Lesson 5: Dystocia: Foaling Problems
Simple Problems
Many problems associated with birth can be easily remedied by minor assistance. While it may only take a little help, however, failure to provide this help will have the same results as a major problem- a chance of a dead foal, or a ruined or dead mare. Therefore it is important you be observant and informed about possible problems, what to do and when you need to call the vet.
The first of these is labeled “dry birth” and occurs when the mare’s water fails to ‘break’. In this case the mare may proceed to serious contractions and try to push everything-the entire water balloon and its gallons of fluid, the foal, the amnion and its fluids- out at the same time. This is dangerous because of lack of lubrication and the tremendous pressure placed on the foal. The solution is really a simple one. If you see the protrusion of the water balloon, use whatever is handy-a knife, scissors, or your fingers- to break it open. Water will gush from the tear and labor will proceed normally.
We all expect the foal to come in the desired ‘diving’ position. Sometimes though it may appear the foal is coming ‘upside down’. In reality, the foal rotates into the diving position during the first phase of labor. If the mare is unsuccessful in turning the foal, you may need to assist her. You need to make sure you first determine which way the mare is trying to turn it, otherwise you will be working against her contractions. Also be careful not to pull the foal at this time as you may trigger the contractions to expel the foal before you get it turned. At this point let me mention that anytime you put your hand inside the mare you want to make sure it is sterile; the best way is a sterile sleeve (glove). Whichever direction she is trying to turn it, grasp the legs above the fetlock and cross the opposite leg over the one on the side she’s turning toward. (i.e. trying to turn left, cross the right over the left.) When she has her next contraction, twist and pull gently. The foal will roll over gradually over a period of several pushes. The mare should then be able to deliver it by herself.
If, as the foal emerges, its legs are slightly out of position, you need to gently pull them. First, be familiar with the ‘correct’ position, which is lightly offset, one approximately three to six inches ahead of the other. Whenever helping the mare, be careful not to pull one leg farther ahead then the other because the foal’s elbow may become ‘locked’ behind the mare’s pelvis. If this happens, grip the trailing leg and pull it straight again. You may need to push the foal back a little at the same time.
One of the saddest foaling accidents to me is the case of the perfectly formed foal found still encased in the foaling sac. This is one of the reasons you want to watch your mare closely and be with her when she foals. Since science has not determined exactly when a foal takes its first breath, it is recommended to break the sac as soon as the foal’s muzzle emerges. Note: Usually the foal’s feet break the sac as it pushes out and stretches the sac taunt. Make sure you also take the time to clear the passages, as you do not want the foal inhaling amniotic fluid. This also helps get the breathing process started.
Just when you think you’re home free because the foal is almost out, it gets stuck. Is it too big? No, it has simply locked its hip into the mare’s pelvis. All you need to do is grasp the front legs and pull first down and to the left, then down and to the right. In this manner you will ‘walk’ the foal through the mare’s pelvis and delivery will continue.
Occasionally, a mare seems to be progressing great and suddenly quits; as if she never even started labor. Wait a little to see if she’s just between stages of labor and taking a break. (Although, not if the water has already broken.) However, if she does not restart contractions you can stimulate them by inserting your sterile hand and manipulating the foal’s legs. Make sure there are no extra hooves as this might cause her to stop. If this is unsuccessful, you can insert your hand farther into the vagina alongside the foal. In most cases the mare will then begin to strain and delivery will proceed.
