap or even some artificial respiration to establish a regular breathing pattern. Any obstructions in the foal's nostrils and mouth should be cleared. The use of shaving materials in foaling stalls is not recommended because these materials may easily enter the nostrils and mouth.
Premature foals are susceptible to respiratory problems and can lack adequate lung development. Weak or premature foals also are subject to a condition known as "failure of passive transfer" (FPT), which can increase the likelihood of respiratory distress and infection. In some situations, the use of a small oxygen tank on the farm can benefit weak foals that experience respiratory difficulty. Other important physiological developments include the sucking and swallowing reflex, accompanied by the ability to digest and absorb food. Fortunately for horse owners and farm managers, the rooting instinct, which causes the foal to search for the teat, and the sucking and swallowing capability are well-developed in newborn foals.
In most instances, the mare delivers the foal while lying down and may remain in that position for a period of time after delivery. This allows the umbilical cord to stay intact, enabling the transfer of a significant portion of blood from the mare to the foal through the umbilicus. Under normal conditions, the umbilical cord ruptures when the foal attempts to stand following delivery. In most instances, the umbilical cord ruptures approximately 2 inches from the foal's abdomen. When the cord fails to break, it is advisable to sever it by placing one hand on the foal's abdomen and snapping the cord with the other hand. If the cord remains intact, a white, constricted area will appear at the site where the cord should be severed. Cutting, clamping or tying the umbilical cord is not recommended as a routine procedure. Clamping or tying are only indicated when the umbilical vessels do not retract and bleeding from the cord continues.
Care of the Navel
After the foal is delivered and respiration is established, attention should be given to disinfecting the umbilical stump. Generally, an iodine preparation is used for this procedure. It has been stated that the value of this procedure decreases in direct proportion to the length of time required to complete it. If the navel remains moist or bleeding occurs, it is beneficial to apply the iodine solution several times during the first 2 or 3 days of life. The object of navel disinfection is to prevent infection: Once the navel has become contaminated and infected, it is difficult to disinfect it completely.
The value of routinely injecting antibiotics is controversial. These medications should be administered only when a veterinarian recommends their use as necessary or worthwhile for a particular situation.
The normal foal usually will stand and nurse within 1 to 2 hours after birth. Apparently, there is an inborn behavioral instinct that enables the foal to stand. The forelegs are extended and the hocks flexed; the foal raises the fore quarters first, then the hind quarters, as does the adult horse. Most foals, even the stronger ones, have to roll, stumble and fall several times before they can stand. This important process aids in the development of muscle tone and coordination.
The Importance of Colostrum
Foals are born without any antibodies to protect them from infection For his reason, it is vitally important that they receve high-quality colostrum, the first milk, 5 soon after birth as feasibie. Foals obtain antibodies from their mothers that provide a high degree of resistance against many common bacterial infections. It is extremely important that foals receive these protecive antibodies before infection has an opportunity to start. Foals that require more than 2 hours to stand and nurse should be considered potentially abnormal. If, for any reason, a foal is unable to nurse, it is a good practice either to hold it up to the mare or to milk the mare and feed the foal with a bottle or stomach tube. Mares usually produce colostrum for 36 to 48 hours. If a mare leaks colostrum from the udder prior to foaling, the foal may not receive the necessary colostrum. For this reason, some of the larger breeding farms maintain a "colostrum bank." On these farms, 8 to 10 ounces of colostrum is collected from each mare after her foal nurses. This colostrum can then be frozen and stored. During the foaling season, colostrum from this bank can be administered to foals which, for one reason or another, do not receive colostrum from their dams.
It has been reported that 10 to 20 percent of foals experience partial or complete failure of this passive transfer of antibodies from the mare. This failure can be caused by one or a combination of the following conditions: a) the mare's failure to produce good-quality colostrum; b) loss of colostrum prior to foaling; c) the foal's failure to nurse during the first 24 hours of life; or d) the foal's failure to absorb antibodies from the intestinal tract.
The importance of antibody transfer from the mare's colostrum to the foal is demonstrated by the fact that most breeding farms routinely assess the serum antibody concentration of the foal at 18 to 24 hours of age. There are several methods available for making this assessment, which usually is performed by the attending veterinarian.
Once failure of passive transfer is diagnosed and treatment is prescribed, the age of the foal must be considered. If the foal is less than 24 hours of age, colostrum may be given by bottle or stomach tube. Occasionally, a foal may be more than 24 hours of age when FPT is diagnosed; such a foal can no longer absorb antibodies from the intestinal tract. In these instances, the recommended treatment is intravenous administration of compatible equine plasma. A large volume of plasma is required because generally the antibodies are not as concentrated in plasma as they are in colostrum. Volume overload to the foal is a potential problem when such a large amount of plasma is required. Although the use of plasma is thought to help prevent septicemia in foals with passive transfer failure, this is not well proven.
Meconium Evacuation
Meconium is the first fecal material that accumulates in the colon and rectum as a result of glandular secretions and amniotic fluid digested during fetal development. Meconium is usually brown or black and appears as hard pellets or paste-like material; it also may be covered with mucous. Although many foals clear the rectum of accumulated meconium after nursing and some exercise, a substantial number do not; thus, meconium retention is not uncommon. This condition, if left untreated, can result in severe constipation, which may be demonstrated by signs of colic. Therefore, it is routine and recommended practice in many foaling barns to give the foal an enema soon after it is up nursing and moving around. There are, however, a variety of opinions concerning the need to administer enemas to healthy newborns. Several effective enemas can be used, such as warm, mild, soapy water or glycerine in water. Many horsemen prefer to use prepackaged enemas because they are convenient and easily available. Enemas must be carefully administered, since rectal tissue is easily irritated and damaged. The soft rubber enema tubing, if used, should not be inserted more than 2 to 3 inches into the foal's rectum, and harsh or caustic detergents should be avoided. Some foals may need more than one enema to help remove all the fecal material.
Indications for repeating the procedure are signs of straining, tail switching and excessive thrashing or rolling. Certain foals may exhibit these signs 4 or 5 hours after foaling, but they are more commonly observed 12 to 24 hours after birth. Many foals with such abdominal pain will throw themselves down and lie on their backs.
The foal's failure to respond to an enema administration can indicate that the meconium mass is impacted in the colon. Such a condition is life-threatening and a veterinarian should be consulted. When correction of such an impaction requires a day or two, the associated conditions of bloating, dehydration, stress and infection also must be considered and treated.
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Conclusion
The birth of the foal is the end of one period, gestation, and the beginning of a new life. Having a thorough understanding of foal behavior and of the abnormal conditions that may occur is essential for the horse owner and farm manager. By responding to the foal's needs and health concerns, one can enhance the foal's ability to live a long and happy life.
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