What stage of parturition is the foal delivered?
b) Stage 2
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 — usually is 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, since this is least disturbing to the parturition process.
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 (less than 10 percent), make sure the foaling attendant is familiar with both normal and abnormal foal presentations. In a normal presentation, both front feet with heels down will appear first. Usually one foot will be slightly ahead of the other.
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 isn’t the case, 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.”
Following birth, the mare may rest, allowing the foal’s 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. Don’t rush into the stall, since this causes the mare to stand which can prematurely rupture the umbilical cord. Let the mare 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 when the umbilical cord is broken as the mare stands or the 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 a 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.
For more information on foaling read the December 2008 e-Tips.