HORSE PRODUCTION Lecture 23: Foaling and Foal Care

EQUINE MEDICINEFoaling and Foal Care

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Foal Development

Impending ParturitionPendulous abdomenUdder enlargementWaxing of teatsEnlarged milk veinsRelaxation Tail headCroupPerineal areaDecreased appetitePersonality change

Foaling EquipmentNolvasan solutionTail bandagesSterile roll cottonAdhesive tapeBiozide ointmentClean towelFleet enemaPailThermometer

Labor and Parturition

Stage 1Uterine contractionsCervix relaxationFoal moves into positionMinutes to days in lengthEnd-allantois through cervixWater breaks

Labor and Parturition

Stage 2Labor contractionsLength-30min-1 hrNormal position-On stomachFront feet firstMuzzle on knees

Labor and Parturition

Stage 3Expulsion of the placenta

PostpartumInvolution of the uterusMareConsider bran mashesIncreased energy needsUterine discharge-14 daysFoal heat-7-9 days

PostpartumFoal-Standing within 1 hourNursing within 2 hoursPassive transfer> 800 normal600-800 partial failure< 400 complete failure

Premature Foals

Before 320 days of gestation

Foal CareNavelBreak naturallyDilute NolvasanNavel illSigns-lamenessDrainageSwollen jointsFeverNot nursing

Foal CareMeconiumFirst manurePassage 3-24 hrsSigns-ColicStrainingElevating tail

Foal CareExerciseFirst full day of lifeTurn out alone-first week

Foal CareHandlingBegin first day of life!Before weaningHalteringLeadingGroomingLifting feetDewormingVaccinations

Foal CareWeaning4-6 monthsComplete separationGradual separationGroups Mare careGroups=less stressMonitor milk production

CastrationRange-birth to two yearsTimingIndividual behaviorWeatherManagement practicesCryptorchid One or both testicles in abdomen 15 months