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Colostrum and the Mare

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Contains 73 items.

• Alberta Horse Industry News: Alberta Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry - http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/livestock/horses/news0498.html
  
  • Alberta Horse Industry News: Alberta Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry
  • Alberta Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry
  • Equine Ranching Association are operating a Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry.
  • match owners that have orphaned foals to a nurse mare and/or find a source of colostrum when required.
  • Mare owners losing a foal are encouraged to contact the
  • within four days of losing the foal, so that the mare will remain lactating when the orphaned foal is put
  • on the mare.
  [Abstract]
• Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals - http://members.aol.com/mpsvet/cvec/news.html
  
  • from inadequate production of a antibody enriched colostrum by the mare.
  • The mare and fetus are attached in utero by what is termed an
  • means that there is no transfer of blood from the mare to the fetus during gestation.
  • As a result of this lack of blood transfer from mare to fetus, there is no transfer of the mare's antibodies
  • typically produce an "antibody rich" "first milk" or colostrum.
  • hour or two of life, it ingests the "antibody rich" colostrum, this is termed "passive transfer of antibodies''.
  • Occasionally, the mare will not produce this "first milk" or colostrum.
  • Reasons for a lack of colostrum include Tall fescue toxicosis, premature birth, placentitis,
  • an anorexic or "poor" mare , and maiden mares (mares giving birth for the first
  • allows the veterinarian to look over the health of the mare and foal at this critical period.
  [Abstract]
• Sale Horses from New Mexico - http://www.horse-talk.com/horsetalk12.htm
  
  • Colostrum Lozenge
  • horse - Estancia Valley - 5 year old maiden mare started on barrels.
  • Welsh pony - Estancia Valley - Black little mare rides well vet aged at 14 or 15 years old stands to
  • - Santa Fe - Purebred Registered Polish Arabian mare.
  • handsome 7 month old spotted colt out of an Arabian mare, by a 16h.
  • spanish barb - santa fe - 14 yr 13;3 mare novice eventer, wannabe jumpers 1st level dressage.
  • horse - Chimayo - 12 year old sound and gentle mare anyone can ride $1100 or best offer must sell Contact
  • Registered Barb Mare For Sale: Fourteen years old, Blue Corn in color, Very
  • Los Lunas - Beautiful 17 hd ,12 year old TB Broodmare for sale.
  • This mare is very kind,easy breeder and has no bad habits.
  [Abstract]
• Colostrum in Mare's Milk - http://www.castlefarm-nc.com/heather/colostrum.html
  
  • Colostrum in Mare's Milk
  • What is Colostrum?
  • During the last few weeks of pregnancy, a mare will start to produce milk for the foal.
  • phosphorus and sodium also make up a portion of the mare's milk.
  • However, the most important component of the milk, colostrum, is produced just before the foal is born, and for only
  • Colostrum contains the most necessary and vital elements that
  • Within colostrum are the foal's very first antibodies.
  • The antibodies that are provided in the colostrum are the foal's first arsenal of defense until it has
  • Colostrum contains the protein immunoglobulin-G as its main protectant
  • the foal gets enough of the necessary protectant the mare's owner can take the specific gravity of a sample of
  [Abstract]
• eHow to Rescue a Distressed Foal - http://www.ehow.com/eHow/eHow/0,1053,6062,00.html
  
  • Make sure a foal that is born too early gets mare's milk.
  • Milk colostrum from the mother mare.
  • Feed colostrum within the first 24 hours after birth.
  • If the mother horse is unable to provide colostrum, get colostrum from another mare.
  • If you absolutely cannot get mare colostrum, use colostrum from a cow.
  • A foal must have colostrum for a good outcome.
  • Give colostrum through the tube.
  • Try to find a mare who will serve as the foal's mother substitute.
  • to adopt the orphan foal by leaving the orphan and mare alone together in a roomy box stall.
  • Get colostrum from another mare if you have no mother mare to act
  [Abstract]
• The Horse Interactive -- Answerline December 2000: Collecting Colostrum - http://www.thehorse.com/0012/answerline.html
  
  • Interactive -- Answerline December 2000: Collecting Colostrum
  • ANSWERLINE: Collecting Colostrum
  • How can I collect colostrum from a mare and save it for future use, and how long
  • Colostrum or "first milk" is the thick, yellow secretion from
  • Produced in the mare's udder during the last two to four weeks
  • gestation in response to hormonal changes, colostrum contains concentrated immunoglobulins (antibodies)
  • from the mare's serum.
  • Colostrum and its protective antibodies are present
  • in the mare's milk for only the first day after foaling; these
  • The best-quality colostrum is produced in the first eight hours post-foaling.
  [Abstract]
• How to Raise a Healthy Foal - http://www.merricks.com/healthyfoal.html
  
  • Allow the mare to muzzle and bond with the foal.
  • Before helping the foal, be sure the mare's udder and nipples are clean.
  • foal's jaw and point its nose and muzzle toward the mare's udder.
  • tail or thigh area, gently push the foal toward the mare.
  • You may need to massage the mare's udder to get a few drops of milk (colostrum) into
  • The mare should also be examined soon after birth.
  • The mare may then be more willing to allow the foal to nurse.
  • If the mare doesn't accept the foal, she may need to be tied with
  • After nursing, gently massage the mare's udder.
  • If the foal has trouble nursing, milk the mare by hand, then feed the foal from a bottle or bucket.
  [Abstract]
• The Teller - Colostrum - http://www.morab.com/teller/tellercolostrum.html
  
  • The Teller - Colostrum
  • routinely treat and care for foals will be thinking about colostrum--who has it, who needs it, and where they can get it.
  • You might wonder if colostrum actually is that important.
  • To discuss why colostrum is so important, I first have to explain about the
  • cross, so the foal cannot derive antibodies from the mare and is born with little to no circulating antibodies.
  • foal has nursed and absorbed an adequate amount of colostrum.
  • What Is Colostrum?
  • Colostrum is produced by the mare only once per pregnancy and
  • As the mare nears her foaling date, her udder will begin to fill
  • with colostrum.
  [Abstract]
• Equine Blood Typing and Research Laboratory - http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/VetScience/EBT.HTM
  
  • foal’s red cells after the foal is born and nurses the mare’s colostrum.
  • However, the colostrum is rich in antibodies, and in mares that are sensitized to
  • a red cell factor, the colostrum can be deadly instead of protective.
  • serum sample is submitted within 30 days prior to the mare’s due date.
  • essential to prevent the foal from nursing its dam's colostrum, and provide it with a substitute colostrum.
  • that does not have the red cell factor to which the mare has become sensitized.
  • from the sire, and will not be susceptible to the mare’s antibodies.
  • crossmatching stallion and mare bloodtypes or
  • testing serum from the mare 30 or less days before foaling
  [Abstract]
• The Horse Interactive -- Back to Basics March 1999: Colostrum - http://www.thehorse.com/9903/basics.html
  
  • The Horse Interactive -- Back to Basics March 1999: Colostrum
  • BACK TO BASICS: Colostrum
  • To a newborn foal, colostrum can mean the difference between life and death.
  • treat and care for foals will be thinking about colostrum--who has it, who needs it, and where they can get
  • You might wonder if colostrum actually is that important.
  • To discuss why colostrum is so important, I first have to explain about the
  • so the foal cannot derive antibodies from the mare and is born with little to no circulating antibodies.
  • has nursed and absorbed an adequate amount of colostrum.
  • What Is Colostrum?
  • Colostrum is produced by the mare only once per pregnancy and
  [Abstract]
• Veterinary Corner - http://www.horse-previews.com/0400articles/vetcorner0400.html
  
  • Veterinary Corner 04/00: Colostrum - An Essential Ingredient for a Thriving Foal
  • In a perfect world, the mare foals without any difficulty.
  • She hasn't leaked any colostrum and it is of the best quality.
  • absorbs more than enough immunoglobulins from the colostrum.
  • the new foal owner never gives another thought to colostrum.
  • However, in some cases the foal does not receive enough colostrum and a failure of passive transfer (FPT) has occurred.
  • It is in these cases that the importance of colostrum is brought to the forefront.
  • Colostrum is the mare's first milk which contains important immunoglobulins
  • Thus, passive transfer of immunoglobulins from mare to foal via colostrum ensures that the newborn will
  • Produced in the mare's udder during the last 2-4 weeks of gestation in
  [Abstract]
• SUSPECTED NI - http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/lvmillon/NI.htm
  
  • (NI) is a disease of newborn foals caused when the mare produces antibodies against the foal' s red blood
  • This syndrome can occur when the blood type of the mare is different from that of the stallion and the foal
  • Every mare who is negative for these factors has the potential
  • A mare that has produced a foal with NI is likely to produce
  • in humans, the damaging antibodies produced by the mare do not cross to the foal through the placenta during
  • Instead, they will be ingested by the foal in the mare' s colostrum.
  • There is the potential for NI in every donkey-mare match; the reported incidence in mules is 10%.
  • blood cells (purple or yellow top tube) along with the mare' s serum.
  • We will test the mare's sample against the panel, and will crossmatch it with
  • Also, the JFA is usually performed with the colostrum of the mare.
  [Abstract]
• Veterinary Corner - http://www.horse-previews.com/597articles/597vetcorner.html
  
  • neonatal period by providing passive immunity from the mare.
  • passive immunity is the dam's first milk, also known as colostrum.
  • the foal in order to boost the immune levels of the colostrum to common diseases.
  • Colostrum is filled with antibodies that are concentrated from
  • the mare's blood into the udder approximately 24 hours before
  • the opportunity to absorb these antibodies - ingested colostrum will provide little or no immunity.
  • Some foals do not get adequate immunity from colostrum.
  • The mare may have poor quality colostrum, or the foal, if weak,
  • sick, or rejected by the mare, may not ingest enough during those first few critical
  • reason for this is that the passive immunity provided by colostrum blocks the ability of the foal to respond to a vaccine
  [Abstract]
• Teller Glossary - http://www.morab.com/teller/tellerglossary.html
  
  • Used to describe a filly or mare that was bred and did not conceive during the last
  • broodmare;
  • A filly or mare that has been bred and is used to produce foals.
  • colostrum;
  • Thick, extra rich milk secreted by the mare' s mammary glands at the foals' s birth.
  • Otherwise, the mare will eat the foal's food.
  • dam's sire (broodmare sire);
  • The sire of a broodmare.
  • high caloric intake (either from grain or a heavily lactating mare) and a fast growth rate.
  • Associated with ovulation; a mare usually is receptive to breeding during estrus.
  [Abstract]
• Horse Health Care - Reproduction, from the Equine Research Centre at Guelph, Ontario, Canada - www.erc.on.ca - http://www.erc.on.ca/health_reproduction.htm
  
  • First Milk - Colostrum
  • Nutrition Tips for the Mare and Foal
  • Preparing the Mare for Breeding
  • Mare and Foal
  [Abstract]
• Electric Library Personal Edition - Results - http://wwws.elibrary.com/id/238/118/search.cgi?form=search&src-mags=checked&src-...
  
  • colostrum And mare
  • DANDO'S COFFIN IS CARRIED INTO CHURCH IN WESTON SUPER MARE
  • BREEDERS CUP FILLY & MARE TURF HOPEFUL TROUT CHARMANT ON TRACK
  • Eguren, José María (hOsA´ mArE´ä egOO´rAn)
  • Mare brings $US1.
  • IS TAKEN INTO CLARENCE PARK CHURCH IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE
  [Abstract]
• G95-1237-A; Feeding and Care of Orphaned Foals - http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/Animals/g1237.htm
  
  • Collection and Storage of Colostrum
  • Losing a mare is never expected and being left with a motherless
  • orphan can turn into an unexpected nightmare.
  • be that the foal has received sufficient amounts of colostrum.
  • Colostrum, or a mare's first milk, con- tains a high concentration
  • Colostrum is secreted by the mare during the first 24 to 48
  • placental transfer of antibodies during pregnancy from mare to fetus, thus the foal is born without any protection
  • Antibodies are acquired by the nursing foal through the colostrum, (passive transfer), to protect the newborn against
  • Gastrointestinal tract absorption of colostrum begins to decrease after 12 hours, with minimal absorption
  • Ideally a foal should receive 250 ml of colostrum every hour for the first six hours after birth.
  [Abstract]
• Cyberfoal Colostrum Required - http://www.oldstandrews.com.au/~helen/cfcolostrumrequired.htm
  
  • Cyberfoal Colostrum Required
  • Colostrum Required
  • Colostrum is required for a pure breed quarter horse mare who
  • we normally have a frozen supplies of colostrum but we have had to use this earlier in the
  • season and have none left for this mare, we are in Queensland 40 mins from Brisbane.
  • listed with each foal if you can offer, or require, colostrum.
  • regarding mares, foals and colostrum and to negotiate
  • veterinarian before making any decisions concerning your mare or foal.
  [Abstract]
• Llamapaedia: Crias: Colostrum - http://www.llamapaedia.com/crias/colostrum.html
  
  • Llamapaedia: Crias: Colostrum
  • Colostrum is the first milk produced by the dam which contains
  • This makes colostrum essential to the health of any cria.
  • cria who does not receive enough antibodies from the colostrum to protect against disease is said to have
  • Colostrum is less critical in other species like dogs, cats and
  • entire source of protective antibodies comes from the colostrum.
  • in llama colostrum.
  • llama colostrum
  • protein and lactose and has a higher water content than colostrum.
  • and is relatively similar between regular milk and colostrum.
  [Abstract]
• Parasitology - Picture Index for Internal Parasites of the Horse - http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/parasit/horse/horse_picindex.html
  
  • in Mare's Colostrum
  [Abstract]
• The Design of Horse Milk - Dandy Designs - Does God Exist? - MayJun97 - http://www.doesgodexist.org/MayJun97/TheDesignOfHorseMilk.html
  
  • is such that antibiotics cannot be passed from the mare to the foal during gestation.
  • necessary antibodies is from a substance known as colostrum which the foal receives from the mother's milk.
  • he mare's milk is an incredibly designed and almost magical
  • unique thing the foal gets from drinking the milk is colostrum, which contains all the antibodies the foal needs to
  • If the foal gets 500 cc of colostrum it will be protected, but there is a limited time to
  • Colostrum is available in the mare's udder for a maximum of three
  • During the first hours of a foal's life colostrum will be concentrated at the end of the mare's teats
  • Most foals get over 1000 cc of colostrum before the mare's milk contains just normal milk.
  • No other mammal has the colostrum system to protect their young.
  • would suggest that design features and substances like colostrum are the result of planning by the Creator.
  [Abstract]
• Colostrum: Collection, Handling & Care - http://www.horse-previews.com/698articles/colostrumcollection.html
  
  • Colostrum: Collection, Handling & Care
  • Colostrum is that all important life giving first milk produced
  • by a mare for her newborn foal.
  • Mares produce colostrum for approximately two days after foaling with the richest
  • Similarly, the foal is most able to absorb colostrum antibodies in the first 24 hours of life.
  • If a mare has dripped large amounts of milk prior to foaling,
  • fear that a foal did not receive and absorb enough colostrum, there is a quick and easy blood test to tell.
  • taken to save a foal that has not absorbed enough colostrum.
  • mothers within 12 hours of foaling and add it to my colostrum bank.
  • It is easiest to milk the mare while her new foal is snacking at the other seat at
  [Abstract]
• Post-foaling Care Of The Mare And Foal - http://www.ag.auburn.edu/dept/ads/ExtPrograms/anr-922.html
  
  • Post-foaling Care Of The Mare And Foal
  • POST-FOALING CARE OF THE MARE AND FOAL
  • owners who have decided to raise a foal from their mare often miss the actual birth of the foal.
  • The average pregnancy length in the mare is 336 to 340 days, but horses have a wide variation
  • after the foal is born to assure the health of the mare and foal.
  • you should leave the foaling area and observe the mare and foal from a distance.
  • This allows the mare and foal time alone to recover from the delivery and
  • If the mare has not stood up yet, the foal's movements usually
  • You should wait for either the mare or foal to break the umbilical cord.
  • and interferes with the bonding process between the mare and foal.
  [Abstract]
• Foaling Resources - http://www.foalstory.com/resources.html
  
  • Mare Management
  • Mare Care and Breeding
  • The Foaling Mare Management
  • The Foaling Mare
  • Late-Summer Broodmare Management
  • Nutrition Management of the Pregnant and Lactating Mare
  • Maintaining Your Broodmare
  • Broodmare Nutrition Basics
  • Guide to Nurse Mare Farms
  • Orphan foals, Nurse Mares & Colostrum
  [Abstract]
• ANR-922 POST-FOALING CARE OF THE MARE AND FOAL - http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/publications/anr/anr-922/anr-922.html
  
  • ANR-922 POST-FOALING CARE OF THE MARE AND FOAL
  • Post-Foaling Care of the Mare and Foal
  • owners who have decided to raise a foal from their mare often miss the actual birth of the foal.
  • The average pregnancy length in the mare is 336 to 340 days, but horses have a wide variation
  • after the foal is born to assure the health of the mare and foal.
  • you should leave the foaling area and observe the mare and foal from a distance.
  • This allows the mare and foal time alone to recover from the delivery and
  • If the mare has not stood up yet, the foal's movements usually
  • You should wait for either the mare or foal to break the umbilical cord.
  • it interferes with the bonding process between the mare and foal.
  [Abstract]
• 1999 Back Issues - http://www.horse-previews.com/prev99.html
  
