The Pregnant Mare
Springtime is when the sound of little feet is heard once again. Gestation for the mare can be from 320 to 370 days, but most foal around 334 days. It is important not to make too many changes for the mare at once. She will need to be where she is due to foal about a month before so she can settle in to the new surroundings. If she is staying at home ensure she has a larger stable for foaling and a small paddock for when they are ready to be turned out together. The paddock must have safe fencing, don't forget foals are inquisitive and have small feet! They will also need a field shelter. A month before foaling gradually add in a stud mix for the mare, continue feeding good quality hay ad lib. Once she has foaled the mare will need increased feed and water to produce good quality milk for the foal.
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You will notice your mares shape changing as she gets closer to foaling, the depression in the flank will fill out. The udder will also start to fill out, although this is usually more noticeable in mares who have had foals before. Just before foaling you may notice a 'waxy' appearance to the teats or even milk dripping out.
You may not get to see the foaling unless your mare is very comfortable around people, they will wait until you leave, so regular checks are often better than sitting with a mare that is getting stressed with your presence. There are many foaling alarms or CCTV that you can use to monitor from afar. When labour and subsequently contractions start the mare will appear restless and may show signs of colic, the next stage is the birth of the foal. |
If there are any complications during foaling please do not hesitate to call us. Once your mare has foaled, check the placenta has all been passed, and save it for a vet to check.
The foal should be standing within an hour, suckling within 2 hours and have passed the meconium (the first faeces, which are very dark in colour) within the first 24 hours. The mare should have passed the afterbirth within 6 hours. Ensure the foal's navel is dressed with iodine or hibitane to reduce the chance of an infection. It is important to check your mare has milk and that the foal is suckling so they receive colostrum. The colostrum is very rich and contains antibodies essential to protect the foal within the first few months of life, however, these antibodies can only be absorbed for 12-24 hours after foaling. If you are unsure of how much colostrum your foal has received a blood sample can be taken to check their immunity.
We recommend a foal health check the next day, we can also check the mare and ensure all afterbirth has been passed. Retention of the afterbirth can lead to infections and problems with fertility in the future.
If your mare has not been vaccinated for tetanus recently, we recommend a booster one month before foaling to ensure your foal has adequate tetanus protection. If your mare has not been treated against internal parasites then ensure you use a product licensed for use in pregnant and lactating foals such as Equimax.
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EQUINE HEALTH PLAN
A cheaper way to pay for all your equine needs, including your annual vaccination, health check, dental check and wormers for the year only 49p a day. Full details on how to sign up are available from the Equine Clinic.
Worming
As supplied on our Equine Health Plan, Spring is the time of year for Equest Pramox to treat encysted cyathostomes and tapeworms. Both can cause disastrous side effects such as intestinal damage or colic. Be aware if you have a new horse with unknown worming history, Please ring for advice.
Date for your diary
Equine Talk – Chipping Sodbury town hall
Tuesday Evening 24 th March.
How horses eyes work and why they are different to ours, and other items of interest. More information coming soon. |
New Sweet Itch Product - Cavalesse
A new product has been launched this spring to assist in the battle against the itch! It is a supplement which is fed daily as a treat and can be used in conjunction with all the usual precautions against flies and midges. There is also a topical gel supplied which can be used on the skin.
Mast cells are released as part of the allergic reaction to the midge bites and it is the histamine which causes the itch reaction. Cavalesse works by stabilising the mast cells which releases less histamine into the body.
Cavalesse comes in a pack with 3 months supply of supplement plus the topical gel. If you would like any more information about this product, or to find out if it would be suitable for your horse please do not hesitate to ring.
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Laminitis Watch.
Remember this is the time of year when the grass is growing and will be full of sugars, especially during the day.
Tips for a laminitis free summer.
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Watch you ponies weight
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Feed soaked hay
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Consider a grazing muzzle during turnout
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Use strip grazing
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Turnout at night when there is less sugar in the grass
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Ensure the farrier visits regularly.
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