*Gestation Length, Early Signs, Predicting Foaling Time-Water
Hardness Test
*Preparations for Foaling-Facilities, Preparations for Foaling-Caslicks
Removal, Inducing Parturition?
*Parturition-Stage I, Parturition-Stage II, Parturition-Stage III
Hardness Test
*Preparations for Foaling-Facilities, Preparations for Foaling-Caslicks
Removal, Inducing Parturition?
*Parturition-Stage I, Parturition-Stage II, Parturition-Stage III
Rockin G Ranch
Rockin' G Ranch's 'Cowboys Apache Rose'
Parturition-Stage I
Parturition is typically broken down into three stages. Stage I, normally lasting 1 to 4 hours, reflects the
initial uterine contractions and final positioning of the foal for delivery. These contractions will make the
mare appear nervous and uncomfortable. Typically the mare will exhibit the following behavior:
- Restlessness, indicated by frequent interruptions in
or she may pace the stall.
2. Pawing the bedding or ground in different places as if
looking for something, and switching her tail.
3. Getting up and down frequently.
4. Sweating in the flanks.
5. Urinating frequently.
6. Biting at her abdomen
These indicators are far from infallible and in some mares, the appearance of the water bag (the outer
membranes surrounding the foal) may be the first signs of parturition observed.
During this stage, the mare can be prepared for foaling, if desired. This could include washing the
mare's vulva and udder with warm water and wrapping her tail with a clean bandage. If a veterinarian is
readily accessible, this is a good time to notify them of the approaching parturition so they can be
prepared in the event of any problems.
Parturition-Stage II
Stage II is the most critical time, as this is when the foal actually appears. If foaling is proceeding
normally, the mare should be left on her own. What is normal? This second stage, hard labor and foal
delivery, is usually completed in 10 to 30 minutes. Close observation, without interference unless
absolutely necessary, is important throughout this stage. Some mares object to assistance during this
time. A viewing window or video camera system out of the mare's sight is preferred to avoid disturbing
the parturition process.
Figure 1. Normal position of a foal during foaling. The
forelegs are extended and the head and neck rest on the
forelegs. The hindlegs are extended backward as the body
passes outward. (From Evans, The Horse, 1990.)
The mare will experience heavy abdominal contractions
and lie flat on her side. Her water bag will appear and
should break on its own during the first part of Stage II.
Although dystocia (foaling difficulty) is uncommon in mares (<10%), it is important the foaling attendant
be familiar with both normal and abnormal foal presentations. In a normal presentation, both front feet
with heels down will appear first, and usually one foot will be slightly ahead of the other (Figure 1). The
feet are followed by the nose and head resting between the knees; the back of the foal is toward the
back of the mare. If this is not what is observed, call a veterinarian immediately. The foal could
suffocate if birth is delayed. If the foal is delivered, except for the hips and rear legs, gently pulling in a
downward direction toward the mare's heels will usually relieve this "hip lock".
Figure 2. illustrates various abnormal foal presentations. Some abnormal presentations are
life-threatening both to mare and foal, and require surgical removal of the foal. Fortunately, not all
abnormal presentations are life-threatening and many are easily corrected by a qualified attendant.
Owners should visit with a veterinarian prior to the foaling season regarding procedures to be used in
the event of an abnormal foal presentation
be familiar with both normal and abnormal foal presentations. In a normal presentation, both front feet
with heels down will appear first, and usually one foot will be slightly ahead of the other (Figure 1). The
feet are followed by the nose and head resting between the knees; the back of the foal is toward the
back of the mare. If this is not what is observed, call a veterinarian immediately. The foal could
suffocate if birth is delayed. If the foal is delivered, except for the hips and rear legs, gently pulling in a
downward direction toward the mare's heels will usually relieve this "hip lock".
Figure 2. illustrates various abnormal foal presentations. Some abnormal presentations are
life-threatening both to mare and foal, and require surgical removal of the foal. Fortunately, not all
abnormal presentations are life-threatening and many are easily corrected by a qualified attendant.
Owners should visit with a veterinarian prior to the foaling season regarding procedures to be used in
the event of an abnormal foal presentation
Figure 2. Various abnormal positions of a foal during foaling. (From Evans, The Horse,1990.)