  • Equine Colostrum Bank
  • Front Cover: Khy: Pure Polish Arabian Mare
  [Abstract]
• Mare & Foal Health - Best of L'il Beginnings - http://www.lilbeginnings.com/links/info/breeding2/
  
  • Mare & Foal Health - Best of L'il Beginnings
  • the umbilical chord breaks) and mix with a drop of colostrum from the mare.
  • IMMEDIATELY to give the foal IGG, or an artificial colostrum or colostrum from another mare.
  • Then keep the foal with the mare, but muzzled for 48 hours and bottle feed with another
  • Milk the mare so that she won't stop making milk.
  • After the colostrum is gone the foal can start nursing without danger.
  • It is only the antibodies in the colostrum that fights the foals immune system.
  • filly went off her grain a (sweet feed mixed with Mare & Foal) also about a month ago.
  • Found out she was crazy over just the Mare & Foal food, I gave her straight Mare &
  • First time foaling concerns (mare & owner)
  [Abstract]
• Foaling Mare and Newborn - http://www.dclahdvm.com/articles/foaling.htm
  
  • Foaling Mare and Newborn
  • CARING FOR THE FOALING MARE AND NEWBORN
  • If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're
  • Despite your frequent visits to the barn, your mare may give birth the minute you step away.
  • What your mare will need, however, is a clean, safe, quiet place to
  • Allowing the mare to foal in the pasture even has some advantages.
  • You won't have to worry about the mare crowding into a corner or foaling too close to a wall.
  • However, many owners prefer to confine the mare to observe her progress.
  • Should you choose to foal your mare in a stall, provide one that is a minimum of 14' x
  • shavings, as it won't cling to the wet newborn or mare the way small wood particles can.
  [Abstract]
• Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals - http://www.equine-reproduction.com/articles/FPT.htm
  
  • Foals acquire that immunity, initially, through the mare's colostrum, which should be high in immunoglobulins.
  • suitable antibodies transferred to the foal in the colostrum.
  • associated important point is that of transferring a mare to her foaling location preferably no fewer than 30
  • This allows the mare to develop suitable antibodies to any organisms present that
  • antibodies should then be available to the foal in the mare’s colostrum.
  • Ensuring that a foal receives adequate colostrum is not however, a guarantee in itself of protection
  • There is the possibility that the colostrum may not contain immunoglobulins, or that the foal for
  [Abstract]
• Re: Leaking udder in older mare - http://www.horseadvice.com/forum/forumreproduction/messages/1680.html
  
  • Re: Leaking udder in older mare
  • Leaking udder in older mare
  • I would suspect a pituitary tumor in this mare.
  • : pure colostrum (according to my vet).
  • left side starting swelling and producing : : pure colostrum (according to my vet).
  [Abstract]
• G94-1230-A; The Foaling Mare - http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/horse/g1230.htm
  
  • G94-1230-A; The Foaling Mare
  • The Foaling Mare
  • foaling, allowing for immediate assistance to both mare and foal if needed.
  • Being present when a mare foals can be more difficult than expected.
  • The mare seems to prefer solitude and quiet during parturition.
  • are various traits which can influence length of a mare's pregnancy.
  • The nutritional plane of a mare also has been shown to have some influence on gestation
  • it is recommended to keep accurate records on each mare to aid future deliveries.
  • Due to oozing out of some of the colostrum, the ends of the teats become covered over and the
  • mare is said to be "waxing", which occurs 1-2 days before
  [Abstract]
• Milk Fever - http://www.mccallhorseworld.com/Pool%20hemolytic%20icterus.htm
  
  • What a relief we all share when our mare finally delivers a strong, healthy baby! A feeling
  • The mare's bag, rich in nutrients, drips with colostrum.
  • For these ill-fated, colostrum will serve to weaken, rather than strengthen.
  • What caused the life-giving colostrum to turn traitor, killing off the life Nature intended
  • First, the mare and the foal were of incompatible blood types.
  • Normally there is not an exchange of blood between the mare and her fetus.
  • Unless there is an abnormality, the mare's immune system will not come into contact with the
  • will grow, be nurtured and protected by his dam's colostrum.
  • develop an opportunity must develop which will allow the mare to be exposed to the incompatible blood type.
  • seepage of the fetal blood into the bloodstream of the mare.
  [Abstract]
• EquineCanada Magazine - Vol. 3 No. 2 - Research - Colostrum - http://www.equinecanada.com/vol_3_2/eq_magazine_research_milk.htm
  
  • 2 - Research - Colostrum
  • Colostrum: First Milk Facts
  • All foals require colostrum or "first milk" for protection against disease.
  • You may need an immediate source of colostrum for supplementation in situations such as the following:
  • older mare
  • mare death
  • In late gestation (pregnancy), antibodies from the mare's blood are concentrated in her mammary gland.
  • Colostrum or the "first milk" has a high content of these antibodies
  • Colostrum for banking (collection and use at another time) should
  • be collected from the mare within 4-6 hours of foaling.
  [Abstract]
• Expectant Mare--Assuring the Health and Well-Being of the Pregnant Mare - http://www.aaep.org/ownereducation/expectant_mare.asp
  
  • Expectant Mare--Assuring the Health and Well-Being of the Pregnant
  • EXPECTANT MARE
  • Assuring the Health and Well-Being of the Pregnant Mare
  • horses, this perception is perhaps due to the mare's relatively poor reproductive performance in comparison
  • However, in a natural setting, the mare does comparatively well reproductively.
  • many questions about caring for your expectant mare.
  • With a little TLC, your mare should progress through her pregnancy without
  • When the mare conceives, the fertilized egg (zygote) travels down
  • reasons, some breeding farms simply tease the mare 14-20 days after her last breeding date to see if she
  • Good broodmare management is the best aid for helping the mare make
  [Abstract]
• Throwaway foals find haven at rescue farm - http://www.dispatch.com/news/newsfea00/apr00/261973.html
  
  • The mare will be forced to nurse a strange foal, one with a
  • which the foal receives vital, immunity- producing colostrum, they soon are too weak to survive.
  • mares is common, more often because of a Thoroughbred mare's inability to produce enough milk than for a quick
  • Tammy Roseberry, part of a family-run nurse mare farm in northern Kentucky, said reputable operations
  • Derby-caliber farms such as Overbrook -- would never withhold colostrum or milk.
  • farms simply are not willing to spend the money on colostrum, or to wait until the foal has had some time with its
  • A lucky few also receive a $98 dose of purchased colostrum.
  • Hopes for buying more foals and more colostrum are riding on Saturday's Best of 2000 Colored Foal
  • Bidding for that item -- a depiction of a mare and colt titled First Jump -- will start at $4,100.
  [Abstract]
• Colostrum Fact sheet - ERC, Guelph - http://www.erc.on.ca/health_repro_colostrum.htm
  
  • Colostrum Fact sheet - ERC, Guelph
  • All foals require colostrum or " first milk" for protection against
  • You may need an immediate source of colostrum for supplementation in situations such as the
  • older mare
  • mare death
  • In late gestation (pregnancy), antibodies from the mare's blood are concentrated in her mammary gland.
  • Colostrum or the " first milk" has a high content
  • Colostrum for banking (collection and use at another time) should
  • be collected from the mare within 4-6 hours of foaling.
  • If mares pre-lactate, their colostrum may not contain sufficient IgG.
  [Abstract]
• FOALING EMERGENCY????? - http://www.warmbloods.net/health/_disc117/000000d3.htm
  
  • anyone that has or knows of someone that has the NIGHTMARE of loosing a mare or foal or maybe has a N I Mare and
  • needs colostrum and milk, THERE IS HELP AT CYBERFOAL.
  [Abstract]
• AS-491 - http://www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/AS/AS-491.html
  
  • Management of the Pregnant Mare
  • It covers many, but not all, aspects of broodmare management.
  • breeding practices and the reproductive process, the mare's reproductive control mechanisms are quite efficient
  • protect the future reproductive capabilities of the mare, it is essential to build a sound, practical understanding
  • of the mare's reproductive process and develop breeding practices
  • All reproductive actions in the mare are controlled by her endocrine system.
  • because of a natural imbalance or a disturbance, a mare will have problems cycling, conceiving, maintaining
  • The mare has a strong follicle stimulating phase of her cycle,
  • corpus luteum, reduce progesterone, and allow the mare to cycle again.
  • This prevents the mare from coming back into estrus and disrupting the newly
  [Abstract]
• Breeding - http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/rirdc/articles/breeding/breeding.htm
  
  • The effect of mare factors on offspring potential
  • What happens to foals that don't get colostrum?
  • Nothing Compares to Mare’s Milk
  [Abstract]
• Mane Points: Breeding and Foaling Index - http://www.manepoints.com/breed/breed.html
  
  • Broodmare nutrition basics
  • Having a mare in foal means that you're taking on new responsibilities.
  • The most important may be your mare's nutrition.
  • The hope of every mare owner is a healthy foal with an attentive dam.
  • The dependent newborn needs mama's colostrum for a healthy start and if the mare provides
  • Maiden mare
  • about than amateur breeders, but no matter who has the mare to be bred, breeding successfully is more than letting
  • When you first found out your mare was pregnant, 300 days seemed so long to wait.
  [Abstract]
• AS-490 - http://www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/AS/AS-490.html
  
  • Management of the Foaling Mare
  • It is critical to properly prepare a mare for foaling if an owner is to realize the results of
  • This publication is designed to help mare owners properly prepare the environment, themselves,
  • and their mare for foaling.
  • process and provides the steps necessary to ensure mare and foal health and successful rebreeding.
  • (the tenth and eleventh months of gestation), the mare's abdomen takes on the pendulous, enlarged characteristics
  • The mare develops a wider stride to compensate for the increased
  • This is a common occurrence if the mare is consuming fescue grass.
  • from the teats prior to foaling, as the antibody-rich colostrum can be lost.
  • The mare's tail head, croup, and perineal area become relaxed several
  [Abstract]
• Born To Run - 2/5/99 - http://o-zone.starbanner.com/BornToRun/BornToRunSense020599.html
  
  • Generically known as a broodmare, she is always retired from her race career.
  • : A horse is ''by'' a stallion and ''out of'' a mare.
  • The breeder of a horse is the person who owns the mare at the time of the foal's birth.
  • Also a mare preparing for her first birth is a ''maiden'' mare.
  • : The physical breeding act between stallion and mare.
  • The stallion ''covers'' the mare.
  [Abstract]
• The Immune System - http://www.gvequine.com.au/The%20immune%20system.htm
  
  • layers) there is no transfer of antibodies from the mare to the foal in the uterus.
  • in the form of maternal immunoglobulin in the colostrum of the mare.
  • the normal foal, and from about 2 weeks in the colostrum-deprived foal.
  • The first ‘milk’ produced by the mare.
  • of Ig, particularly IgG, concentrated from the mare’s blood by the mammary gland during the last 3-4
  • Mare produces about 1-2L of colostrums, but only ONCE
  • Colostrum is important, not only because it supplies essential
  • Absorption of Colostrum
  • In addition, while the gut is permeable to colostrum, it is also permeable to bacteria and other organisms
  • ideally we want the foal to ingest and absorb adequate colostrum as early as possible to avoid intestinal infections.
  [Abstract]
• 2000 Exodus Breeders Supply Company - General Foaling - http://www.exodusbreeders.com/generalfoal.html
  
  • A mare generates an antibody response against a foreign antigen.
  • to the circulation of her foal through ingestion of colostrum.
  • (1) The mare must be exposed to a red cell factor, the antigen,
  • (4) The mare must make colostrum, which contains these antibodies.
  • " a" is not listed under the system, the mare does not have that factor and is considered a higher
  • occurs in the breed and thus stallions to which the mare may be bred have the factor.
  • Theoretically, any factor lacked by the mare and present in the foal and stallion can be a problem,
  • If a mare is known to be at risk either based on knowledge
  • antibodies during the last month of gestation or her colostrum can be tested against the foal's or stallion's red
  • If antibody is detected before ingestion of colostrum, the foal can be prevented from ingesting the "
  [Abstract]
• Foaling Management - http://www.gaitedhorses.net/FoalingManagement2.htm
  
  • The Foaling Mare Management Guidelines
  • This "first milk" is called colostrum.
  • foal relies on the absorption of antibodies from the mare's colostrum for this early life protection from many
  • The colostrum also provides a mild laxative effect for the foal,
  • not stood and nurses within 3 to 6 hours, milk some colostrum from the mare and bottle feed the baby.
  • several days) may loose large amounts of the vital colostrum.
  • If the foal cannot receive colostrum from the dam, because of complications from the
  • birth, the mare not bagging or the loss of the colostrum prior to foaling
  • the foal MUST be given an alternative source of colostrum.
  • Colostrum can be collected from mares and stored by freezing
  [Abstract]
• Crossmatch: NI - http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/popmed/clinpath/CPmodules/coags/mrefoal.htm
  
  • Mare-foal Incompatibility
  • The mare-foal incompatibility test is a crossmatch procedure
  • that looks for incompatibility between the mare and the foal.
  • mare serum
  • (or colostrum) to
  • The mare-foal incompatibility crossmatch is a test for the confirmation
  • The mare is sensitized to the blood group antigen of the stallion
  • which the foal's blood comes into contact with the mare's circulation during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
  • multiparous mares and only after the foal has ingested colostrum.
  • When the foal ingests colostrum containing antibodies from the mare against the sire's
  [Abstract]
• The Mare Owners Resource - Care of the New Born foal - http://www.stallionsdirect.com/mares/care_of_the_newborn_foal.html
  
  • The Mare Owners Resource - Care of the New Born foal
  • For Mare Owners
  • Inside the mare, it is protected from viruses and bacteria.
  • The condition of the mare is the most influential factor in this risk zone.
  • delay in ingestion of colostrum (within 2 hours of birth)
  • to check everything over and inspect both the mare and foal
  • Clean the mare off as soon as the delivery is complete, especially
  • Make sure the foal gets colostrum
  • If the foal has not suckled from the mare within an hour of feeding but wants to, draw
  • colostrum off the mare and give it to the foal.
  [Abstract]
• RD17210: BREEDING & STUD MANAGEMENT - http://users.aber.ac.uk/infoman/wirs/exam98/semester1/rd17210.html
  
  • On what day during a mare's oestrous cycle should you aim to cover her?
  • Give three methods of detecting pregnancy in the mare.
  • of pregnancy should you consider increasing the mare's nutrient intake? Give reasons for your choice.
  • If the placenta of a mare is partly retained after birth what should be done
  • What is colostrum? Name its functions.
  • important to monitor the body condition of a brood mare?
  [Abstract]
• BIOQUAL INC. - Lyphomune IgG, Products - http://www.bioqual.com/lyphomune.htm
  
  • protection by its mother's first milk, or colostrum, which is rich in maternal antibodies.
  • nurse or which are rejected by the mare after birth often become immunodeficient,
  • Other causes of FPT include premature lactation by the mare, abnormally low or no immunoglobulin
  • content in the mare's colostrum, maternal infection, mare
  • Administration of colostrum is desirable in these cases.
  • However, IgG-rich colostrum is generally not available and is
  • IgG levels comparable to levels observed following colostrum ingestion.
  [Abstract]
• Veterinary Corner - http://www.horse-previews.com/699articles/0699vetcorner.html
  
  • They expect that the mare will give birth in the middle of the night and they
  • up to find a healthy foal nursing on a contented mare.
  • immune system and must receive antibodies from the mare's colostrum or another source in order to be able
  • transfer occurs because the foal did not get enough colostrum due to lack of nursing, or because the mare did not
  • produce enough colostrum.
  • Exposure may occur from an infected umbilical stump, a mare that was sick during pregnancy, or simply from ingesting
  • A good program for the mare includes palpation and booster vaccines at 5, 7, and
  • take place in a clean, warm environment, and the mare's udder should be washed prior to nursing.
  • A veterinarian should examine the mare and foal within the first 24 hours after birth.
  • should be checked for adequate passive transfer and the mare should be checked to ensure that she has not experienced
  [Abstract]
• Foaling Mare and Newborn--Preparing for a Safe and Successful Foal Delivery - http://www.aaep.org/ownereducation/foaling_mare.asp
  
  • Foaling Mare and Newborn--Preparing for a Safe and Successful Foal
  • FOALING MARE AND NEWBORN
  • CARING FOR THE FOALING MARE AND NEWBORN
  • If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're
  • Despite your frequent visits to the barn, your mare may give birth the minute you step away.
  • What your mare
  • Allowing the mare to foal in the pasture even has some advantages.
  • You won't have to worry about the mare crowding into a corner or foaling too close to
  • However, many owners prefer to confine the mare to observe her progress.
  • Should you choose to foal your mare in a stall, provide one that is a minimum of 14' x
  [Abstract]
• Foal Kit - http://www.gaitedhorses.net/FoalKit.html
  
  • The tetanus antitoxin, in case the mare's colostrum didn't furnish enough immunity for the
  • IGG, is a commercial substitute for colostrum, from equine serum.
  • to wrap the mare's tail prior to foaling.
  • to wash the mare's hindquarters
  • Disinfectant to clean off the mare's perineum, along with regular exam gloves so
  • cleaning your hands and arms or the foal and mare.
  • be able to call a vet without having to LEAVE the mare!
  • syringes, proper size needle(s) for mare/foal
  • Mare's halter and lead
  • In case the mare must be encouraged to stand.
  [Abstract]
• Equine World, Horse News and Information Source: News Horse Trivia - http://www.equineworld.net/newborn.htm
  
