My mare is due to foal in 3 weeks and whilst I have read a few books cover to cover not many of them told you what to do if the delivery wasn't going correctly.
I know what to do if the "red bag" is coming out first but what are the other main problems that can occur and what do I do about it.
Also is purple spray okay to use on the umbilical cord or is there a specific product.
My vet is only a 5 minute drive away but he is going on holiday the day the foal is due.
Jos
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2003 - 07:11 pm:
There are several very important things for you to consider here.
The foaling process usually goes without any hitch, but when there is a hitch, it happens fast and is not something that a novice should be attempting to deal with. Find another vet! Breeders who have been in the business for years usually do not attempt to correct a dystocia etc.
Purple spray is not suitable for the umbilicus. You should be using chlorhexidine.
Finally, there is no such thing as a due date in the mare ("click" here for an article about that), so your observation about your vet being "on holiday the day the foal is due" is highly indicative of your inexperience. While there is nothing wrong with inexperience - and I commend you on your attempts to learn more prior to the foaling - your observation does nothing but encourage me to reitterate find someone experienced to help you - be it another vet or a knowledgeable breeder in the area, or even better, move your mare to a farm that offers "foaling out" services (check the farms reputation first).
While most foalings go ahead with no problem, and in all probability you will get lucky, if things go bad, the inexperience and lack of a vet will make a big difference, and almost a year is a long time to wait to have something go wrong and maybe lose the foal, and possibly even the mare too.
Sorry to sound so pessimistic, but "better safe than sorry" really applies in this circumstance.
Good luck.
Please note that opinions, product information, advice or suggestions posted on this bulletin board are not necessarily those of the management at Equine-Reproduction.com nor does the maintenance of the post position indicate an implicit or any endorsement of that information, opinion or product.
Further, although we have the greatest respect for the posters offering assistance here, you are advised to seek a consultation with your veterinarian prior to using information obtained from this board if it is of a veterinary nature.Proud to be sponsored and supported by:
