As a horse owner, one of the most important decisions you will make is when and how to wean your foal. Weaning is the process of separating a foal from its mother and transitioning it to a diet of solid food. This can be a stressful time for the foal, the mother, and you the …
At one week of age, a compromised immune system can leave young foals exposed to bacterial and viral infections that can severely debilitate their health. In this article, we discuss the common infections in young foals that lead to infectious diarrhoea. We will not discuss diarrhoea caused by the mare coming into season called “Foal …
My One Week Old Foal Has Diarrhoea. What Should I Do? Read More »
The three stages of labour are, thankfully, over. However, as you examine the placenta on a flat surface, you find yourself questioning if its entirety has been expelled. In this article, we discuss the placenta and why you should alert your veterinarian at the first signs of trouble. A complete placenta almost embodies the shape …
My Mare’s Placenta is Out. What Does a Normal Placenta Look Like? Read More »
As a horse owner, it is important to ensure that your foal is healthy and happy. One of the things that new horse owners may be curious about is when their foal should pass the meconium, and what it looks like. The meconium is the first fecal movement that a foal passes, and it is …
What Does Meconium Look Like and When Should My Foal Pass It? Read More »
It’s not uncommon for mares to experience mild colic following foaling. However, even seemingly minor postpartum complications can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations. In this article, we discuss colic and other postpartum emergencies that may arise. During birth, there is immense pressure placed on your mare’s abdomen and pelvis. Powerful uterine contractions may not …
My Mare Has Foaled and I Suspect Colic. What Should I Do? Read More »
Lactation is a normal part of pregnancy. However, it may be cause for concern if your mare is streaming milk or if milk loss occurs early on in her pregnancy. In this article, we discuss when dripping milk is acceptable and when it indicates a serious problem. Around four to six weeks prior to foaling, …
