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Pregnant Mare

The services and help we can provide for Pregnant Mare's

Pregnant Mare

The estimated due date for the mare should be calculated by adding 342 days post-ovulation (11 months + 1 week).
 
However, it's essential to note that this is just an estimate.

 

It is considered normal for mares to foal anywhere between 320 and 370 days, as each mare has her own unique gestation length.

  • Equine Herpes Virus (EHV 1,4) -  At 5, 7 and 9 months of pregnancy.
  • Flu and Tetanus - Yearly booster vaccination. Booster at the last month of pregnancy.
  • Rotavirus - More important in big studs or studs with previous history of foal with diarrhoea caused by rotavirus. At 8, 9 and 10 months of pregnancy
  • Deworming - Normal deworming program recommended as per your veterinary surgeon. In the final month before foaling, consider deworming your mare with an ivermectin-based product like Eqvalan or Eraquel. This precaution is necessary because certain worms can pass into the mare's milk.
  • Diet - The goal is to increase your mare’s energy intake during the last three months of gestation, as the foal is growing a lot during the last trimester. It's essential not to underfeed the mare, as this could jeopardize the health of both the mare and the foal, potentially leading to developmental abnormalities. Likewise, be cautious not to overfeed your mare, as obesity can pose risks during foaling. 
  • Dentistry - Dental checks at routine rasping should be carried at least once a year. Good teeth are vital to ensure that the mare is able digest the nutrition needed. 

Preparation for foaling

The mare should move to the foaling facility (foaling stable or paddock) one month before the anticipated foaling date. This step helps minimizing stress and allows the mare's immune system to adapt to any pathogens present in the new environment. This newly acquired immunity will be transferred to the foal through the colostrum (first mare’s milk).

If a stable is chosen to foal down, a clean, deep straw bed is preferred.  Foaling your mare in a small paddock is perfectly suitable, particularly in the latter part of the season. However, access to good lightning and clean water is important in case of an emergency.

Foal Kit

  • Headcollar and lead rope
  • Head torch
  • Gloves
  • Tail bandage
  • Bottle and teats
  • Rope
  • Antiseptic spray to dip the umbilicus after birth
  • Towels
  • Scissors
  • Bucket
  • Thermometer
  • Commercial enema and KY gel
  • Warm water and soap

 

Caslick

if your mare needed a Caslick during breeding, it is necessary to reverse the procedure two weeks before foaling to prevent tearing of the vulva and anus during foaling

Farriery

  • Regular trims.
  • If your mare has shoes, they should be removed near foaling date – Decrease the chances of damage in case the mare stands on the foal – Unless not recommended by your vet.

Routine and exercise

  • A constant routine is necessary to avoid stress. The mare should be kept with companion horses.
  • Exercise is encouraged and if it is not possible to have her during the day in a paddock, hand walks should be taken.

Biosecurity

  • The pregnant mare should be kept away from new horses and youngsters. And if possible separate her from the other horses on the premises of a minimum six meters.
  • Udder development: It is expected for your mare to have mammary development two to four weeks prior to foaling. If you notice your mare having udder developing too early may be indicative of infection or impending abortion.
  • Discharge: Throughout pregnancy if any discharge is seen at the vulva or at the tail, it is indicative that there is an infection, often from the placenta (placentitis) and impending abortion. It is an important sign to be aware of. It can be a symptom of infections of the genital tract and placenta or may be a sign of abortion or premature delivery. Always call your veterinarian for investigation. They may wish to perform a physical exam of your mare and an ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract or abdomen.
  • Colostrum wastage: during the last month of pregnancy, the mare starts to produce the first milk, called colostrum.  The foal is born immune naïve, and it is necessary to drink the colostrum to obtain antibodies to protect him during his first months of life. If during pregnancy the mare drips or have “running milk”, she can lose this valuable source of protection for the foal.
  • Ventral Oedema: It is not uncommon for late term mares to develop a ventral oedema – fluid accumulation in abdomen. This usually extends from the udder towards the most pendent point of the abdomen. This can put mares at a higher risk of pre-pubic tendon rupture or abdominal wall hernias.

If your mare does abort ensure you keep the foetus, membranes and mare separate from all other horses and contact your vet.

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