Signs of Impending Parturition

1
(No Transcript)
2
(No Transcript)
3
(No Transcript)
4
(No Transcript)
5
(No Transcript)
6
Signs of Impending Parturition

• Physical changes during last month
• Relaxation / lengthening of the vulva
• Relaxation of pelvic ligaments
• Udder enlargement
• Change in amount and characteristics of
  mammary secretions
• The udder will become tight and turgid
  prior to parturition
• Waxing of the teat ends typically occurs
  1 to 4 days prior to foaling
• Calcium concentration increases in mammary
  secretions prior to foaling (basis of
  foaling prediction tests)

7
Stages of Parturition

• Stage 1 (30 minutes to several hours)
• Onset starts with initial uterine
  contractions
• Mare will be restless, start sweating, may
  be up and down repeatedly, colic like
  symptoms
• Mares can suspend labor during stage 1
• Distractions, excitement, etc.
• Ends with the rupture of the chorioallantoic
  membrane

8
Stage 1
9
Stages of Parturition

• Stage 2 (20 to 30 minutes)
• Onset starts with the rupture of the
  chorioallantoic membrane
• Typically, within 5 minutes of rupture of
  the chorioallantoic membrane, the white,
  glistening amnionic membrane will protrude
  from the vulva
• The feet will start to protrude from the
  vulva one slightly ahead of the other
• Mare may get up and lay down again at
  this point

10
Stage 2
11
Stage 2
12
Stage 2
13
Stage 2
14
Stage 3
15
(No Transcript)
16
Routine foal care

• Umbilical stump (navel)
• Dip with mild disinfectant such as betadine
  or nolvasan solution
• Ideally, repeat twice daily for several
  days
• Give an emema to help induce passage of
  meconium
• Depending upon geographical area, a vitamin
  E and selenium treatment may be
  administered
• Routine use of antibiotics in foals is
  controversial

17
(No Transcript)
18
(No Transcript)
19
(No Transcript)
20
(No Transcript)
21
(No Transcript)
22
One, two, three rule

• Foal should stand within 1 hour of birth
• Foal should nurse within 2 hours of birth
• Ensure intake of good quality colostrum
• Ideally, have frozen colostrum available if
  needed
• Placenta should be passed within 3 hours
  of birth

23
(No Transcript)
24
(No Transcript)
25
(No Transcript)
26
(No Transcript)
27
(No Transcript)
28
(No Transcript)
29
(No Transcript)
30
(No Transcript)
31
(No Transcript)
32
(No Transcript)
33
(No Transcript)
34
(No Transcript)
35
(No Transcript)