  • Expect the mare to foal approximately 340 days post conception.
  • Mothering by the mare normally helps to clear internal mucous.
  • respond favorably to the mothering instinct of the mare - by shaking its head and flapping its wet ears.
  • start kicking their legs and openly accept the " mare to foal" bond.
  • experiment once standing and stable, moving around the mare looking for its methers teats.
  • The foal should suckle adequate colostrum within 1-2 hours orf birth.
  • foals are slow or refuse to nurse, the first milk (colostrum) must be bottle-fed or stomach tubed if necessary.
  • Check the mares colostrum for quantity, colour (rich yellow), and viscosity (thick).
  • Milk colostrum into the palm of your hand - if the mare allows you!
  • An immunoglobulin test (> 500mg Ig/dl colostrum is desirable) would be very beneficial where the necessary
  [Abstract]
• Breeding articles for conception, mare & foal care - http://www.raineyvalleyfarm.com/stallions/breeding_articles.htm
  
  • Breeding articles for conception, mare & foal care
  • Mare Vetting
  • Mare Care
  • Breeding Your Mare
  • Help Mare to Conceive
  • Prepare Mare for Breeding
  • Mare Exam & Reproductive Anatomy
  • Prebreeding Examination of the Mare
  • Barren Mare Issues
  • Mare Conception & Infertility
  [Abstract]
• Vet Rap Articles: Foaling - http://www.equiresource.com/vetrap/foal_ermerg.htm
  
  • Foal wanders away from the mare or in unaware of the mare in the stall.
  • looking at the foal, don't forget that the mare can give you an indication that the foal is
  • infection early in its life, it must ingest colostrum (first milk) which contains the antibodies
  • Premature lactation (loss of colostrum before birth).
  • Inadequate colostrum production by the mare or poor colostral
  • may be capable of absorption, but colostrum may not have formed.
  • do you tell if the foal got a good quality colostrum and an adequate amount?
  • If the mare dripped milk for any appreciable time before
  • foaling, assume that she has lost her colostrum.
  • If the mare doesn't drip milk before foaling, collect
  [Abstract]
• First Milk - Colostrum, from the ERC - http://www.erc.on.ca/colostrum.htm
  
  • First Milk - Colostrum, from the ERC
  • All foals require " first milk" or colostrum for protection against disease.
  • In cases such as an uncooperative mare, a weak foal, twins, incompatible blood types,
  • a pre-lactating or older mare, you may need an immediate source of colostrum for
  • The following are some tips for colostrum collection and banking.
  • IgG (immunoglobulin G) is transferred from the mare to the foal via the colostrum and provides the
  • The concentration of IgG in colostrum declines to a critical level of 10g/litre at different
  • perhaps sooner, but some mares may have IgG in their colostrum up to 19 hours.
  • To err on the side of safety, collect colostrum for banking within 4-6 hours of foaling.
  • Mares that pre-lactate or drip colostrum for several days before foaling should be milked
  [Abstract]
• Horse Talk (UK) Home Page - http://members.aol.com/arfryn1/HorseTalk/feedfoal.htm
  
  • of the foal is the responsibility of the mare whose feeding management has been described.
  • Overall, it is beneficial to have the mare in good condition at the onset of lactation.
  • The first milk or colostrum contains a lot of protein.
  • The foal depends on this maternal colostrum for the acquisition of certain proteins (immunoglobulins)
  • If the foal does not receive colostrum during this period then it will be susceptible
  • 17 and 19% to between 2 and 3% in normal mare' s milk.
  • rise in the quantity of milk produced by the mare and this ensures that the foal receives a high
  • Normal mare' s milk is high in carbohydrate and
  • Colostrum Deprivation
  • Some maiden mare' s may be reluctant to stand still to
  [Abstract]
• Tip of the Month - http://www.buenavistafarm.com/tip_month_1-1.asp
  
  • The Easy Way To Milk A Mare
  • many important reasons why you may need to milk your mare.
  • earlier the newborn foal receives the first milk (colostrum) the more protected he will be against infections.
  • Thus many breeding farms will milk the colostrum from the mares as soon as the baby is born and feed
  • The baby gets his colostrum without problems and the handler can go back to bed.
  • Another reason for collecting milk is to freeze colostrum for later use form a good producing mare (most breeding
  • operations will have a colostrum bank in case they foal a mare that does not produce
  • adequate colostrum), or to save colostrum form a mare that is dripping
  • Anyone who has ever milked a mare knows that it can be hard labor.
  • Mare's teats are small and difficult to reach.
  [Abstract]
• My mare in foal to Virgil had a disasterous foaling... - http://www.warmbloods.net/trak2a/_disc4/000002d8.htm
  
  • My mare in foal to Virgil had a disasterous foaling.
  • I milked 1 gallon of colostrum from the mare and got it into the foal.
  • are feeding her goats milk every hours and have a mare at the stable that will let her nurse some.
  [Abstract]
• horse breeding - health information for young foals at HorseIT.com - http://www.horseit.com/en/breeding/
  
  • Successfully Foaling Your Mare At Home -
  • want to breed a foal from your mare, it might seem logical to pick the
  • This is a Palatable liquid colostrum feed for newborn foals.
  [Abstract]
• neonatalfoalcare - http://horsecla.hostme.com/neonatalfoalcare.html
  
  • stand back and allow the mare and foal to bond and establish their
  • Intrauterine antibodies are not provided to the foal by the mare
  • through the mare's thick placenta and into the foal's bloodstream.
  • her first milk, the colostrum.
  • The colostrum, however, is available
  • Ingestion of colostrum is therefore the
  • the foal receive colostrum during the first twelve hours of life to
  • The process by which antibodies are passed from mare to foal is called
  • the colostrum, the foal is unable to absorb and use them.
  • Antibodies against certain diseases will be present in the mare's
  [Abstract]
• Stallings Paint Horses: Breeding and Foaling Index - http://www.stallingspainthorses.com/breedingandfoalinformationindex.html
  
  • Foal Nurse Mare Farms
  • Synthetic Colostrum
  • Broodmare's Estrous Cycle Primer
  • Regulating the Mare's Estrus Cycle
  [Abstract]
• BIOQUAL INC. - Lyphomune IgG, Products - http://www.diagnon.com/lyphomune.htm
  
  • protection by its mother's first milk, or colostrum, which is rich in maternal antibodies.
  • nurse or which are rejected by the mare after birth often become immunodeficient,
  • Other causes of FPT include premature lactation by the mare, abnormally low or no immunoglobulin
  • content in the mare's colostrum, maternal infection, mare
  • Administration of colostrum is desirable in these cases.
  • However, IgG-rich colostrum is generally not available and is
  • IgG levels comparable to levels observed following colostrum ingestion.
  [Abstract]
• Managing Your Pregnant Mare and Her Foal, EC 1476 - http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/ec/ec1476/ec1476.html
  
  • Managing Your Pregnant Mare and Her Foal, EC 1476
  • Managing Your Pregnant Mare and Her Foal
  • Managing Your Pregnant Mare
  • After-foaling mare care
  • Proper mare management is essential to ensure the birth
  • To breed efficiently, your mare must be in proper body condition.
  • To provide the best protection for your mare and her foal, follow your veterinarian's recommended
  • Deworm your mare every 2 months throughout pregnancy except
  • Do not give your mare unnecessary drugs during the first 60 days, nor during
  • Keep your mare in a consistent body condition rather than
  [Abstract]
• Colostrum - Liquid Gold - http://mcdowell.ces.state.nc.us/newsletters/horse/97-11/4.shtml
  
  • Colostrum - Liquid Gold
  • COLOSTRUM- LIQUID GOLD
  • and does not allow passage of antibodies from the mare to the foal fetus.
  • basically no protection from infection, and rely on the mare's first milk, the colostrum, to provide immunoglobulins.
  • When the mare is greater than 10 days away from foaling, the milk that
  • This is the colostrum, which is very high in IgG concentrations,
  • This is the accumulation of dried beads of colostrum at the end of the teat.
  • of twins, or for reasons unknown, will lose their colostrum from the udder as it is formed.
  • This can mean disaster because colostrum is made only once, and if it leaks out of the udder
  • If you notice that your mare is leaking excessive amount of milk from the udder
  [Abstract]
• DVM's Equine Practice Builder " Induction of Parturition" - http://www.dvmnewsmagazine.com/hreqpb01a.html
  
  • Careful consideration should be given to appropriate mare candidates before induction of parturition takes
  • parturition that mimics spontaneous parturition in the mare is likely to be of most benefit to the foal.
  • the aim is to induce the mare on the afternoon of the evening she would otherwise
  • similar endocrine events in pending labor of the mare with respect to other species.
  • levels, may induce changes in connective tissue of the mare, thereby relaxing ligamentous structures of the caudal
  • percent, depending on the breed and parity of the mare.
  • Compromised mare: If the mare has a medical illness, or has experienced
  • -- concommitant mare compromise;
  • is the critical factor; the aim is to induce the mare to foal on the afternoon of the evening she would
  • The mare's cervix is soft and easily dilated.
  [Abstract]
• Equine Veterinary Services, scheduling page - http://www.rodeheaverdvm.com/foals.html
  
  • Vaccinate the mare at 5, 7, 9 months to reduce risk of abortion
  • Mare should reside on farm approximately 2 months prior
  • Vaccinate to increase antibody levels in colostrum (mare’s first milk) (4-6 weeks prior to foaling)
  • Observation is important, monitor mare at least every 2 hours
  • Closely monitor the late-term pregnant mare for any signs of illness
  • relaxation and elongation of the mare's external features
  • Wrap mare’s tail
  • Wash mare’s hindquarters - rinse
  • Observe quietly without disturbing mare
  • Do not pull if mare is making progress
  [Abstract]
• FoalWatch - http://www.chemetrics.com/Products/Foal.html
  
  • , et al, "Daytime Foaling Management of the Mare: 1: Pre-Foaling Mammary Secretions Testing",
  • , et al, "Daytime Foaling Management of the Mare: 2: Induction of Parturition",
  • , "Pre-foaling Management of the Mare and Induction of Parturition",
  • , "Management of the Foaling Mare: Prefoaling Considerations",
  • , "Management of the Foaling Mare: Prefoaling Readiness for Birth and Inducing Foaling",
  • test measures the concentration of calcium in the mare's colostrum, which rises sharply before birth.
  • begin testing once or twice a day about 2 weeks before the mare's expected foaling date.
  • and call it "convenient, reliable and safe for the mare, foal, producer, and veterinarian alike.
  • test ampoules, a test tube for collecting mare's milk, a bottle of distilled water, syringe, sample
  • Sampling and testing should begin 10-14 days before the mare's expected foaling date (335-340 days from her last breeding
  [Abstract]
• Breeding a Mare and raising a Foal - http://www.silvercreekfarm.com/breedmar.shtml
  
  • Breeding a Mare and raising a Foal
  • " Breeding a Mare"
  • Breeding a mare
  • Breeding a mare and raising a foal is something many dream of.
  • Before you consider breeding your mare, take a good hard look at her.
  • Once you determine that your mare is of a suitable quality to breed, look at her attitude
  • Although your foal will get half of his genes from the mare and half from the stallion, the foal stays with the
  • mare for three to six months and so will pick up more habits
  • from the mare.
  • This means if you have an aggressive mare, or one that is aggressive toward other horses, your
  [Abstract]
• AS-488 - http://persephone.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/AS/AS-488.html
  
  • energetic, it is best to stand back and allow the mare and foal to bond and establish their relationship.
  • Intrauterine antibodies are not provided to the foal by the mare during gestation\(miprotective antibodies are too large
  • to pass through the mare's thick placenta and into the foal's bloodstream.
  • only through the antibodies in her first milk, the colostrum.
  • The colostrum, however, is available for only forty-eight hours after
  • Ingestion of colostrum is therefore the most critical factor influencing the
  • reason, it is extremely important that the foal receive colostrum during the first twelve hours of life to receive the
  • The process by which antibodies are passed from mare to foal is called passive transfer.
  • though the antibodies are readily available in the colostrum, the foal is unable to absorb and use them.
  • Antibodies against certain diseases will be present in the mare's colostrum if she is vaccinated with booster injections
  [Abstract]
• BREEDING and Foal Products - http://www.cavalor.com/vitamex/Cavalor.nsf/4c261aafa81d42f1c12567a9003fde4e/9260...
  
  • develop problems with respect to the absorption of colostrum, mare's milk, digestion, infections and growth.
  • In addition, good colostrum preparations and a high-grade mare's milk replacer
  • Cavalor has essential colostrum products (it is
  [Abstract]
• Theresa Jones : Foaling Advice 10 - http://horseforum.com/tjones/adv12.htm
  
  • Hi, I recently bought a 13 year old QH mare who is due in a month.
  • I bought her to be used as a brood mare, but I want to do what's fair and healthy for her.
  • If you bought the mare to be a brood mare, then by all means, breed her back.
  • I wrote you last week on my mare that had blood coming from her teats.
  • vet didn't seem real familiar with a supplement for colostrum.
  • I had seen a site that sold colostrum, but I can't find it again.
  • It doesn't sound to me like the mare will wait another three weeks to foal--it sounds like
  • I'd be willing to bet that your mare's milk will come in just fine.
  • doesn't, there are several commercial preparations of colostrum replacement that your vet can get.
  • Also, if worse comes to worse and your mare doesn't have milk, the foal can be given a blood or
  [Abstract]
• The Draft Horse Journal Veterinary Column: Doc - What About Selenium, Vitamin E, and Fat In the Diet of the Draft Horse? - http://www.drafthorsejournal.com/vetcolumns/winter00_01/winter00_01.htm
  
  • (EDM) and some reproductive disorders of the mare and stallion.
  • inadequate intake of vitamin E and selenium by the mare during pregnancy or during lactation.
  • In the pregnant mare, selenium is transferred across the placenta.
  • Both E and selenium are secreted into the mare' s milk and colostrum.
  • The mare' s milk and colostrum can be very high in
  • both, providing the mare has had an adequate intake.
  • Vitamin E must come in the colostrum and the first milk for it to be effective to the
  • any benefit of supplementing the diet of the mare or stallion with these products to enhance their
  • Could a lack of selenium in the mare cause the same conditions?
  • The afflicted mare would begin to sweat and then lie down.
  [Abstract]

  Abstracts

  Contains 73 items.

  • Alberta Horse Industry News: Alberta Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry - http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/livestock/horses/news0498.html
    
    • Abstract:
      Document Excerpt: Alberta Horse Industry News Alberta Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry. Alberta Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry. The Alberta Equine Industry Development Council the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association and the Wild Rose Equine Ranching Association are operating a Nurse Mare and Colostrum Registry. Mare owners losing a foal are encouraged to contact the registry within four days of losing the foal so that the mare will remain lactating when the orphaned foal is put on the mare. This information is maintained by Sylvia Schneider at Pondside Web Productions in conjunction with the Horse Industry Section of Alberta Agriculture. Top of Document The user of this information agrees to the terms and conditions in the copyright and disclaimer Copyright C 1999-2000 Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Alberta.
    [Contents]
  • Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals - http://members.aol.com/mpsvet/cvec/news.html
    
    • Abstract:
      Document Excerpt: Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals. Newsletter of the Month February 1998 You are visitor number to this page Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals The following are some excerpts related to the condition known as Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals. This condition results from inadequate production of a antibody enriched colostrum by the mare. The foal's own immune system 90 of the time is fully functional but requires 2 weeks to produce an adequate immune response to the pathogens to which it is exposed. When the foal nurses within the first hour or two of life it ingests the antibody rich colostrum this is termed passive transfer of antibodies'For the first 24 hours of life the foal's intestinal tract is open that is to say the intestines have openings microscopic in size but large enough to allow the passage of these relatively large macromolecules known as antibodies. Reasons for a lack of colostrum include Tall fescue toxicosis premature birth placentitis an anorexic or poor mare and maiden mares mares giving birth for the first time to name a few. The results of failure of passive transfer FPT can be devastating to the foal's survival. FPT if allowed to go untreated can result in neonatal septicemia joint ill navel ill pneumonia enterocolitis and other potentially moribund conditions. To determine whether or not a foal is exhibiting failure of passive transfer fpt a simple blood test can be performed. Most horse enthusiasts involved in the breeding of mares will typically have a veterinarian out to check the foal 12 to 24 hrs after its birth. Typically a foal check performed by the veterinarians at our clinic include a complete physical exam of the foal and mare administration of an antibiotic such as penicillin an injection of calphosan a mineral supplement and a tetanus antitoxin to the foal and administration of a tetanus vaccination to the mare. At this time it is also paramount for the veterinarian to check the mare's mammary gland development for adequate milk production as well as to ask the owner of the mare as to the fact of whether or not the mare leaked milk prior to the birth. At CVEC we use an ELISA test called CITE Foal IgG manufactured by IDEXX. This test can be run at our laboratory and results are obtained within 30 minutes of the start of the test. Treatment of failure of passive transfer in foals can be very easy economical and successful if it is diagnosed within 24 36 hours post partum. Alternatively if a frozen colostral bank is accessible frozen colostrum can be thawed and fed per nasogastric tube to the foal with varying results. For foal's in which FPT is diagnosed greater than 36 to 48 hrs post partum a different and more aggressive treatment regimen is instituted. The area over the jugular vein is clipped and a surgical prepped applied. The intravenous infusion is started at a very slow rate for the first 15 minutes this is necessary due to the fact that the plasma is of equine origin and if administered too rapidly at the start an anaphylactic reaction can occur. Intravenous plasma can be augmented with administration of a product called Endoserum. This product is administered intravenously diluted in a larger volume of Lactated Ringer's solution at a dose of 7 ml per pound of body weight. Failure of passive transfer in foals is a condition that can be devastating to the equine reproductive industry if allowed to go undiagnosed and untreated. It is imperative that horse owners that are interested in breeding be aware of the normal and abnormal conditions found in foals and mares in the post partum period. Next month we will look at the normal and abnormal conditions associated with breeding Stay tuned If you have any questions or comments regarding this months newsletter please email us by clicking here home tour the clinic staff links newsletter email.
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  • Sale Horses from New Mexico - http://www.horse-talk.com/horsetalk12.htm
    
