A100 Equine Parturition

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 2 Vaccination of the Pregnant Mare  A vaccination program should include vaccinations against:  Rhinopneumonitis in the 3 rd, 5 th, 7 th, & 9 th months of pregnancy.  Four-six weeks prior to foaling, the following should be given:  Tetanus  Equine Encephalomyelitis  Influenza

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 3 Foal Antibody Absorption  The placenta does not allow transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus.  However, the antibodies can be passively transferred to the newborn foal through the mothers colostrum.  The foal’s intestine will absorb the antibodies only during the first 24 hours after birth.  The greatest absorption occurs during the first few hours.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 4 Signs of Parturition  Udder enlargement & abdominal milk vein enlargement  Change in milk color  Waxed teats (2 weeks to hours before foaling)  Relaxation of the tail head, croup, and perineal area

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 5 Labor and Parturition  A mare’s labor is intense and rapid. Usually it is over within an hour. The owner does not have time to develop a “wait and see” attitude.  All of the foal’s oxygen supply is obtained through the umbilical cord. A prolonged delivery can quickly endanger the foal.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 6 Stage 1 of Labor  Uterus begins to contract pushing the foal into position  The cervix relaxes  Signs in the mare include:  Restlessness  Tail switching  Pacing  Sweating over neck, chest and flanks  Frequent urination and defecation  Elevated tail

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 7 Stage 1 of Labor  Move the mare to the foaling area.  Wash the mare’s perineal area with an iodine solution.  Wrap the tail.  Quietly observe from a distance. The mare will not give birth unless she feels completely safe.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 8 Stage 2 of Labor  Stage 1 ends when the fetal membranes break, releasing the amniotic fluid (Water breaks).  Stage 2 begins with intense labor contractions that push the foal through the birth canal.  This stage usually lasts about 30 minutes. Little can be done to slow labor or make corrections if problems arise at this point.  The mare usually lies down during stage 2. It is best for the foal if she is lying down to prevent premature rupture of the umbilical cord.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 9 Stage 2 of Labor  Both front feet should appear within 15 minutes of her water breaking, followed by the nose.  Once the shoulders (the widest portion of the foals body) are born, the rest of the foal usually follows shortly.  If the mare has been pushing for 45 minutes and no sign of the foal has been seen, intervention is needed quickly if the foal is to survive.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 10 Dystocia (Difficulty Giving Birth)  Older mares may often become exhausted in the middle of labor and are unable to push the foal out.  Any deviation from the proper fetal position (front legs first, head down between the knees posture) can cause dystocia.  Improper fetal positions would include:  A head or a leg turned down  A breech foal (backwards)  Upside down foal  The presence of twins.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 11 Dystocia  The placenta detaches from the uterine wall within an hour of stage 2, whether the foal is born or not.  If the placenta detaches and the foal has not been born, the foal’s oxygen supply will be cut off, and the foal is likely to die. Time is critical.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 12 The Foal  The newborn foal may have a blue tongue and bluish white nasal mucous.  Clear the fetal membranes  If the foal has not started breathing on its own, put your finger or a piece of straw up its nose.  The umbilical cord should be allowed to break on its own. It should never be cut.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 13 The Foal  Once the umbilical cord breaks, it should immediately be treated with iodine.  If the umbilical cord bleeds heavily, tie it off with a piece of sterilized string.  Make sure the foal has nursed within the first few hours after birth.  An enema should be administered to the foal to help pass the meconium.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 14 Stage 3 Postpartum  Stage three is complete when the placenta and fetal membranes are expelled.  This usually happens 5 to 45 minutes after birth.  If they have not been passed in two hours, the membranes are considered retained and a vet should be called.  Pulling the placenta may leave small pieces in the uterus which can cause infection, laminitis or death.

Infovets Educational Resources – – Slide 15 Stage 3 Postpartum  A mare with this condition may appear normal for the first 48 hours and then, when symptoms develop, it may be too late.  Occasionally, if the mare has had a very difficult birth, a serious condition can occur immediately postpartum where the middle uterine artery ruptures. This usually happens in mares older than 15 and is usually fatal.  A nursing mare’s energy requirements double.  Colic is relatively common during the first week postpartum. Soft feed and laxatives should be fed to the mare.