Following birth, the mare may rest, allowing the foals hind legs to remain in the birth canal for a
period of time before they are pushed out. Once the foal is born, patience is critical. The
inexperienced horseperson has a tendency to rush into the stall, causing the mare to stand and
prematurely rupture the umbilical cord. It is important to allow the mare to lie as long as
possible to prevent early cord rupture, as the foal receives several pints of blood via the
umbilicus if left undisturbed. Stage II ends following birth when the umbilical cord is broken as
the mare stands or foal struggles.
Once the cord is broken, do not tie it off with sutures unless the foal is bleeding excessively. To
avoid infection, dip the stump of the umbilical cord in 7 percent iodine solution repeat the
process several times during the first few days of life. This will help prevent bacteria invasion
into the body via the navel stump (navel-ill) which can lead to serious complications, such as
neonatal septicemia and septic arthritis.
Parturition-Stage III
The final stage of parturition, Stage III, is the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). These
membranes, which surround the foal during gestation, should be expelled 3 to 4 hours after
delivery. Once expelled, the placenta should be examined to determine if it is intact or if any
portions may have been detached. Placenta retention can be a problem, leading to uterine
infection (endometritis) and/or laminitis (founder). Under no circumstances should the placenta
be pulled from the mare! Typically, the mare will stand with the placenta partially expelled while
the foal struggles to stand and nurse. The foal's nursing helps stimulate uterine contractions,
aiding in placental release. Pulling the placenta could tear or prolapse the uterus or result in
contamination of the uterus with pieces of torn placenta. In cases of retained placenta, treatment
should be done under veterinarian supervision. This treatment typically includes administration
of oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions, and antibiotics and uterine infusion may be
required. Mares which had a retained placenta may be poor candidates to be bred on foal heat.
After parturition, mares may experience some mild to moderate colic as her uterus and
reproductive tract contracts and heals. During the first week postpartum, a reddish-brown
discharge may be present. This discharge is normal. If a white discharge develops, however,
this indicates a uterine infection and a veterinarian should be consulted for treatment.
File G1230 under: ANIMALS, GENERAL
B-1, Breeding & Reproduction
Paper version issued November 1994; 5,000 printed.
Electronic version issued February 1996
pubs@unl.edu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of
Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the
non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States
Department of Agriculture.
Following birth, the mare may rest, allowing the foals hind legs to remain in the birth canal for a
period of time before they are pushed out. Once the foal is born, patience is critical. The
inexperienced horseperson has a tendency to rush into the stall, causing the mare to stand and
prematurely rupture the umbilical cord. It is important to allow the mare to lie as long as
possible to prevent early cord rupture, as the foal receives several pints of blood via the
umbilicus if left undisturbed. Stage II ends following birth when the umbilical cord is broken as
the mare stands or foal struggles.
Once the cord is broken, do not tie it off with sutures unless the foal is bleeding excessively. To
avoid infection, dip the stump of the umbilical cord in 7 percent iodine solution repeat the
process several times during the first few days of life. This will help prevent bacteria invasion
into the body via the navel stump (navel-ill) which can lead to serious complications, such as
neonatal septicemia and septic arthritis.
Parturition-Stage III
The final stage of parturition, Stage III, is the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). These
membranes, which surround the foal during gestation, should be expelled 3 to 4 hours after
delivery. Once expelled, the placenta should be examined to determine if it is intact or if any
portions may have been detached. Placenta retention can be a problem, leading to uterine
infection (endometritis) and/or laminitis (founder). Under no circumstances should the placenta
be pulled from the mare! Typically, the mare will stand with the placenta partially expelled while
the foal struggles to stand and nurse. The foal's nursing helps stimulate uterine contractions,
aiding in placental release. Pulling the placenta could tear or prolapse the uterus or result in
contamination of the uterus with pieces of torn placenta. In cases of retained placenta, treatment
should be done under veterinarian supervision. This treatment typically includes administration
of oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions, and antibiotics and uterine infusion may be
required. Mares which had a retained placenta may be poor candidates to be bred on foal heat.
After parturition, mares may experience some mild to moderate colic as her uterus and
reproductive tract contracts and heals. During the first week postpartum, a reddish-brown
discharge may be present. This discharge is normal. If a white discharge develops, however,
this indicates a uterine infection and a veterinarian should be consulted for treatment.
File G1230 under: ANIMALS, GENERAL
B-1, Breeding & Reproduction
Paper version issued November 1994; 5,000 printed.
Electronic version issued February 1996
pubs@unl.edu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of
Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the
non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States
Department of Agriculture.
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Rockin' G Ranch's 'Cowboys Apache Rose'