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      Document Excerpt: Sale Horses from New Mexico. New Mexico Horse Directory Shop Horse Talk Colostrum Lozenge Giddap Sandia Soaps New Mexico I Want. Horse Activities Clubs and Organizations Advertise Web Site Design Arts Crafts Barns Fencing Boarding Day or Month Bulletin Board NM Sites Fly Trap Alternative Health Horse and Rider Employment Publications Horse Properties Sale Horses Services Stallions Supplies Tack New and Used Trail Riding Lessons Trainers Trucks Trailers Vacation Spots Register Your New Site on the Internet Share A Link Out of State General Links Breed Links Ranches Farms Home Page Visit us at Home Sale Horses from New Mexico. Post Here If you have a horse for sale you might want to visit our I Want Page Appendix Quarter horse Estancia Valley 5 year old maiden mare started on barrels. for 3000.00 2 14 01 Appendix Quarter horse Estancia Valley 6 year old Bay gelding trained in jumping stands 16 hands has potential to be a barrel horse or maybe a roper.Ridden mostly by a 15 year old girl. asking 6000.00 or best offer Contact name Fred or Jamie Phone 384-5458 or 384-4461 e-mail WERZAMORAS@aol.com 2 14 01 Welsh pony Estancia Valley Black little mare rides well vet aged at 14 or 15 years old stands to trim must sale 500.00 firm send your number I will call you back Contact name Ireta e-mail WERZAMORAS@AOL.COM 2 14 01 palamino Estancia Valley Gelding stands 15 hands trailer well sound good to trim possible kids horse has a lot of potential 9 years old must sale 1500.00 obo Contact name Ireta e-mail WERZAMORAS@AOL.COM 2 14 01 Saddlebred gelding Estancia Valley 7 year old sorrel gelding. Well started in dressage likes to jump trailers happily. Contact name Sandy Phone 384-9656 e-mail finley@flash.net 2 13 01 AQHA Portales 15 year old registered gelding. 2 13 01 Big 16h Good-looking Buckskin Gelding for sale. Contact Dave at 471-3515 or email at timberstud@aol.com 2 13 01 1 2 Arab Deming 13yr old gelding sorrel. 2 13 01 Arabian Santa Fe Purebred Registered Polish Arabian mare.14 yrs. 1000.00 2 8 01 Half Tennessee Walker Arabian Santa Fe We have a handsome 7 month old spotted colt out of an Arabian mare by a 16h. He is eligable for TRIPLE registration with the Spotted Saddle Horse Assoc. Contact name Michael or Barbara 4500.00 2 8 01 Tennessee Walker Quemado NM TWHBEA registered Breeding Stallion HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL is a black white Tobiano from a long line of champions. 14 yr 13 3 mare novice eventer wannabe jumpers 1st level dressage. red dun hot little number 2 5 01 Quarter Horse colt McIntosh NM This young colt cannot be registered. born this last spring very pretty dark bay will grow off to a good size asking 800.00 obo 2 3 01 Mustang Alamogordo For Sale 1 year old sorrel gelding. 2 3 01 Pinto albuquerque Hunter Jumper Pinto Gelding Albuquerque Indian Outlaw is a 6 yr old 16.1 hd reg. Has many show Champions and Reserve Champions in the Hunters Jumpers. 1800.00 2 1 01 Quarter horse Chimayo 12 year old sound and gentle mare anyone can ride 1100 or best offer must sell Contact name Alex Other horses available. e-mail 2 1 01 Registered Barb Mare For Sale Fourteen years old Blue Corn in color Very nice riding horse extreme endurance the specialty of this breed Has produced several nice offspring. Morgan Sunday January 28 2001 Beautiful and Big 12 yr. petie 87901@yahoo.com 1 27 01 13yo finished head horse bay quiet in box he is the same every trip used by a USTRC 6 roper Back to Doc Bar Ligthting Bar Sugar Bars and Poco Bueno This horse has lots of speed and is quiet and easy to handle He is the kind you can go win on today 7500.00 AQHA yearlings 3 fillies 1 horse colt Cornel Freckles breeding nice sound good looking colts 2000.00 or trade Three yo Rail A Gelding back to Mr. Gunsmoke lots of outside riding using now on wheat pasture cattle 3000.00 I also have several gentle geldings that will be 100 family horses safe sound and gentle. palamino McIntosh NM I must sell my 9 year old gelding he stands 15 hands palamino in color built like a stocky quarter horse make a good kids horse trailers well has been ridden by my kids 1000.00 1 24 01 11 yr 15 2 grey gelding. thoroughbarb@aol.com 1 18 01 4 yr 16hh dark grey gelding fearless but a little bossy physically immature for his age but a great prospect. 2 500 1 18 01 arabian gelding Chimayo 12year old arabian gelding lots of spirit gerat on trails 1500 or best offer also 12year old 1 4 horse mare very gentle good with kids 1400 or best offer call 1 18 01 For Sale 5 yr 15 2 h black QH gelding great temperament. Santa Fe 1 15 01 Paint santa fe I have a large 16.2-3hh paint gelding and I am looking for someone to half lease. 1 15 01 APHA Belen This 3 year old paint gelding is started and is a very good prospect for reinning bulldogging barrels polls or any cow work He has a very good dispition and is willing to do He is 14.5 hands and 1100 lbs is very quick. stands close to 15.3 will sell with a breeding to a good quarter horse stallion asking 3 500.00 obo I live in the Estancia Valley McIntosh NM 1 13 01 Apendix Quarter horses McIntosh N.M. bay stands 15.2 hands rides well has lots of potential asking 3 500.00 obo Contact name [Contents]
    • Colostrum in Mare's Milk - http://www.castlefarm-nc.com/heather/colostrum.html
      
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        Document Excerpt: Colostrum in Mare's Milk What is Colostrum During the last few weeks of pregnancy a mare will start to produce milk for the foal. This milk consists of many components necessary for the foal's survival. Magnesium potassium nitrogen calcium phosphorus and sodium also make up a portion of the mare's milk. However the most important component of the milk colostrum is produced just before the foal is born and for only a few days afterwards. After parturition the foal has nothing to protect it from all the dangers of bacteria and disease. The antibodies that are provided in the colostrum are the foal's first arsenal of defense until it has time to build up antibodies of its own. In order to insure that the foal gets enough of the necessary protectant the mare's owner can take the specific gravity of a sample of the colostrum. Taking the specific gravity allows the owner to make sure that the quality of the colostrum is beneficial to the foal. If the specific gravity is too low then the foal should be supplemented with better colostrum possibly from another mare.
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    • eHow to Rescue a Distressed Foal - http://www.ehow.com/eHow/eHow/0,1053,6062,00.html
      
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        Document Excerpt: eHow to Rescue a Distressed Foal. Terms of Use Home Pet Center Farm Animals eHow to Rescue a Distressed Foal by Jacqueline Tresl RN A foal is sometimes born into jeopardy. Or you may see a foal that looks neglected undernournished or abused. If the mare is nickering at the foal or cleaning and nuzzling it she may be showing she is agreeable to adopting the foal. Call your local police department or contact your humane officer if you believe the foal needs to be rescued. More Resources Related eHows Check a Horse's Digital Pulse Check a Horse's Heart Rate Check the Hydration of a Horse Determine if a Horse Is Sick Rescue a Sick Foal Related Products Search All Products Books Popular Music Classical Music Video DVD Toys Games Electronics Software Tools Hardware Lawn Patio Kitchen Camera Photo Wireless Phones Keywords Project Details Time Required 3 months. The Things You'll Need baby bottle Check Out 15 000 More How-To Solutions in eHow's Centers Automotive Finance Business Hobbies Games Personal Care Style Sports Fitness Careers Education Food Entertainment Holidays Traditions Pets Travel Computers Health Home Garden Relationships Family Home About Us Privacy Terms of Use C 2000 1999 eHow Inc.
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    • The Horse Interactive -- Answerline December 2000: Collecting Colostrum - http://www.thehorse.com/0012/answerline.html
      
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        Document Excerpt: The Horse Interactive Answerline December 2000 Collecting Colostrum. ESSENTIAL HORSE HOME December 2000 Features Index Answerline Home THE SCOOP KNOWLEDGE BANK THI HOME December 2000 ANSWERLINE Collecting Colostrum How can I collect colostrum from a mare and save it for future use and how long can I keep it Colostrum or first milk is the thick yellow secretion from the mammary gland that's present immediately after birth. Produced in the mare's udder during the last two to four weeks of gestation in response to hormonal changes colostrum contains concentrated immunoglobulins antibodies from the mare's serum. Colostrum and its protective antibodies are present in the mare's milk for only the first day after foaling these maternal antibodies are necessary to protect the foal against infectious diseases. But for various reasons a foal might not receive the colostrum it needs The foal is too weak to stand and nurse unassisted. A foal is capable of nursing but does not receive sufficient colostrum because the mare had premature lactation. Testing of the colostrum reveals an inadequate immunoglobulin content. Additionally one might opt to collect colostrum for storage in a colostrum bank as insurance for mares which deliver a foal then don't have sufficient quantity or quality of colostrum. Many large breeding farms collect and store colostrum for these reasons. Grasp the teat between the thumb and forefinger and gently squeeze and force the milk downward within the teat canal the cavity inside the teat No special equipment is required other than clean hands and a clean container in which to collect the colostrum. After the colostrum is collected it can be stored in any freezer for up to a year when frozen at 4 Fahrenheit 20 Celsius Frozen immunoglobins are stable for much longer but the overall quality of the colostrum deteriorates over time. It is preferable to collect colostrum shortly after the healthy foal has nursed the mare for the first time because over time the concentration of immu-noglobulins will be diluted by increasing milk production. It should be noted that if colostrum is stored in a colostrum bank where it might be administered to foals from other mares it is essential to have the colostrum tested prior to freezing for the presence of specific antibodies to equine red blood cell types Aa and Qa. These are the most common blood types that result in a colostrum cross-match abnormality known as neonatal isoerythrolysis NI or jaundiced foal In that situation the anti-Aa or anti-Qa antibodies in the colostrum bind to those specific blood types on the foal's red blood cells thus causing the removal of those antibody-coated red blood cells from the foal's blood circulation and resulting in anemia and jaundice. Testing can be done by several veterinary laboratories around the country at some of the larger referral practices and in the veterinary schools. ACVIM ACVP ACVECC is a Staff Internist Director of Clinical Laboratory at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee a large high-intensity equine referral hospital in Lexington Ky. He is an AAEP member with specialty interest in equine neonatal intensive care and prenatal assessment of the fetus perinatology His Diplomates are in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine American College of Veterinary Pathologists and American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. The Scoop The Essential Horse Knowledge Bank Contact Us Subscribe Advertise 2000 The Horse.
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    • How to Raise a Healthy Foal - http://www.merricks.com/healthyfoal.html
      
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        Document Excerpt: HOW TO RAISE A HEALTHY FOAL Care of the Newborn Foal Attending the Birth of Your Foal Helping Your Foal to Nurse Colostrum Digestive Problems Normal Body Measurements Tips for Bottle Bucket Feeding Good Management Practices ATTENDING THE BIRTH OF YOUR FOAL. Successfully rearing a foal requires lots of time patience and work. Immediate attention to the newborn will increase its chance for survival and development into a healthy foal. If your veterinarian is not present the following suggestions should be helpful Provide a clean birthing area. If necessary umbilical clips or ties are available from your veterinarian and should be placed a few inches from the abdomen. Your veterinarian may also advise using a sterile gauze pad to compress and protect the navel after applying the iodine solution. Consult your veterinarian regarding any antibiotic use and medical treatment for your foal at birth and when signs of disease are present. If the foal does not show interest in nursing after three hours it may need some help and encouragement to get started. In extreme cases greater restraint or tranquilization may be required. If the mare is not producing an adequate supply of milk consult your veterinarian about injections to help increase milk flow. To provide adequate nutrition to the foal mare's milk should be supplemented with Grow-N-Glow Foal Milk Replacer. Consult with your veterinarian before attempting to tube-feed a foal. Since the tube can easily be incorrectly inserted into the foals lungs causing respiratory infections and death tube-feeding must be done only by experienced people. Grow-N-Glow Foal Milk Replacer is highly recommended since calf milk replacer or milk replacer for other animal species will not provide adequate nutrients levels and may result in unbalanced nutrition for the foal. Colostrum contains very high nutrient levels and is a critical source of antibodies or immunoglobulins for the foal. A newborn foal cannot produce sufficient antibodies early in life to protect itself from diseases so it must receive this protection from the mare. Since the mare does not pass antibodies to the foal prior to birth the foal must consume a sufficient amount of colostrum to provide adequate disease protection. More colostrum consumption in early life provides more disease protection. The newborn foal should receive at least 4 6 feedings of colostrum from the mare within the first 12 hours after birth. Naylor and Bell suggest that the foal receive 250 milliliters of colostrum each hour for the first 12 hours after birth. If mare colostrum is not available use a commercial colostrum product for calves. One quart plastic milk containers make ideal storage containers for this purpose. If overeating is the problem it may be necessary to milk the mare by hand or muzzle the foal between nursings. If the foal's body temperature is elevated during diarrhea or if diarrhea persists more than 24 hours it is usually an indication of disease and your veterinarian should be contacted. Strong healthy foals will usually accept bottle feeding readily. Baby bottles with nipples or other bottles with lamb nipples may be used to feed the very young foal. Bottles and buckets should be positioned at the shoulder height of the foal. The mare and foal should also have a shelter from weather and a protected area for feeding. Separation of the mare and foal at weaning should be complete with the mare and foal remaining out of sight and out of hearing distance of each other. Continued occasional nursing will usually result in increased stress for the foal and mare more manage-ment problems with both horses reduced feed intake in the foal and longer re-breeding periods for the mare. Immediate attention to the newborn will increase its chance for survival and development into a healthy foal. The immunoglobulins found in colostrum provide early protection from many diseases. The more colostrum consumed during very early life provides more protection from diseases. Establish a health program with your veterinarian regarding all vaccinations and deworming as well as any antibiotic treatment. Product Info New Products Tech Bulletins About Us Biological Safety Contact Us MERRICK'S INC. Box 620307 Middleton WI 53562-0307 USA 1-608-831-3440 1-800-MER-RICK 637-7425 FAX 1-608-836-8943.
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    • The Teller - Colostrum - http://www.morab.com/teller/tellercolostrum.html
      
