DURING the last six to eight weeks of pregnancy, it is important to keep an eye on your mare’s bag development.

Udder development is one indication that your mare is getting ready to foal. Maiden mares have tiny teats, so their bag may not develop in the same way as a more mature mare, so it is more difficult to tell when maidens will foal. In a mature mare, her bag will drop down and the teats will lengthen.

Waxing is the closer process to foaling. It is the secretion usually formed by the first milk at the end of the teat. In some cases waxing can mean your mare is 24 hours away from foaling, sometimes mares will start waxing a few days out from foaling. Another sign so look out for is that your mare’s pin bones will drop and her vulva will lengthen and relax.

Signs to look out for

If your mare lives out, she should be taken in at night about one month before her due date and any rugs taken off. Some signs your mare may show before she foals include: Pacing her box, running milk, becoming narky or uncomfortable and sweating profusely.

Stage 1

During the first stage of labour, uterine contractions begin and the foal in the uterus turns from lying on its back to lying on its stomach with its head between its two front legs. This is a normal presentation.

Stage one can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.

It is important not to disturb the mare during this time, as she can postpone delivery of the foal if she feels nervous or uncomfortable. At the end of the first stage, the mare’s water breaks. This is the releasing of the amniotic fluid.

If you are present at this time, the mare’s tail should be wrapped and her vulva cleaned with warm water.

Make sure to take notes on your mare’s behaviour during this time for future reference.

Stage 2

Once the amniotic fluid has been released, stage two of labour has begun.

The release of fluid at the beginning of stage two lubricates the mare’s vagina and triggers stronger contractions. The mare might get up once or twice during this stage of labour, but usually is lying on her side to push.

The most important part of foaling mares is checking presentation. Wearing a long glove, check the presentation is normal. Normal presentation resembles a diving position, with front feet first, one slightly ahead of the other, hooves down, followed closely by the nose, head, neck, shoulders, and hindquarters. If your foal is slightly off, don’t panic. Your mare will instinctively know something is not right and may get down and roll to fix the position of the foal. Once your mare’s water breaks the foaling process should only take about 15 minutes. You will see the hooves coming out first. Make sure the hooves are lying face down, otherwise they may perforate the mare’s rectum.

The most difficult part is the shoulder. You can help your mare along at this stage by applying pressure on the foal’s front legs. Once everything is going normally, your mare should be able to do the rest herself. The foal may become a little bit stuck again around the rib region. Again you can help your mare out at this stage by applying pressure to the foal’s legs.

Once the foal is delivered, don’t pull it clear of the mare. Leave the hind legs in the mare’s vulva region a little longer as the last bit of blood is coming through the umbilical cord at this stage and that final bit of blood is really important for the foal.

Time keeping during this time is very important. The foal should be delivered within 30 minutes of the waters breaking or it is in danger of dying.

If the mare and foal are both resting comfortably and quietly, they should be left undisturbed.

Leaving the umbilical cord attached at this point can allow a substantial amount of blood to be transferred from the placenta to the foal. The mare will break the cord when she stands.

If at any time the delivery does not appear to be proceeding as normal, or more than 10 minutes passes with the mare straining and no sign of front feet or nose, notify your veterinarian immediately.

It is good practice to wash down your mares’ vulva region and down her hind legs after foaling with warm water and antiseptic. This will keep down the risk of infection.

Potential problems

Red bag

If instead of the milky white amnion presenting first, a red velvety membrane protrudes. This is a serious emergency, commonly referred to as a ‘red bag’ delivery. The foal is being deprived of oxygen – call your veterinarian immediately!

Dystocia

Dystocia or a difficult birth is where the foal is not presenting correctly. You might notice more than two feet protruding, the front feet presented without a nose, or too much time has passed without the feet being seen. If a difficult birth is occurring, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Stage 3

During the final stage, the placenta is passed. The placenta is usually passed within 30 minutes of delivery, and should be passed within three hours. If the membranes are retained any longer than four hours the risk of infection is high and veterinary assistance should be sought immediately.

In the meantime, the placenta should be tied up with twine to keep it from being stepped on or from becoming entangled in the mare’s hind legs. Once the placenta has been passed, remove it from the stable or paddock and place it in a bucket or strong plastic bag for you or your veterinarian to examine later.

It is very important to examine the afterbirth once it falls from the mare to make sure it is all still intact. If there are any tears or a part missing it is important to get a vet out to your mare as soon as possible.

Bonding

Once your foal is on the ground it is important to give it and the mare time to bond. Mature mares will know what to do but it is important to be careful around maiden mares. You may need to put a lead rope on her and stand with her as the foal nurses for the first time. Talking to her to keep her calm is very important.