Foaling Tips

• Wash the mare’s vulva and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.
• Clean and disinfect the stall area as thoroughly as possible and provide adequate bedding, preferably straw.
• Keep a watch or clock on hand so you can time each stage of labor. When you’re worried or anxious, your perception of time may become distorted. The watch will help you keep accurate track of the mare’s progress during labor.
• Wrap the mare’s tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. The first stage of labor is generally the longest. The mare may act restless or agitated. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.
• Consider using test strips that measure calcium in mammary secretions to help predict when the mare will foal. Sudden increases in calcium are associated with imminent foaling (Predicta-foal, Mare Foaling Predictor Kit, Foal Watch Test Kit). The second stage of labor begins after the water breaks and ends after the foal is delivered. This typically takes 15-20 minutes. If a mare is taking longer than 30 minutes to deliver the foal, call your veterinarian immediately. The third stage of delivery is passing the placenta, which can take 1-3 hours. If the mare has not expelled the placenta within 3 hours it is retained. If the placenta is retained, call your vet immediately.
• Write down your veterinarian’s phone number well in advance of the birth and keep it by all phones.

For more information on labor and delivery and postpartum care for the mare and foal, ask your equine veterinarian for a copy of the “Foaling Mare and Newborn” client education brochure, provided by the AAEP in partnership with Educational Partner Bayer Animal Health. Additional information can be found on www.myHorseMatters.com, the AAEP’s website for all horse health topics.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

FOALING KIT:

Items Recommended by Dr. Emily J. Miller

Cleveland Equine Clinic, LLC

• Iodine/Chlorhexidine with Dipping Cup:

The foal’s umbilical cord should be dipped in iodine or chlorhexidine after foaling.

• Digital Clock, Marking Pen, Foaling Time Sheet:

You should use a watch to time each stage of labor. The watch will help you to keep

accurate track of the mare’s progress during labor. Take written notes so that later you

won’t have to rely on memory.

• Wrap(Vetwrap):

Wrap the mare’s tail when you feel certain she has started the first stage of labor. Do

not apply too tightly or leave on the tail too long. This could cut off or reduce

circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Antibacterial Soap:

Wash the mare’s vulva and hindquarters in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

• String:

If the umbilical cord doesn’t break, DO NOT CUT THE CORD! An inch or two from

the foal’s abdomen where the umbilical cord narrows, you can grab both sides and twist

and pull to separate OR place the twine in this narrow area, wrap around the umbilical

cord and tighten until the cord is severed.

• Large Bag:

Use to place the placenta in for inspection by your vet.

• Baby Enema (Fleet):

This may be used within the first 24 hours to help the foal empty the meconium (fetal

stool) from its rectum.

• Exam Gloves: Personal protection for you during foaling.
• Latex Gloves: Personal protection while handling the placenta or during foaling.
• Eye Wash/Saline: Sterile wash if needed for the eyes of the mare or foal.
• Scissors:

To be used only in emergency if the placenta has not broken around the foal or

becomes entangled and must be removed.

• Oxytocin:

One dose to be under the guidance of the veterinarian administered intramuscularly if

the mare retains her placenta for more than three hours.

• Towels: Two or three large towels.
• Veterinarian: Phone number/Emergency Phone Number
• Hydrometer/Colostrometer:

Used to measure the specific gravity of the colostrum. Only necessary if able to milk mare.

• Backup Colostrum Source: Name, phone number, availability and cost.
• Twitch: To restrain mare if needed.

When the foal is born:

Make sure the foal’s nostrils are clear so it can breathe. If needed, you can dry the foal

with a towel (most mares will clean their foal). Treat foal’s umbilical stump with with

iodine to prevent infection.

Normal foals:

Will stand within one hour, nurse within two hours (the foal must nurse within 12)

Pass meconium (first stool) within 6 hours.

Mare Care:

Clean mare/wrap tail before foaling. After foaling, she should stand within 30 minutes.

Placenta should be passed within three hours. Tie up placenta if it is not passed right away

so it is not stepped on and pulled out. You can tie it to itself. DO NOT pull placenta out, as

it can rip and remain in mare causing serious harm and infection.