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        Document Excerpt: The Teller Colostrum. MORAB HORSE COMMUNITY NETWORK PRESENTS COLOSTRUM THE. FOALS LIFELINE Provided by The MORAB COMMUNITY NETWORK International Morab Breeders'Association. International Morab Registry TM Morab Publishing International. Cable DVM When foaling season is here equine veterinarians who routinely treat and care for foals will be thinking about colostrum-who has it who needs it and where they can get it. To a newborn foal it can mean the difference between life and death To discuss why colostrum is so important I first have to explain about the precarious situation into which a foal is born. We all know that to fight infection healthy people and horses have a functioning immune system that can mount a response in the form of specialized cells that kill invading bacteria. The foal while in the uterus has a bloodstream that is separated from the dam's bloodstream by the placenta which in the horse has six layers. These layers do not allow particles as large as immunoglobulins antibodies to cross so the foal cannot derive antibodies from the mare and is born with little to no circulating antibodies. The newborn foal's immune system is intact and can function but it does not respond to invasion by bacteria as quickly as the immune system of an adult. This slow response or lag time can allow bacteria that the foal encounters in its environment to wreak havoc and create overwhelming infection unless the foal has nursed and absorbed an adequate amount of colostrum. This process is known as waxing because the dripping colostrum is thick and looks like wax dripping from a burning candle. These immunoglobulins gamma globulin is the most prominent will give the foal protection from invading bacteria and will help keep the foal healthy until his own immune system is adequate at about eight-10 weeks of age. But what happens when the foal does not absorb colostrum and what can you do to protect the foal Failure Of Passive Transfer When a foal does not absorb enough colostrum from the mare it is technically called failure of passive transfer-a partial or complete failure of the maternal antibodies being passed from mare to foal. There are a number of reasons for this syndrome to develop The mare does not produce colostrum agalactia or produces low-quality low immunoglobulin level colostrum The mare might wax early and drip the majority of her colostrum before the foal is born or The foal might be too weak to stand and nurse. Any of these causes can leave a foal deficient in immunoglobulin level and more susceptible to infection. A study performed by researcher Michelle LeBlanc DVM at the University of Florida reported that one to two liters of a normal mare's colostrum should be sufficient to give a foal a high level of immunoglobulin-enough to protect the foal from infection. A mare's udder at foaling should be enlarged with colostrum dripping in small quantities. The best sources are large breeding farms large private equine practices and university veterinary hospitals. Equine oral immunoglobulins are available commercially as is commercial intravenous plasma. Intravenous plasma is more expensive but I personally prefer it to boost the immunoglobulins in a newborn foal. After boosting the foal's system with either oral or intravenous immunoglobulins or after the foal has nursed the mare then a commercial milk replacer can be used to supplement or completely feed the foal. Is The Colostrum Good Subjective evaluation of colostrum is acceptable in most cases when evaluating colostrum. Colostrum can be tested using a colostrometer which measures the specific gravity weight of a substance relative to an equivalent volume of water of the colostrum. The specific gravity is directly correlated with immunoglobulin content in the colostrum and should be 1.060 to achieve high levels of immunoglobulins. Measuring the specific gravity of colostrum is even more important when banking colostrum and freezing it for use in foals which are in need. Got Enough Colostrum The best treatment for neonatal failure of passive transfer and subsequent septicemia bacterial infection is prevention. During that examination the foal is evaluated for any birth defects such as a cleft plate entropion rolling in of the eyelids and other potential problems such as broken ribs or difficulty passing the meconium. Also during this time the foal should have its IgG or gamma globulin evaluated by one of several different tests. Although this treatment is expensive 300-400 it can save money in the future by preventing septicemia the treatment for this condition at most equine hospitals can run anywhere from 3 000-6 000 depending on complications that arise Many owners see the use of plasma as an inexpensive safeguard. Furthermore some farms with very valuable foals elect to administer intravenous plasma even if the foal has an acceptable level of immunoglobulins especially if the farm has had problems with diseases such as Rhodococcus equi. Plasma can be purchased that is hyperimmune for that disease and other bacteria. This might be due in part to environmental cleanliness or other risk factors inherent to a particular farm but further discussion is beyond the scope of this article. When Colostrum Is Dangerous There is only one time we do not allow a foal to nurse its dam's colostrum-when it is at risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis NI This is a disease that causes anemia low red blood cell count in the foal and that can be fatal if not detected quickly. This can happen from a previous blood transfusion or exposure to a previous foal's blood during foaling. If her foal has the red blood cell with the offending antigen inherited from the sire for which the mare has produced antibodies then after the foal ingests the colostrum the antibodies will destroy the foal's red blood cells. If a mare is suspected of creating antibodies through risk or from producing previous NI foals then the mare can be tested in her last month of gestation and the determination made through a blood test. Luckily this is not a terribly common disease and if suspected ahead of time the foal is muzzled immediately after birth and fed an alternative source of colostrum or administered oral or intravenous immunoglobulins. 1 Your foal doesn't nurse from the mare because of weakness or musculoskeletal problems that prevent him from standing. If the foal cannot stand due to musculoskeletal problem such as contracted tendons but he wants to nurse and the mare has good quality colostrum then the mare can be milked and the colostrum fed to the foal in a bottle. Then they will get up again to nurse very frequently six to seven times an hour Your veterinarian should be called immediately to evaluate the foal if it cannot stand on its own and referral to an equine hospital might be warranted for treatment. If the udder is very small and does not have any colostrum or milk when you squeeze her teat then she has agalactia lack of milk production This can be caused by many different reasons the most common of which is ingestion of a fungus Acremonium coenophialum that grows on fescue grasses. This fungus also can lead to dystocia due to problems of a thickened placenta and prolonged gestation. These foals often require intensive treatment at an equine clinic as they are weak and usually develop failure of passive transfer with subsequent septicemia bacterial infection which can be fatal. The milk is good because it will sustain and nourish the foal but also is bad because it can encourage the foal's intestine to lose the ability to absorb immunoglobulins. If colostrum is not available then an oral or intravenous source of immunoglobulins should be administered as soon as possible. Storing Colostrum Many large equine breeding farms and equine practices bank or store colostrum for emergencies. Furthermore healthy mares with foals also can have about 200 cc's of colostrum milked and subsequently stored and not risk depleting the foal's supply. If you have a stash of frozen colostrum remember to thaw it slowly in a warm water bath for about one hour Microwaving colostrum will destroy the immunoglobulins thus destroying the most important ingredient Note from editor use plastic containers to collect store freeze and subsequently feed colostrum do not use glass containers. Colostrum Supplements For Horses An inadequate intake of colostrum is termed failure of passive transfer FPT or partial failure of passive transfer PFPT The best treatment for foals at risk for FPT or with confirmed FPT or PFPT is equine colostrum. Other options for treatment of FPT or PFPT are bovine cow colostrum commercial equine colostrum supplements and equine serum or plasma. Oral colostrum or colostrum supplements are only effective as treatment of FPT or PFPT if the foal is less than 24 hours of age ideally less than12 hours of age If equine colostrum is not available bovine colostrum can be used. The antibodies immunoglobulins from bovine colostrum have a short life span in the foal so it is advisable for the veterinarian also to give the foal one to two liters of horse plasma intravenously. Because the concentration of immunoglobulin varies in supplements it is important to administer an adequate quantity of immunoglobulin specifically immunoglobulin G or IgG In colostrum-deprived foals 50-70 grams of IgG given orally are required to raise blood IgG levels above 400 mg dl the generally accepted critical level. That product will increase serum IgG levels in colostrum-deprived foals to approximately 400 mg dl after 60 gm of Lyphomune7 is administered orally. Seramune7 is a concentrated serum product that also is commercially available. In a study at North Carolina State University the recommended dose of one bottle of Seramune7 which contained 10 gm of IgG was unable to raise serum IgG levels above 400 mg dl in foals. The company reports that the product has been improved since the study and now contains approximately 28 gm of IgG per bottle. There currently are no guidelines as to how oral plasma should be administered but it would be logical to divide the treatment and administer it in several smaller doses. Colostrum and colostrum supplements usually are given by the veterinarian using a nasogastric tube stomach tube The foal can be bottle-fed but if the foal is lying down care should be taken to ensure that the liquid does not go into the foal's lungs. The important points to remember are that oral treatment of FPT or PFPT is only effective if the foal is less than 24 hours of age and 2 an adequate amount of immunoglobulin must be given. The foal's blood should be tested six to 12 hours after oral immunoglobulin therapy to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Sally Vivrette DVM PhD DACVIM of North Carolina State University About The Author Christina S. Cable DVM is a 1994 graduate of the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently is a Clinical instructor in the large animal surgery department at Cornell University. Return to RESOURCE CENTRAL Foal IgG What is it and why is it important By Michael A. The immunoglobulin family includes immunoglobulin A IgA immunoglobulin G IgG immunoglobulin M IgM and immunoglobulin E IgE All of the immunoglobulins play a role in the immune system's defense mechanisms or in the case of IgE allergic reactions. Immunoglobulin A is present in high concentrations in secretions on mucosal surfaces and plays a role in the first line of defense from foreign invaders gaining access to the body via these surfaces. The immune system manufactures the im-munoglobulins in response to exposure to a foreign invader. After exposure to a foreign invader such as a specific virus bacteria or toxin produced by an organism a certain type of lymphocyte a type of white blood cell produces the immunoglobulins. There actually are sets of immunoglobulins produced that recognize certain characteristics of the specific foreign invader. These specific immunoglobulins then bind to the foreign invader and in essence mark it for destruction by other components of the immune system. If the body has been exposed to that particular foreign invaderpreviously the immune system already has the specific immunoglobulins floating around in the body. In addition the immune system already has been programed to provide defenses against that particular invader and can more rapidly produce additional immunoglobulins and other defensive mechanisms. For example a vaccine such as the equine influenza vaccine contains the foreign invader. In most vaccines the virus or bacteria has been deactivated or changed in such a way that it can no longer cause the disease but retains the ability to activate the immune system to produce immunoglobulins specifically directed against that foreign invader. This process does two things Stimulates the production of the immunoglobulins effective against that particular invader which places the body in a defensive posture with respect to that disease and Primes the immune system so that a second exposure to the invader either by natural infection or booster vaccination will evoke a quicker and more powerful production of more immunoglobulins specific for that invader. The titer can be useful in determining exposure or infection of an individual horse to a variety of organisms causing equine disease. With most of the diseases a single blood sample is of limited value as the number or titer obtained could be related to vaccination or general exposure to the organism in question but not necessarily indicate infection. If the titer has risen generally two to three times greater than the original sample it is a general indication of active infection and related to the production of immunoglobulins by the body in response to that particular infection. Foal IgG So how does all of the aforementioned information about immunoglobulins relate to foal IgG The foal is born with a functional immune system if all is normal but has a general absence of immunoglobulins to aid in the defense against infection. The foal acquires his initial immunoglobulin protection from the mare's first milk which contains the vital component called colostrum. One of the first acts by a newborn foal that ensures the vital consumption of colostrum is nursing. If your mare becomes restless with people in the stall or the foal becomes irritated leave them alone.If the foal does not stand and nurse within three hours or stands but shows no suckle reflex and or little interest in the mare call your veterinarian immediately to examine the foal. The veterinarian will check for musculoskeletal problems that might be preventing the foal from standing such as contracted tendons or angular or flexural deformities that can make standing nearly impossible. Foals suffering from neonatal maladjustment syndrome also known as dummy foals might not be able to stand or can stand but will wander the stall with little interest in the mare. Make sure your wash your hands thoroughly before checking the suckle reflex or you could be giving your foal a dose of bacteria before he receives the colostrum. The colostrum is loaded with immunoglobulins antibodies that not only nourish the foal but protect him from infection. Although the foal is born with a working immune system before the foal ingests colostrum it essentially is lacking in antibodies to fight infection. The antibodies used to fight off infection for the first four to eight weeks of life will be available in colostrum provided the foal ingests colostrum from the mare and the colostrum is of good quality. Foals must receive colostrum within six to eight hours of birth as their gastrointestinal system can only absorb the immunoglobulins antibodies present within the colostrum during a short window of time-usually not longer than 12 hours after birth. The mare produces colostrum by concentrating antibodies otherwise known as immunoglobulins within the mammary gland shortly before she gives birth. Without adequate colostrum a foal can rapidly succumb to overwhelming infection from a variety of sources. Foals also need the colostrum as nutrition to prevent hypoglycemia low blood sugar Foals have little or no fat stores and need frequent meals. It is extremely important to monitor the mare carefully in the days prior to foaling for the loss of milk any mare which is leaking milk prior to foaling could create a situation where the foal receives inadequate colostrum. If the mare suffers from lack of normal milk production agalactia there also will be a lack of normal colostrum production. The condition often is associated with a mold endophyte produced on fescue grass. It can cause a decrease in milk production or a complete absence of milk production. For those of you who might be seeding a pasture there are commercially available fescue grass seeds that are resistant to the mold that causes this condition. Again careful monitoring of the mare prior to foaling and a knowledge of the type of hay or pasture grass being fed can prevent many foal tragedies related to this condition. Microwaving the colostrum will destroy the beneficial immunoglobulins within the milk. In addition there are commercial products available to supplement IgG in newborn foals orally. ACVIM North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine at the 1998 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention in Baltimore Md. It was demonstrated that when used at the manufacturer's recommended dosage the oral administration of Seramune did not raise the foal's IgG to the target concentration of 800 milligrams per deciliter of blood but did appear to help minimize neonatal infections. It appears that the use of such oral immunoglobulin supplements can be beneficial but more research will be required to evaluate fully the extent of these benefits and to establish adequate administration requirements. These products demonstrate some promise in preventing neonatal infections related to failure of passive transfer. IgG Antibody Determination The main immunoglobulin antibody produced in the colostrum is gamma globulin IgG There are others of course but they are produced in smaller quantities. Veterinarians have developed tests to measure the amount of gamma globulins within the foal's bloodstream to estimate if an adequate quantity of immunoglobulins has been ingested and absorbed by the foal. However some veterinarians like to perform the test when the foal is 12 hours of age and if there is a low level of immunoglobulin then there still is time to administer more colostrum. At 24 hours of age if the level of immunoglobulins is low then the only alternative is intravenous therapy with plasma which has high levels of immunoglobulins to help protect against infection. There are many different types of tests that can estimate the concentration of immunoglobulins within the bloodstream. These tests are an important part of the physical examination of the newborn as low concentrations of immunoglobulins can mean that the foal is at risk of developing infection. Examples of some common test names are the CITE test FoalCheck zinc sulfate turbidity test etc. A more accurate test RID which is highly specific for gamma globulins can be performed however the results take 18-24 hours. If the concentration of immunoglobulins is low depending on the age of the foal at the time of the examination then added colostrum or oral immunoglobulins can be administered. If the foal no longer is able to absorb the immunoglobulins through the gastrointestinal tract then the foal must receive intravenous immunoglobulins through the administration of plasma or whole blood. Failure Of Passive Transfer Failure of passive transfer is a syndrome that occurs when foals fail to absorb adequate colostrum. This can result from the following causes the foal fails to ingest an adequate quantity of colostrum 2 the mare produces colostrum that is lacking in adequate immunoglobulin levels 3 the mare produces normal colostrum but prematurely lactates and thus loses the colostrum or 4 the mare fails to produce any colostrum or milk of any kind agalactia Regardless of the cause this syndrome is thought to be the most common predisposing factor of infection in neonates. This syndrome can be classified as complete failure or more commonly partial failure of passive transfer. If the foal is found to have a low concentration of immunoglobulins then your veterinarian will recommend that the foal be supplemented with plasma if available. Plasma can be purchased commercially and although a bit expensive about 150 for one liter its contents can be lifesaving. Just because a foal is found to have a low immunoglobulin concentration does not mean that the foal will develop septicemia. However the chances are greater for the low foal to develop problems than for a foal with a normal amount of immunoglobulins. It is not uncommon for a foal to be tested at 24 hours of age and found to have a high concentration of immunoglobulins then succumb to infection within the first two weeks of life. If the bacterial challenge number of bacteria is high the foal is more likely to develop septicemia. This will help reduce bacterial numbers and contribute to reducing infection rates on your farm. Careful monitoring of the neonate for any signs of illness weakness loss of interest in nursing swollen joints etc. Foals developing illness can deteriorate very rapidly so early detection of illness and prompt evaluation by your veterinarian can make a significant difference. A swollen or puffy joint should be assumed to be infected until proven otherwise and prompt veterinary evaluation is imperative. Ball DVM is a 1992 graduate of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Ball has completed an internship at the University of Georgia and a residence in large animal medicine at Cornell. Cable DVM is a 1994 graduate of the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently is a resident in large animal surgery at Cornell University. Return to RESOURCE CENTRAL What Is Maternal Antibody Interference By Robert E. New evidence suggests that antibodies given to the foals through colostrum actually are interfering with the vaccines that are given to foals. The whole purpose of a flu vaccination program is to make an animal produce antibodies against several flu strains. The reason is that the first time the newborn foal suckles its mother's milk it ingests a large amount of antibodies contained in that first milk or the colostrum These are the maternal antibodies the newborn's first line of defense against germs. As a part of my doctoral work on the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center influenza team headed by Dr. Tom Chambers we now have new data to suggest that maternal antibodies actually interfere with commercial inactivated influenza vaccines in foals. So the important question is this Just when is the right age to vaccinate foals for influenza The influenza team set out to determine which foal vaccination schedules produced the strongest antibody response to influenza. We analyzed blood samples from a total of 210 foals which were vaccinated at different ages two months three months etc. to determine which schedules caused foals to produce the highest level of antibodies against equine influenza. Initially we thought that by the fourth month there would be no maternal antibodies left to interfere with vaccination. But to our surprise using the recommended two or three doses of vaccine for equine influenza we were still unable to get a good antibody response from foals even when they were eight months old. Why were these foals not responding to their initial flu vaccinations Could the vaccines themselves be faulty or were there maternal antibodies interfering To test whether or not the vaccines were any good we vaccinated two-to three-month old foals from unvaccinated mares which had no antibodies to equine flu. To everybody's surprise these foals did have a good antibody response. This experiment proved that a young foal can respond to the inactivated vaccines and that the maternal antibodies actually do interfere with foal vaccinations for flu. We now are working on figuring out how to overcome the problem of maternal antibody interference in foal vaccinations. Until that time our findings indicate that foals from vaccinated mares should be eight to nine months of age before vaccinating for equine influenza. We also recommend that these foals receive one primary dose of vaccine followed by two booster's one month apart. The hope is that by understand how these maternal antibodies interfere with the foal's immune response to inactivated vaccines we might be able to design a more effective influenza vaccine program for foals. Our research team would like to express our sincere appreciation to the American Quarter Horse Association for its support of this vital research at the University of Kentucky. Return to RESOURCE CENTRAL Colostrum Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Fran Kammerer U C Davis Here at Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at UC Davis we deal with Neonatal Isoerythrolysis cases on a daily basis. Distraught owners and veterinarians call from all over the country with this problem. Because we perform the serum screen for this test we often have these owners asking us once they get a positive diagnosis where to get colostrum for their foals Neonatal Isoerythrolysis consists of a mare producing antibodies against her foal's red blood cells somewhat similar to erthorblastosis fetalis in humans and the only way to avoid it is not allowing the foal to nurse the colostrum from the mare. However this colostrum must be screened for alloantibodies against red blood cells or you might be dealing with the same problem you had originally. If previously exposed to a different blood type by way of previous breeding or blood transfusions which won't be detected if her foal has the same blood type as hers could harm even kill another mare's foal who has an incompatible blood type. Therefore you might consider recommending to people who do store colostrum to separate a small amount 5-10 mls and send it in to a laboratory for alloantibody screening. We routinely do colostrum and serum antibody screening here at VGL along with blood typing and crossmatching. If you have any questions regarding this test or Neonatal Isoerythrolysis please feel free to contact me. All opinions are the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Morab Community Network First Copyright 1996 International Morab Breeders'Association and in specific cases the original.
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    • Equine Blood Typing and Research Laboratory - http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/VetScience/EBT.HTM
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Equine Blood Typing and Research Laboratory. Department of Veterinary Science Equine Parentage Verification and Research Laboratory The Equine Parentage Verification and Research Lab offers a variety of services to horse owners and individual breed registries. The laboratory participates in international comparison tests to assess its accuracy and ability to detect rare bloodtype variants this assures the quality of its results. Our staff are directly accessible to help answer questions regarding sample submission confirm receipt of samples and answer questions regarding parentage problems. Although we maintain an excellent turn around time throughout the year it is advisable to submit samples prior to the very busy months of September to December. The following services are offered by the lab at the University of Kentucky Traditional Bloodtyping Hemolytic Disease Prevention Neonatal Isoerythrolysis DNA Testing Color Testing Research Canine Traditional Bloodtyping Consists of testing blood samples for 7 blood group and 10 biochemical marker systems. Uses of bloodtyping include parentage verification paternity testing identification of individual horses in drug testing cases or cases where horses with similar color and markings may have been switched. Traditional bloodtyping is used by the majority of breed organizations. Bloodtyping consists of testing genetic differences for nearly 40 different factors including red cell antigens and serum proteins. The sample required consists of two tubes of blood one collected in anticoagulant and one serum tube. Red Cell Typing Unlike the relatively simple human ABO system the horse has 7 systems each of which contain a number of specific factors Because of the variety of possible combinations red cell typing is very informative for parentage determination. Our panel of reagents is screened exhaustively for specificity and reliability in our tests. Biochemical Polymorphisms Both serum proteins and red cell proteins are tested for variation polymorphisms by several gel electrophoretic techniques. Ten different systems are tested with these methods and when combined with the results of the red cell laboratory provide a profile of an individual horse that can be compared to the bloodtypes of its sire and dam. When there are no discrepancies between the factors possessed by the sire dam and foal we say that the Parentage Qualifies list of services Hemolytic Disease Prevention Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Hemolytic disease of the newborn also known as neonatal isoerythrolysis NI is a serious problem in newborn foals whose red cell type is incompatible with their dams A foal which inherits a red cell factor from its sire that the dam does not possess is at risk for this condition which results in the destruction of the foal s red cells after the foal is born and nurses the mare s colostrum. However the colostrum is rich in antibodies and in mares that are sensitized to a red cell factor the colostrum can be deadly instead of protective. If antibody levels to one of several high risk factors are elevated it is essential to prevent the foal from nursing its dam's colostrum and provide it with a substitute colostrum. Our NI testing program can prevent this problem by crossmatching stallion and mare bloodtypes or testing serum from the mare 30 or less days before foaling list of services DNA Testing The newest technology in identifying horses is available. One of the newer testing methods available is a DNA-based test using microsatellite marker analysis. The microsatellites amplified from each horses DNA by a special process are run on a electrophoretic gel and analyzed by computer. Just as in bloodtyping the sire dam and offspring must exhibit the correct inheritance pattern for the panel of microsatellites. The test is proving reliable although there is the potential for mutations to cause discrepancies. New methods of DNA testing are in development and may eventually replace the microsatellite-based technique. list of services Color Testing Prediction of color can be important to breeders. We offer 2 tests Tobiano The lab offers testing to determine homozygosity for the Tobiano spotted gene. Since the tobiano color pattern is valued and is dominant horses that possess two copies of the gene homozygous are of special value to breeders as ALL their offspring will inherit the tobiano color pattern. By testing for these proteins we can determine with a high degree of confidence that a horse is homozygous or heterozygous for this gene. E locus The Extension locus is another gene related to color and determines whether a horse has black points as in the bay coat color pattern the mane tail legs and tips of the ears are black The allele responsible for this pattern is designated as E the capital letter indicating it is dominant. For owners of a bay or black horse that want to know if that horse is homozygous for the Extension locus and thus will always have offspring with black points a DNA-based test is available. list of services Research The research lab also has an active research program dedicated to genetic research of the horse. Revenues generated by service contracts help fund important research on genetic diversity of rare breeds development of a genetic map of the horse identification of genetic markers for heritable problems in the horse list of services The lab also offers parentage testing for dogs and conducts research on marker development for canine genetic problems. Gus Cothran Director For contract information requests for blood typing kits or general questions about bloodtyping and DNA testing color testing and questions related to potential research projects. Kathryn Graves For general information about bloodtyping canine parentage cases genetic testing in dogs and NI testing. Dimock Animal Pathology Building University of Kentucky Lexington KY 40546-0076 USA 859 257-1165 859 257-4119 FAX Veterinary Science Home Page UK Equine Research Foundation Home Page College of Agriculture Home Page UK Home Page Return to top.
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    • The Horse Interactive -- Back to Basics March 1999: Colostrum - http://www.thehorse.com/9903/basics.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: The Horse Interactive Back to Basics March 1999 Colostrum. ESSENTIAL HORSE HOME March 1999 Features Index Back to Basics Home THE SCOOP KNOWLEDGE BANK THI HOME March 1999 BACK TO BASICS Colostrum By Christina S. Cable DVM KIM KARI BAKER To a newborn foal colostrum can mean the difference between life and death. Now that foaling season is here equine veterinarians who routinely treat and care for foals will be thinking about colostrum-who has it who needs it and where they can get it. To discuss why colostrum is so important I first have to explain about the precarious situation into which a foal is born. We all know that to fight infection healthy people and horses have a functioning immune system that can mount a response in the form of specialized cells that kill invading bacteria. The foal while in the uterus has a bloodstream that is separated from the dam's bloodstream by the placenta which in the horse has six layers. These layers do not allow particles as large as immunoglobulins antibodies to cross so the foal cannot derive antibodies from the mare and is born with little to no circulating antibodies. The newborn foal's immune system is intact and can function but it does not respond to invasion by bacteria as quickly as the immune system of an adult. This slow response or lag time can allow bacteria that the foal encounters in its environment to wreak havoc and create overwhelming infection unless the foal has nursed and absorbed an adequate amount of colostrum. This process is known as waxing because the dripping colostrum is thick and looks like wax dripping from a burning candle. These immunoglobulins gamma globulin is the most prominent will give the foal protection from invading bacteria and will help keep the foal healthy until his own immune system is adequate at about eight-10 weeks of age. But what happens when the foal does not absorb colostrum and what can you do to protect the foal Failure Of Passive Transfer When a foal does not absorb enough colostrum from the mare it is technically called failure of passive transfer-a partial or complete failure of the maternal antibodies being passed from mare to foal. There are a number of reasons for this syndrome to develop 1 The mare does not produce colostrum agalactia or produces low-quality low immunoglobulin level colostrum 2 the mare might wax early and drip the majority of her colostrum before the foal is born or 3 the foal might be too weak to stand and nurse. Any of these causes can leave a foal deficient in immunoglobulin level and more susceptible to infection. A study performed by researcher Michelle LeBlanc DVM at the University of Florida reported that one to two liters of a normal mare's colostrum should be sufficient to give a foal a high level of immunoglobulin-enough to protect the foal from infection. A mare's udder at foaling should be enlarged with colostrum dripping in small quantities. The best sources are large breeding farms large private equine practices and university veterinary hospitals. Equine oral immunoglobulins are available commercially as is commercial intravenous plasma. Intravenous plasma is more expensive but I personally prefer it to boost the immunoglobulins in a newborn foal. After boosting the foal's system with either oral or intravenous immunoglobulins or after the foal has nursed the mare then a commercial milk replacer can be used to supplement or completely feed the foal. Is The Colostrum Good Subjective evaluation of colostrum is acceptable in most cases when evaluating colostrum. Colostrum can be tested using a colostrometer which measures the specific gravity weight of a substance relative to an equivalent volume of water of the colostrum. The specific gravity is directly correlated with immunoglobulin content in the colostrum and should be 1.060 to achieve high levels of immunoglobulins. Measuring the specific gravity of colostrum is even more important when banking colostrum and freezing it for use in foals which are in need. Got Enough Colostrum The best treatment for neonatal failure of passive transfer and subsequent septicemia bacterial infection is prevention. During that examination the foal is evaluated for any birth defects such as a cleft plate entropion rolling in of the eyelids and other potential problems such as broken ribs or difficulty passing the meconium. Also during this time the foal should have its IgG or gamma globulin evaluated by one of several different tests. Although this treatment is expensive 300-400 it can save money in the future by preventing septicemia the treatment for this condition at most equine hospitals can run anywhere from 3 000-6 000 depending on complications that arise Many owners see the use of plasma as an inexpensive safeguard. Furthermore some farms with very valuable foals elect to administer intravenous plasma even if the foal has an acceptable level of immunoglobulins especially if the farm has had problems with diseases such as Rhodococcus equi Plasma can be purchased that is hyperimmune for that disease and other bacteria. This might be due in part to environmental cleanliness or other risk factors inherent to a particular farm but further discussion is beyond the scope of this article. When Colostrum Is Dangerous There is only one time we do not allow a foal to nurse its dam's colostrum-when it is at risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis NI This is a disease that causes anemia low red blood cell count in the foal and that can be fatal if not detected quickly. This can happen from a previous blood transfusion or exposure to a previous foal's blood during foaling. If her foal has the red blood cell with the offending antigen inherited from the sire for which the mare has produced antibodies then after the foal ingests the colostrum the antibodies will destroy the foal's red blood cells. If a mare is suspected of creating antibodies through risk or from producing previous NI foals then the mare can be tested in her last month of gestation and the determination made through a blood test. Luckily this is not a terribly common disease and if suspected ahead of time the foal is muzzled immediately after birth and fed an alternative source of colostrum or administered oral or intravenous immunoglobulins. 1 Your foal doesn't nurse from the mare because of weakness or musculoskeletal problems that prevent him from standing. If the foal cannot stand due to musculoskeletal problems such as contracted tendons but he wants to nurse and the mare has good quality colostrum then the mare can be milked and the colostrum fed to the foal in a bottle. Then they will get up again to nurse very frequently six to seven times an hour Your veterinarian should be called immediately to evaluate the foal if it cannot stand on its own and referral to an equine hospital might be warranted for treatment. If the udder is very small and does not have any colostrum or milk when you squeeze her teat then she has agalactia lack of milk production This can be caused by many different reasons the most common of which is ingestion of a fungus Acremonium coenophialum that grows on fescue grasses. This fungus also can lead to dystocia due to problems of a thickened placenta and prolonged gestation. These foals often require intensive treatment at an equine clinic as they are weak and usually develop failure of passive transfer with subsequent septicemia bacterial infection which can be fatal. The milk is good because it will sustain and nourish the foal but also is bad because it can encourage the foal's intestine to lose the ability to absorb immunoglobulins. If colostrum is not available then an oral or intravenous source of immunoglobulins should be administered as soon as possible. Storing Colostrum Many large equine breeding farms and equine practices bank or store colostrum for emergencies. Furthermore healthy mares with foals also can have about 200 ccs of colostrum milked and subsequently stored and not risk depleting the foal's supply. If you have a stash of frozen colostrum remember to thaw it slowly in a warm water bath for about one hour Microwaving colostrum will destroy the immunoglobulins thus destroying the most important ingredient Colostrum Supplements For Horses An inadequate intake of colostrum is termed failure of passive transfer FPT or partial failure of passive transfer PFPT The best treatment for foals at risk for FPT or with confirmed FPT or PFPT is equine colostrum. Other options for treatment of FPT or PFPT are bovine cow colostrum commercial equine colostrum supplements and equine serum or plasma. Oral colostrum or colostrum supplements are only effective as treatment of FPT or PFPT if the foal is less than 24 hours of age ideally less than 12 hours of age If equine colostrum is not available bovine colostrum can be used. The antibodies immunoglobulins from bovine colostrum have a short life span in the foal so it is advisable for the veterinarian also to give the foal one to two liters of horse plasma intravenously. Because the concentration of immunoglobulin varies in supplements it is important to administer an adequate quantity of immunoglobulin specifically immunoglobulin G or IgG In colostrum-deprived foals 50-70 grams of IgG given orally are required to raise blood IgG levels above 400 mg dl the generally accepted critical level. That product will increase serum IgG levels in colostrum-deprived foals to approximately 400 mg dl after 60 gm of Lyphomune7 is administered orally. Seramune7 is a concentrated serum product that also is commercially available. In a study at North Carolina State University the recommended dose of one bottle of Seramune7 which contained 10 gm of IgG was unable to raise serum IgG levels above 400 mg dl in foals. The company reports that the product has been improved since the study and now contains approximately 28 gm of IgG per bottle. There currently are no guidelines as to how oral plasma should be administered but it would be logical to divide the treatment and administer it in several smaller doses. Colostrum and colostrum supplements usually are given by the veterinarian using a nasogastric tube stomach tube The foal can be bottle fed but if the foal is lying down care should be taken to ensure that the liquid does not go into the foal's lungs. The important points to remember are that 1 oral treatment of FPT or PFPT is only effective if the foal is less than 24 hours of age and 2 an adequate amount of immunoglobulin must be given. The foal's blood should be tested six to 12 hours after oral immunoglobulin therapy to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Sally Vivrette DVM PhD DACVIM of North Carolina State University About The Author Christina S. Cable DVM is a 1994 graduate of the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently is a Clinical instructor in the large animal surgery department at Cornell University. The Scoop The Essential Horse Knowledge Bank Contact Us Subscribe Advertise 1999 The Horse.
