Helping a Mare deliver a large foal

[Bravestrom]

Now that my one mare is getting a little closer, I am getting a little worried about the size of the foal.

The stallion that she is bred to is 17.2 and only 3 yrs old - she is 16.2.

She has delivered two foals before and both times she did require assistance delivering. I am hoping that since this is her third it won't be too tough - but it will be a big baby I think.

So I would appreciate any tips, supplies to have on hand and details of experiences where you have had to help the mare deliver the foal if she is having a hard time.

Thanks in advance.

[NoDQhere]

Remember to keep the forelegs "uneven" and pull towards the mares hocks. Most normal deliveries that need assistance are because the foals shoulders get stuck. If the mare is laying down, position yourself about at her hocks, sitting crosslegged. Keep one foreleg about mid cannon on the "first" foreleg and apply "traction". BUT only actually pull when the mare pushes. You can put you feet against her rump for strength if necessary.

This of course applies to normal deliveries.

[sfstable]

After my friend lost a foal because of the size and not being able to pull it out, I invested in some "pulling straps" and handles. Hopefully they will never come out of their packages :)

http://www.exodusbreeders.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=4240000-1096379236

http://www.exodusbreeders.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=4270000-1096379237 (they have 30" and 60" lengths)

[chemteach]

Now that my one mare is getting a little closer, I am getting a little worried about the size of the foal.

The stallion that she is bred to is 17.2 and only 3 yrs old - she is 16.2.

She has delivered two foals before and both times she did require assistance delivering. I am hoping that since this is her third it won't be too tough - but it will be a big baby I think.

So I would appreciate any tips, supplies to have on hand and details of experiences where you have had to help the mare deliver the foal if she is having a hard time.

Thanks in advance.

Do not be in a hurry to "help." Remember it is labor and it will take some work on her part. If you are inexperienced, the best "supply" to have on hand is your vet's phone number. Many a foal has been injured during delivery and many a mare has died because of foaling from "good intentions."

[Springlake1]

Get it by the gallon. We dont rush to 'help' but we do use the lube liberally.

[pintopiaffe]

NoDQ has an *excellent* explanation. Shoulder lock is the biggest issue.

After that, they sometimes get stuck at the girth area. Turning them slighty--between contractions--so they are tilted a little to one side or another can help if they are coming out 'straight.' Most will come out at a bit of an angle, but if you've had to help the shoulders, it's not UNcommon to need to turn them a bit at the girth.

I have found that with deliveries that needed help (mild dystocias mostly) it's not uncommon to have the placenta retain. I have always weighted it with a wet towel, tied on with baling twine. I know there is 'controversy' about to weight or not to weight... this is why my vet advises, and it's worked for me. ;)

Banamine is good to have on hand if you think there's a hard labour coming!

Also, most big foals can really use the 'help' of milking out some colostrum and feeding it before the foal gets up. This isn't something I ever did until I got my big ol' Trak mare who had BIG foals. And then in the later years, my multiparous mare who aslo had ginormous foals. The only time I *don't* do it these days is if the foal is really vigourous and springs right up to find the spigots. Otherwise it just kind of reassures me to get the colostrum in there before bebe sucks on hocks and knees and chest and stall wall etc. ;)

[railmom]

Clean towels. If you do have to assist those little legs are slippery and hard to hold on to!! Some good advise above too, lots of lube and offset the front legs if you have a should lock.

[Thomas_1]

If you're concerned that it's going to be a large foal then ensure you scan and to inform and ensure that your vet is on standby and prepared in the event of assistance required.

I have a 17.3 hand reared eventer that I've often posted about. Out of a t/b affiliated show jumping mare - one of the best I've ever had and by a connemara pony stallion owned by Ian Stark that produces amazing jumpers.

I lost his mother foaling him. Not a good experience at all and one I wouldn't wish on anyone. Trust me, I've foaled a lot of mares and do about 4 to 800 cattle and about 2000 sheep every year. IF the foal is going to be too big, then you'll need the vet on hand and it's not to be messed about with if you're not sure what you need to do.

[Equine Reproduction]

Banamine is good to have on hand if you think there's a hard labour coming!

Do NOT use Banamine on a mare until after she has delivered the placenta. Banamine is a prostaglandin inhibitor and can result in a retained placenta.

AS others have noted, do not be too quick to dive in there, either. It can result in mares that won't bother pushing at all and there is absolutely nothing harder than trying to deliver a foal from a mare that doesn't "participate".

Size is usually only an issue if the stallion is exceptionally broad through the shoulders and chest area.

Good luck!

[selah]

AS others have noted, do not be too quick to dive in there, either. It can result in mares that won't bother pushing at all and there is absolutely nothing harder than trying to deliver a foal from a mare that doesn't "participate".


Do you have a "rule of thumb" for how long you usually wait?

[Equilibrium]

Do NOT use Banamine on a mare until after she has delivered the placenta. Banamine is a prostaglandin inhibitor and can result in a retained placenta.

AS others have noted, do not be too quick to dive in there, either. It can result in mares that won't bother pushing at all and there is absolutely nothing harder than trying to deliver a foal from a mare that doesn't "participate".

Size is usually only an issue if the stallion is exceptionally broad through the shoulders and chest area.

Good luck!

I have seen a mare, not my own, who did absolutely nothing during labor. Wouldn't help one little bit as a result of always having someone drag the foal out of her. And as Kathy notes, what a nightmare doing all the work for the mare! Sorry mine have to work a little! You know within reason.

Thanks for that tip on the banamine as I did not know that.

Terri

[Molly's Mom]

I too am expecting my first foal in 15 days. Thank goodness, this will not be the mare's first
birthing. However, I will be buying lube by the gallon!!!!! Is there a preferred brand of lube?

[pintopiaffe]

oh, yes, yes! Thanks for the clarification Kathy... I actually only rarely use it post foaling (we had a whole poll/thread about it last spring) but I just *assumed* folks knew for POST foaling issues... :eek: Excellent correction!

For me it's a fine line between them being too sore and not wanting to poop or pee... and to let the contractions continue and clean out etc. Humans who have had babies seem to think it's really important to give it... ;)