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    • Veterinary Corner - http://www.horse-previews.com/0400articles/vetcorner0400.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Veterinary Corner. from the Vet Corner Archives Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Veterinary Corner 04 00 Colostrum An Essential Ingredient for a Thriving Foal by Frosty Franklin DVM. 1322 Park Road Spokane WA 99212 509 924-6069 Spring has sprung and with it comes the anticipation of the arrival of new foals. When the veterinarian performs one of the many tests available to check and make sure passive transfer has occurred it confirms that all is well. However in some cases the foal does not receive enough colostrum and a failure of passive transfer FPT has occurred. It is in these cases that the importance of colostrum is brought to the forefront. Thus passive transfer of immunoglobulins from mare to foal via colostrum ensures that the newborn will have a line defense until its immune system is up and running. Produced in the mare's udder during the last 2-4 weeks of gestation in response to hormonal changes colostrum is only produced once during the pregnancy. Good quality colostrum is typically sticky thick and yellow though appearance can be misleading and shouldn't be the only factor used to determine whether passive transfer has occurred. The mare will produce approximately 300 ml of colostrum per hour and generally produces 5 liters in the first 18 hours. The most common reason a foal does not receive adequate amounts of colostrum is premature lactation. Other reasons for failure of passive transfer include inadequate immunoglobulin content in the colostrum failure of the foal to nurse and ingest large enough amounts of colostrum and inability of the foal to absorb the colostrum. Other than premature lactation which is easily seen it is very difficult to determine whether the foal has received the immunoglobulins it needs by any means other than a blood test. Using one of many tests available the veterinarian can determine whether the foal has adequate levels of immunoglobulins in their blood. It is important not to wait too long to have your foal checked because if a FPT has happened isolation and or treatment must begin immediately. Guidelines have been established which help the veterinarian and owner determine the best course of treatment. Keep in mind these are only guidelines and other factors like environment overall health of the foal etc. Levels between 200-400mg dl are considered a partial FPT and may or may not require aggressive treatment. The two most common means of replacing lost colostrum are giving colostrum which has been kept at a colostrum bank if available or giving the foal equine plasma. Colostrum can be stored for at least a year when frozen at 4 F 20 C Frozen immunoglobulins are stable for much longer than that but the overall quality of the colostrum deteriorates over time. However in most cases frozen colostrum is not available and an alternative source of immunoglobulin must be used. In most cases adequate passive transfer occurs and an alternative method for giving the foal immunoglobulins isn't necessary. In order to ensure that at risk foal will receive the best substitute for their own mother's colostrum another mare's colostrum we must continue to support our local colostrum bank. You can do this by collecting 200-250ml of colostrum 2-6 hours after birth from your mare after your foal has suckled several times and preferably from the teat opposite that which your foal first nurses. For more information about the colostrum bank and how you can donate please call or visit the Horse Previews website at. http colostrombank or alternatively call Horse Previews at 1-800-326-2223. Thanks for visiting All Contents C 2000 Horse Previews Magazine.
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    • SUSPECTED NI - http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/lvmillon/NI.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: What is NI Neonatal Isoerythrolysis NI is a disease of newborn foals caused when the mare produces antibodies against the foal's red blood cells. This syndrome can occur when the blood type of the mare is different from that of the stallion and the foal inherits a sensitizing red blood cell type from the stallion. Horses have 8 different blood group systems with different factors in each system. Every mare who is negative for these factors has the potential to develop antibodies against them. A mare that has produced a foal with NI is likely to produce others and is a candidate for antibody screening in subsequent pregnancies. Unlike in humans the damaging antibodies produced by the mare do not cross to the foal through the placenta during gestation. Recovery may be spontaneous or the disease may progress to severe anemia and death. The anti-donkey factor Virtually all mule pregnancies present an incompatible blood group match because of species differences between horses and donkeys. Although the alloantigens most commonly associated with the development of NI in horses are known in mules the specific antigenic factors have not been identified. At the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory we routinely screen every sample sent in for antibody testing against a panel of horse and also donkey red blood cells. JFA JFA or Jaundiced Foal Assay is a test recommended by many veterinary textbooks as a solution for the farmer or veterinarian who finds him herself with a possible NI problem and in need of a quick diagnosis. This test is relatively efficient but will only pick up the cases that present a strong agglutination reaction. We have found that some samples positive for antibodies that could lead to NI will not agglutinate at all but the antibodies will be detected with an hemolytic assay. If the lab indicates NI is anticipated to be a problem this alternative colostrum should be given to the newborn foal in place of its dam's colostrum following instructions from a veterinarian. For more information about serodiagnostic services on a mare with a history of NI contact Veterinary Genetics Laboratory NI University of California One Shields Avenue Davis CA 95616-8744 Phone 530 752-9284 FAX 530 752-3556 feelis@ucdavis.edu Back to Horse Genetics VGL Main Page UC Davis Home Page Vet School Home Page VGL Research VGL Horse Services VGL Forms Updated April 19 1999 copyright VGL 1998-99.
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    • Veterinary Corner - http://www.horse-previews.com/597articles/597vetcorner.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Veterinary Corner. from the Vet Corner Archives Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Veterinary Corner 5 97 Immunity in the Foal by Katherine Burnett DVM. 1322 Park Road Spokane WA 99212 509 924-6069 e-mail kburn10681@aol.com The foal is born with an intact immune system all of the cells needed to fight disease are present in the lymph nodes bone marrow thymus and spleen. In order to effectively fight disease however it must live in its environment for a period of time so that its immune system can be primed by exposure to organisms in its environment. The immune system must learn about the organisms in the environment by continuous exposure before it can mount its active immune response. Over time the foal's cells will produce antibodies to specific organisms in order to protect itself from disease. Nature has provided protection during this vulnerable neonatal period by providing passive immunity from the mare. It is common practice to vaccinate mares approximately one month before the birth of the foal in order to boost the immune levels of the colostrum to common diseases. A normal foal has a window of opportunity during the first 12 to 16 hours after birth in which it can absorb these antibodies through its intestinal wall directly into the bloodstream. Some foals especially premature ones lack the ability to absorb colostral antibodies through the intestinal wall. These foals suffer from a condition called failure of passive transfer FPT which leaves them vulnerable to infection. Do not neglect this examination and test even if your foal appears healthy foals with FPT usually do not appear sick and the blood test is the only way to detect this problem. The reason for this is that the passive immunity provided by colostrum blocks the ability of the foal to respond to a vaccine with its own immune system for about three months. At three months of age the effects from the colostrum are waning and vaccination for all common diseases is indicated. Booster vaccinations should be given at four months in order to further reinforce the immune response. Thanks for visiting All Contents C 2000 Horse Previews Magazine.
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    • Teller Glossary - http://www.morab.com/teller/tellerglossary.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Teller Glossary. MORAB HORSE COMMUNITY NETWORK PRESENTS GLOSSARY of EQUINE TERMS Provided by The MORAB COMMUNITY NETWORK International Morab Breeders'Association. International Morab Registry TM Morab Publishing International. acupuncture A centuries-old means of treating an animal or human through the use of needles electrical current or moxibustion heat and herbs to stimulate or realign the body's electrical fields. Adequan Brand name for polysulfated glycosaminoglycan used in the treatment of certain arthritic conditions. adjuvant Carriers used in vaccines to increase immune responces. anestrous Period of sexual quiescence during which there is an absence of observed heat. angular limb deformity A limb that is not conformationaly correct because of developmental problems in the angles of the joints. anhydrosis Inability to sweat in response to work output or increases in body temperature. Most are athletic horses though frequently the condition appears in pastured horses not being ridden. Horses raised in temperate regions and then transported to hot climates are most prone to develop the condition but even acclimated horses can be at risk. Clinical signs include inability to sweat increased respiratory rate elevated body temperature and decreased exercise tolerance. The condition can be reversed if the horse is moved to a more temperate climate. anterior enteritis Acute inflammation of the small intestine producing signs of abdominal distress such as colic and diarrhea. This swelling is a result of inflammation and reactive changes of the front edges of these two bones and adjacent cartilage. If the green osselet does not heal a chronic osselet might develop with a permanent build-up of synovial fluid in the joint and inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule over the damaged area with secondary bone changes following the initial inflammation. arthroscopic surgery Utilizing an arthroscope to perform surgery eliminating the need to open the joint with a large incision in order to view the damaged area. artificial breeding Includes artificial insemination or embryo transfer transplants arytenoid cartilage's Triangular cartilage's in the upper part of the entrance to the larynx. Movements of the arytenoid cartilage's control the diameter of the laryngeal opening. bandage Bandages used on horse's legs are three to six inches wide and are made of a variety of materials. Rundown bandages are used during a race and usually have a pad under the fetlock to avoid injury due to abrasion when the fetlocks sink toward the ground during weight-bearing. A horse may also wear standing bandages thick cotton wraps used during shipping and while in the stall to prevent swelling and or injury. bit A stainless steel rubber or aluminum bar attached to the bridle which fits in the horse's mouth and is one of the means by which a jockey exerts guidance and control. blaze A generic term describing a large white vertical marking on a horse's face. bleeder A horse that bleeds from the lungs when small capillaries that surround the lungs'air sacs alveoli rupture. The medical term is exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage EIPH Blood may be seen coming out of the horse's nostrils known as epistaxis although it is typically discovered by a fiber optic endoscopic examination after exercise. The most common preventative treatment currently available is the use of the diuretic furosemide Lasix Less than one bleeder in 20 shows signs of epistaxis. blister Counter-irritant causing acute inflammation used to increase blood supply blood flow and to promote healing in the leg. Despite aggressive treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs physical therapy and rest horses commonly re-injure the tendon when they go back into competition. Two surgeries are felt to aid horses to come back to racing tendon splitting at the lesion site to release accumulated fluid and blood and superior check ligament desmotomy. The latter surgery is designed to reduce forces on the tendon when the horse returns to training and racing. breakdown When a horse suffers a potentially career-ending injury usually to the leg The horse suffered a breakdown. broken wind Abnormality of the upper or lower respiratory tract causing loss of normal air exchange generally resulting in reduced performance. bucked shins Inflammation of the covering of the bone periosteum of the front surface of the cannon bone to which young horses are particularly susceptible. bursa A sac containing synovial fluid a natural lubricant The purpose is to pad or cushion and thus facilitate motion between soft tissue and bone. bursitis Inflammation in a bursa that results in swelling due to accumulation of synovial fluid. Capped elbow is inflammation of the bursa over the point of elbow olecranon process of the ulna Capped hock is inflammation of the bursa over the point of the hock tuber calcis bute Short for phenylbutazone a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. c alk A projection on the heels of a horseshoe similar to a cleat on the rear shoes of a horse to prevent slipping especially on a wet track. capillary refill time The amount of time it takes for blood to return to capillaries after it has been forced out normally two seconds usually assessed pressing the thumb against the horse's gums. The mane tail and legs are usually variations of coat color except where white markings are present. chiropractic The use of bone alignment to treat specific or general health problems. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Commonly known as COPD a hyper-allergenic response of the respiratory system that involves damage to the lung tissue similar in many ways to human asthma. Affected horses may cough develop a nasal discharge and have a reduced exercise tolerance. Respiratory rate is increased and lung elasticity is diminished. chronic osselet Permanent build-up of synovial fluid in a joint characterized by inflammation and thickening of the joint capsule over the damaged area. combined immunodeficiency disease Congenital defect which prevents the foal from producing sufficient antibodies. compound fracture A fracture where the damaged bone breaks through the skin. condylar fracture A fracture in the lower knobby end condyle of the lower distal end of a long bone such as the cannon bone or humerus upper front limb conformation The physical makeup and bodily proportions of a horse how it is put together. cooling out Restoring a horse to normal temperature usually by walking after it has become overheated during exercise. corticosteroids Hormones that are either naturally produced by the adrenal gland or man-made. They function as anti-inflammatory hormones or hormones that regulate the chemical stability homeostasis of the body. One common misconception is that a horse which has received corticosteroids experiences an increase in its natural abilities and therefore has an unfair advantage. Can be a result of inflammation or irritation to the upper airways pharynx larynx or trachea or may involve the lower airways of the lungs deep cough cow hocks Abnormal conformation in which the points of the hocks turn in. Cracks may extend upwards from the bearing surface of the wall or downwards from the coronary band as the result of a defect in the band. Varying in degrees of severity cracks can result from injuries or concussion. Hooves that are dry and or thin shelly or improperly shod are susceptible to cracking upon concussion. Corrective trimming and shoeing may remedy mild cracks but in severe cases when the crack extends inward to the sensitive laminae more extensive treatment is required such as using screws and wires to stabilize the sides of the crack. cryptorchid A unilateral cryptorchid is a male horse of any age that has one testicle undescended. A bilateral cryptorchid is a male horse of any age that has both testicles undescended. culture A technique for the study of a sample submitted for bacterial analysis. degenerative joint disease DJD Any joint problem that has progressive degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Some of the more common causes include repeated trauma conformation faults blood disease traumatic joint injury subchondral bone defects OCD lesions and excessive intra-articular corticosteroid injections. deworming The use of drugs anthelmintics to kill internal parasites often performed by oral paste or by passing a nasogastric tube into the horse's stomach. distal sesamoidean ligaments Attaches to the bottom of the sesamoid bones passing down and attaching to the long and short pastern bones. This condition can sometimes be managed with equipment such as a figure eight nose band or a tongue tie. In more extreme cases surgery might be required most commonly a myectomy. drugs A variety of biological treatments used to reverse medical problems in the horse. E EE Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis One of several different types of encephalomyelitis that are extremely contagious causing sickness and death in horses by affecting the central nervous system. A fiber optic endoscope is comprised of a long flexible tube that has a series of lenses and light at the end to allow the veterinarian to view and photograph the respiratory system through the airway. Usually treated by surgery to cut the membrane if it impairs respiratory function. epiglottis A triangular-shaped cartilage that lies at the base of the airway just in front of the arytenoid cartilage's which cover the airway during swallowing. epiphysitis An inflammation in the growth plate physis at the ends of the long bones such as the cannon bone Symptoms include swelling tenderness and heat. Although the exact cause is unknown contributing factors seem to be high caloric intake either from grain or a heavily lactating mare and a fast growth rate. estrus heat Associated with ovulation a mare usually is receptive to breeding during estrus. EVA equine viral arteritis A highly contagious disease that is characterized by swelling in the legs of all horses and swelling in the scrotum of stallions. fetlock joint Joint located between the cannon bone and the long pastern bone also referred to as the ankle. furosemide A medication used in the treatment of bleeders commonly known under the trade name Lasix which acts as a diuretic reducing pressure on the capillaries. gastric ulcers Ulceration of a horse's stomach. Often causes symptoms of abdominal distress colic and general unthriftiness. gelding A male horse of any age that has been neutered by having both testicles removed gelded gestation Length of time between ovulation and foal delivery average is considered 340 days. A common beeder technique is to back up 25 days from the date of last breeding to develop the expected delivery date of a foal. girth An elastic and leather band sometimes covered with sheepskin that passes under a horse's belly and is connected to both sides of the saddle. grab a quarter Injury to the back of the hoof or foot caused by a horse stepping on itself usually affects the front foot Being stepped on from behind in the same manner usually affects the back foot. gravel Infection of the hoof resulting from a crack in the white line the border between the insensitive and sensitive laminae An abscess usually forms in the sensitive structures and eventually breaks at the coronet as the result of the infection. The mane tail and legs may be either black or gray unless white markings are present. green osselet An inflammation and swelling in the fetlock joint of young horses particularly on the front of the joints where the cannon and long pastern bones meet. A horse's height is measured in hands and inches from the top of the shoulder withers to the ground e.g. Consists of several parts that play an integral role in supporting the weight of the horse. It is caused by a hereditary genetic defect that disrupts a protein called a sodium ion channel a tiny gateway in the membrane of muscle cells. The mutant gene causing HYPP presently has been identified in the descendants of the Quarter horse Horse Impressive. Rates are 200mg failure of passive transfer 200mg 400mg partial failure of passive transfer 400mg 800mg adequate transfer. IM Abbreviation for intra-muscular an injection given in a muscle where the body circules it rapidly to tissues. IN Abbreviation for Intra-nasal squirting of a biological directly into the nasal passage. IMBA The International Morab Breeders'Association first Morab breeders association. IMR Fourth Morab Registry in the history of the Morab horse and first to register based solely on Arabian and Morgan pedigreed sires and dams. impaction A type of colic caused by a blockage of the intestines by ingested materials constipation Imprinting A process of behavior modification for a new born foal. Based on Conditioned Responses Counter Conditioning Desensitization and Leadership Dominance all used to harness the Flight Response. Methods for permanently shaping the foals lifetime behavior that were developed by Robert M. inferior check ligament A direct continuation of the posterior back ligaments of the knee carpus located below the knee. ischemia Deficiency of blood supply which may be temporary or permanent. joint capsule The structure that comprises the boundary to the joint space. l actic acid Organic acid normally present in muscle tissue produced by anaerobic muscle metabolism as a by-product of exercise. laminitis An inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the foot. There are many factors involved including changes in the blood flow through the capillaries of the foot. Many events can cause laminitis including ingesting toxic levels of grain eating lush grass systemic disease problems high temperature toxemia retained placenta excessive weight-bearing as occurs when the opposite limb is injured and the administration of some drugs. Laminitis usually manifests itself in the front feet develops rapidly and is life-threatening. l igament A band of fibrous tissue connecting bones which serve to support and strengthen joints and to limit the range of motion. The low-energy electrical field created by the magnetic field causes dilation of the blood vessels vasodilation and tissue stimulation. Magnetic therapy may be used on soft tissue to treat such injuries as tendinitis or bony skeletal injuries such as bucked shins. massage Rubbing of various parts of the anatomy to stimulate healing. medial Pertaining to the middle in anatomy nearer the medial plane the horizontal plane that bisects the center metacarpal fracture Usually refers to a fracture of the cannon bone located between the knee and the fetlock joint in the front leg. monorchid A male horse of any age that has only one testicle in his scrotum-the other testicle was either removed or is not descended. Morab A breed of horse first developed by breeding Morgans and Arabians together in the US. MCN Morab Community Network is the grouping of the many Morab companies within one entity for the good of the Morab breed and for the mutual marketing and promotion of the Morab breeders and owners. MPI Morab Publishing International is the company responsible for publishing magazines newsletters books and other material for and about the Morab breed. MSI Morab Shows International is the company responsible for establishing show rules for the Morab breed and co-ordinating those rules through the show world by official sponsorship of individual shows. MSI also underwrites the Official Regional Nation and International show programs. musculoskeletal system Consisting of the bones muscles ligaments tendons and joints of the head vertebral column and limbs together with the associated muscles tendons ligaments and joints. navicular disease Podotrochleosis A degenerative disease that affects the navicular bone small bone in the back of the foot navicular bursa and deep flexor tendon. neurectomy A surgical procedure in which the nerve supply to the navicular area is removed. oiled oiling Administration of mineral oil via nasogastric tube to relieve gas or pass blockage. Preventative procedure commonly used in long van rides to prevent impaction with stomach colic. osteoarthritis A permanent form of arthritis with progressive loss of the articular cartilage in a joint. overo A horse color pattern appearing to be a colored horse with jagged white markings usually originating on the animal's side or belly spreading toward the neck tail legs and back. A horse of Pinto coloration descendant from two solid colored parents of another typically solid colored pure breed is called a crop-out and is of the Overo pattern. paint Counter-irritant used to increase blood supply blood flow and to promote healing in the leg. pastern bones Denotes the area between the fetlock joint and the hoof. periostitis Inflammation of the tissue periosteum that overlies bone. pin firing Thermocautery used to increase blood flow to the leg to promote healing. pinto A horse color requirement predicated on the age of the animal is a total of 15 square inches of underlying pink skin with white hair on the body or certain designated areas of the head i.e. Animals with insufficient qualifying color to be accepted in the regular color division but with at least two or more Pinto characteristics OR solid colored animals with documented and registered pinto-colored sire and or dam may be eligible for registration in the Breeding Stock Division. The Morab falls into the PLEASURE TYPE Pinto described as an animal presented in a natural manner and suitable for 1 general western English and driving events and 2 a variety of other events. The PLEASURE TYPE Pinto should display the conformation associated with Arabian or classic Morgan breeding. It lines the uterine wall partially envelopes the fetus to which it is attached by the umbilical cord. pulled suspensory Suspensory ligament injury suspensory desmitis in which some portion of the fibers of the ligament have been disrupted and some loss of support of the distal limb may have occurred. Department of Agriculture structure used to isolate foreign horses for a short period of time to ensure they are not carrying any diseases. Horses must be cleared by a federal veterinarian before being released from quarantine. ring bone Osteoarthritis of joints between the pastern bones high ring bone or just above the coronet low ring bone roan A horse color pattern where the majority of the coat of the horse is a mixture of red and white hairs or brown and white hairs. roaring laryngeal hemiplegia A whistling sound made by a horse during inhalation while exercising. It is caused by a partial or total paralysis of the nerves controlling the muscles which elevate the arytenoid cartilage's which thereby open the larynx. In severe cases a surgical procedure known as tie-back surgery laryngoplasty is performed in which a suture is inserted through the cartilage to hold it out of the airway permanently. run-out bit A special type of bit to prevent a horse from bearing out or in s addle Generic term used to identify equipment used to seat a person riding a horse. schooling Process of familiarizing a horse with the requirement of a particular discipline. scintigraphy A technique where radio-labeled technetium is injected intravenously into a horse. It is particularly useful diagnostically to localize an area of inflammation in the musculoskeletal system. screw fixation A procedure in which steel-alloy screws are surgically inserted to hold together a fractured bone. sensitive laminae The area of the hoof that contains nerves and vessels. Four common fractures of the sesamoids are apical along the top of the bone abaxial the side of the sesamoid away from the ankle joint mid-body sesamoid broken in half and basilar through the bottom fractures. slab fracture A fracture in a bone in a joint that extends from one articular surface to another. slipped A breeding term meaning spontaneous abortion. The forehead is defined as being above an imaginary line connecting the tops of the eyes. 2 A type of credit a horse receives from the racing secretary if it is excluded from an over-filled race giving it priority in entering future races. strangles A disease caused by the germ-positive bacteria Streptococcus equi. stress fracture A fracture produced by the stress created by a repetitive loading cycle on the bone commonly found in athletic training. strip A white marking running down a horse's face starting under an imaginary line connecting the tops of the eyes. superficial flexor tendon Present in all four legs but injuries most commonly affect the front legs. superior check ligament Fibrous band of tissue that originates above the knee and attaches to the superficial flexor tendon. suspensory ligament Originates at the back of the knee front leg and the back of the top part of the cannon bone hind leg attaching to the sesamoid bones. The lower ligaments that attaches the sesamoid bone to the pastern bones are the distal sesamoidean ligaments. swayback Horse with a prominent concave shape of the backbone usually just behind the withers saddle area Scoliosis. synchronous diaphragmatic flutter A contraction of the diaphragm in synchrony with the heart beat after strenuous exercise. synovial joint A movable joint that consists of articulating bone ends covered by articular cartilage held together with a joint capsule and ligaments and containing synovial fluid in the joint cavity. t easer A male horse used at breeding farms to determine whether a mare is ready to receive a stallion. structure and transmit the forces generated by muscular contraction to the bones. testosterone The male hormone produced in the testes and responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary sex changes. tetanus A disease cause by the bacteria Closstridium tetani. tie-back surgery A procedure laryngoplasty used to suture the arytenoid cartilage out of the airway. tobiano A horse that appears to be white with large spots of color often overlapping on animals with a greater percentage of color. Spots of color typically originate from the head chest flank and buttock often including the tail. It is considered necessary to have a Tobiano parent to achieve a Tobiano foal. toe-in A conformation flaw in which the front of the foot faces in and looks pigeon-toed often causing the leg to swing outward during locomotion paddling toe-out A conformation flaw in which the front of the foot faces out often causing the leg to swing inward during locomotion winging tongue tie Strip of cloth-type material used to stabilize a horse's tongue to prevent it from choking down in a race or workout or to keep the tongue from sliding up over the bit rendering the horse uncontrollable. toxemia A poisoning sometimes due the absorption of bacterial products endotoxins formed at a local source of infection. tubing Inserting a nasogastric tube through a horse's nostril into its stomach for the purpose of providing oral medication. twitch A restraining device usually consisting of a stick with a loop of rope or chain at one end which is placed around a horse's upper lip and twisted releasing endorphins that relax a horse and curb its fractiousness while it is being handled. tying up acute rhabdomyolysis A form of muscle cramps that ranges in severity from mild stiffness to a life-threatening disease. A generalized condition of muscle fiber breakdown usually associated with exercise. Signs include sweating reluctance to move stiffness and general distress. u ltrasound 1 Diagnostic ultrasound A technique which uses ultrasonic waves to image internal structures. 2 Therapeutic ultrasound a therapy to create heat and stimulate healing. V EE Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis A highly contagious disease affecting the central nervous system that can cause illness or death in horses and humans. veterinarian A person trained and authorized to treat animals medically. white line When looking at the sole of the foot the thin area between the insensitive outer hoof wall insensitive laminae and the inner sensitive laminae. wobbler syndrome Neurological disease clinically associated with general incoordination and muscle weakness. Can be caused by an injury to the spinal cord in the area of the cervical neck vertebrae or is associated with malformation of the cervical vertebrae. Different classes of drugs are rotated through out the year to be affective against some classes of paraasites and to avoid resistance build up to one class of drug. Return to RESOURCE CENTRAL All definitions are generally accepted in the industry and only Morab terms were developed by the Morab Community Network.
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    • Horse Health Care - Reproduction, from the Equine Research Centre at Guelph, Ontario, Canada - www.erc.on.ca - http://www.erc.on.ca/health_reproduction.htm
      
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        Document Excerpt: Horse Health Care Reproduction from the Equine Research Centre at Guelph Ontario Canada. Horse Health Care Reproduction Artificial Insemination With Frozen Semen Early Embryonic Mortality EEM First Milk Colostrum Colostrum Nutrition Tips for the Mare and Foal Preparing the Mare for Breeding from EquineCanada The Newborn Foal Don't forget to check out the ERC publications videos and audio tapes especially Technology Industry guide to Stallion Semen Reproduction Planned Parenthood Mare and Foal The Standardbred The Thoroughbred Horse Breeder audiotapes Nutrition The Equine Research Centre site uses frames. To access EquineCanada click here Equine Research Centre 1996.
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    • Electric Library Personal Edition - Results - http://wwws.elibrary.com/id/238/118/search.cgi?form=search&src-mags=checked&src-...
      
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        Document Excerpt: Electric Library Personal Edition Results. Encyclopedia.com Company Sleuth Sports Job Entertainment You asked colostrum And mare. Show results as Detailed Condensed Sort results by Relevancy Date Size Reading Level Title Publication Total results 30 2 20 1 7 0 0 Click here to see major themes and related information. Sanford Maria Louise portrait Her Heritage A Biographical Encyclopedia of Famous American Women McHenry Robert ed. 12-20-1995 Size 38K Relevancy 79 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 7. Tres Mar as Las l s trAs m rE s The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 79 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 10. Walewska Countess Maria m rE v lef sk The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 77 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 7. Maria W rth m rE v rt The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 76 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 6. Puerto de Santa Mar a pwAr tO A s n t m rE The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 76 Date 02-09-2000 Reading Level 0. MARIA BUTYRSKAYA OF RUSSIA PERFORMS HER SHORT PROGRAM FOR EUROPEAN FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS IN VIENNA Reuters News Pictures Service PETR JOSEK 02-09-2000 Size 20K Relevancy 75 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 9. Sacchini Antonio Maria Gasparo nt nyO m rE g sp rO s k-kE nE The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 75 Date 05-21-1999 Reading Level 0. JILL DANDO'S COFFIN IS CARRIED INTO CHURCH IN WESTON SUPER MARE Reuters News Pictures Service PAUL HACKETT 05-21-1999 Size 24K Relevancy 74 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 10. Maria Christina m rE krEstE n 1858-1929 queen of Spain The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 74 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 8. Bucareli y Urs a Antonio Mar a ntO nyO m rE bOOk rA lE E OOrsOO The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 74 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 9. K nigsmark Countess Maria Aurora m rE ourOO r k niksm rk The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 73 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 9. Grimaldi Francesco Maria fr nchAs kO m rE grEm l dE The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 73 Date 01-01-1996 Reading Level 0. Horses Archive Photos 01-01-1996 Size 28K Relevancy 73 Date 11-03-2000 Reading Level 0. BREEDERS CUP FILLY MARE TURF HOPEFUL TROUT CHARMANT ON TRACK Reuters News Pictures Service JOHN SOMMERS 11-03-2000 Size 19K Relevancy 73 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 10. Eguren Jos Mar a hOsA mArE egOO rAn The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 73 Date 02-12-1998 Reading Level 11. livestock birthing and neonatal care Mother Earth News Barnes Elizabeth 02-12-1998 Size 12K Relevancy 73 Date 01-12-2001 Reading Level 6. Mare brings US1.7m The Press Canterbury New Zealand 01-12-2001 Size 1K Relevancy 73 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 11. Malibran Maria Felicit m rE fAlEsEt m lEbr N The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 72 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 9. Crespi Giuseppe Maria jOOzep pA m rE krAs pE The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 72 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 9. Mar a de Molina m rE dA mOlE n The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 72 Date 05-21-1999 Reading Level 0. THE COFFIN OF JILL DANDO IS TAKEN INTO CLARENCE PARK CHURCH IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE Reuters News Pictures Service POOL 05-21-1999 Size 27K Relevancy 72 Date 07-12-1999 Reading Level 0. JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL PLAYS A SHOT FROM THE BUNKER Reuters News Pictures Service PAUL HACKETT 07-12-1999 Size 23K Relevancy 72 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 9. Daun Leopold Joseph Maria Graf von lA Op lt yO zef m rE gr f fun doun The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 72 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 10. Mar a Luisa m rE lOOE s The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 72 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 12. Santa Mar a Domingo dOmEng gO s n t m rE The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 71 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 10. Narv ez Ram n Mar a r mOn m rE n rv eth The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 2K Relevancy 71 Date 05-24-1999 Reading Level 9. Milky ways New Statesman 1996 BEE WILSON 05-24-1999 Size 4K Relevancy 70 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 9. Lemus Jos Mar a hOsA m rE lA moos The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 70 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 10. Maria Feodorovna m rE fy duruvnu The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Relevancy 70 Date 01-01-1993 Reading Level 10. Pereda Jos Mar a de hOsA m rE dA pArA The Columbia Encyclopedia Fifth Edition 01-01-1993 Size 1K Affiliate Program Partnering Advertising Terms Conditions Privacy Policy Customer Service Jobs at Infonautics Electric Library is a service of Infonautics Corporation Copyright C 2000.
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    • G95-1237-A; Feeding and Care of Orphaned Foals - http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/Animals/g1237.htm
      
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        Document Excerpt: G95-1237-A Feeding and Care of Orphaned Foals. G95-1237-A Feeding and Care of Orphaned Foals This publication stresses the importance of care and feeding when foals are orphaned. Kathy Anderson Extension Horse Specialist Last Category Catalog Order Info First 24 Hours Collection and Storage of Colostrum Feeding Program General Care Expected Growth Rate Milk Replacer for Foals Feeding and raising orphaned foals can be an extreme challenge particularly if the foal was orphaned at birth. Intensive management will optimize the foal's survival chances. First 24 Hours The primary concern for foals orphaned at birth must be that the foal has received sufficient amounts of colostrum. Colostrum or a mare's first milk con-tains a high concentration of immunoglobins antibodies to protect the foal from disease and infection. Colostrum is secreted by the mare during the first 24 to 48 hours following parturition. There is no placental transfer of antibodies during pregnancy from mare to fetus thus the foal is born without any protection from disease. Antibodies are acquired by the nursing foal through the colostrum passive transfer to protect the newborn against diseases. Gastrointestinal tract absorption of colostrum begins to decrease after 12 hours with minimal absorption occur-ring 24 hours after birth. Intravenous infusion should be done under veterinary supervision. Plasma may be prepared locally if an acceptable donor horse and equipment are available. Without either colostrum or plasma foals will have insufficient antibody protection and will most likely succumb to infection. Failure of passive transfer FPT is defined as inade-quate level of antibodies or IgG of below 200 mg dl at 24 hours of age. University of Florida studies have shown that foals with total FPT no antibody protection have a 75 percent change of becoming ill. New tests include radio immunodiffusion tests latex agglutination test and enzyme immunoassay tests CITE These various tests all require a small blood sample and are available from veterinarians. Collection and Storage of Colostrum Colostrum can be collected from mares post-foaling when sufficient amounts are present. Large broodmare farms routinely collect colostrum and freeze it to maintain a colostrum bank in cases of emergency. A quantitative measurement of antibody production in colostrum can be obtained by use of a colostrometer Lane Manufacturing The colostrometer measures the specific gravity of a milk sample the higher specific gravity the larger the concentration of immunoglobins. Feeding Program Once sufficient immune protection has been established some type of continued nutritional plan must begin. There are two basic options to provide sufficient nutrition to the orphaned foal use a nurse mare or goat or manually feed the orphaned foal. Most commonly however an intensive manual feeding program is developed. Mare's milk replacers are preferred over milk replacers made for other species. This mixture should be fed to a total volume of 10 percent of the foal's weight at one day of age and increased to 25 percent of the foals body weight from day 10 through weaning. Controlling this involves manipulating the three components of a feeding program 1 amount of milk fed per day 2 dilution rate of the mixture 3 number of feedings offered per day. Another important consideration is the dilution of powdered mare's milk replacer. Mare's milk contains about 10 percent dry matter or 90 water 2 percent protein and 1.3 percent fat. Most milk replacers recommend a dilution rate leading to a much more concentrated milk mixture than what a foal would receive from a mare. More diluted milk replacer solution should be fed to provide the recommended total dry matter intake. Foal neonatal centers are available but can be extremely expensive. All routine vaccinations and deworming must be timely for the orphan to get the greatest benefit. Foals should receive their initial vaccinations for tetanus encephalomyelitis influenza and rhinopneumonitis at 60 days of age with an additional booster four to six weeks later. A continuous daily dewormer is available and could bene-fit many orphans by minimizing parasite infestation. Expected Growth Rate Many believe that orphaned foals are stunted and never reach their genetic growth potential. Recent research has shown orphaned foals under intensive management and health care were smaller and had a slower growth rate than foals suckling mares at 30 days of age. Formulas are to be used for a short period when commercial mare milk replacers are unavailable Formula 1 a 24 oz. pubs@unl.edu Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work Acts of May 8 and June 30 1914 in cooperation with the U.S. Bolen Director of Cooperative Extension University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
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    • Cyberfoal Colostrum Required - http://www.oldstandrews.com.au/~helen/cfcolostrumrequired.htm
      
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        Document Excerpt: Cyberfoal Colostrum Required. Please sign our Guest Book To return to South West Horse click here To visit Cyberfoal.com catering to North American breeders click here Please let us know the outcome if you use this service. Colostrum Required Cyberfoal Australia is a free online service to provide assistance to all breeders. Please Note Cyberfoal Australia is only a central base for information. Unless specified it is the responsibility of each user to contact other users regarding mares foals and colostrum and to negotiate remuneration for services if any Cyberfoal Australia is not responsible for the decisions and or actions taken by those participating in this service. It is strongly advised to consult your veterinarian before making any decisions concerning your mare or foal. and with any other information advice tips references to good articles websites etc that may improve this website. To go back to the Cyberfoal Australia Main Page click here To go back to the South West Horse Main Page click here To email South West Horse or Cyberfoal Australia click here American and Canadian Breeders should try Cyberfoal is under copyright and used by permission to Cyberfoal Australia Photos used are from Vinery Australia at www.vineryaustralia.com.
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    • Llamapaedia: Crias: Colostrum - http://www.llamapaedia.com/crias/colostrum.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Llamapaedia Crias Colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the dam which contains antibodies immunoglobulins which provide crias with immunity passive immunity There is no transfer of immunoglobulins across the placenta and neonatal crias are not capable of producing their own antibodies. They must rely on their passive immunity for the first few weeks of life. A cria who does not receive enough antibodies from the colostrum to protect against disease is said to have Failure of Passive Transfer Llamas have 6 layers of uterine and placental tissue between the dam's blood and the cria's blood epitheliochorial placentation This prevents the transfer of any antibodies from dam to cria before birth. There are several types of immunoglobulins antibodies but IgG is the predominant type of immunoglobulin in llama colostrum. Normal llama milk is higher in fat lower in protein and lactose and has a higher water content than colostrum. Ash content reflects the amount of minerals and is relatively similar between regular milk and colostrum. The colostrum remaining in the udder is subsequently diluted by the production of normal milk after each nursing. This could lead to Failure of Passive Transfer because the new cria receives no colostrum even though it is nursing normally and gaining weight. The cria absorbs the colostral immunoglobulins through the wall of the small intestine without digesting them. The small intestine is only capable of absorbing immunoglobulins in this manner for about 24 hours. The capability of the small intestine to absorb immunoglobulins rapidly decreases from the time of birth until it reaches a negligible ability to absorb by 24 hours after birth. This makes it essential for crias to receive colostrum as early as possible for maximum absorption and maximum passive immunity.
      [Contents]
    • Parasitology - Picture Index for Internal Parasites of the Horse - http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/parasit/horse/horse_picindex.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Parasitology Picture Index for Internal Parasites of the Horse. Equine Internal Parasites. Please click on any of the below images in order to see an enlarged picture. Strongylus westeri in Mare's Colostrum 280K Parascaris equorum egg 283K Ascarid-packed Intestine 325K Bot Fly 277K Horse Stomach with Bot Infestation 276K Anoplacephala perfoiata clustered at the Ileocecal Valve 261K Fatal Peritonitis due to Bots 273K Anoplocephala 279K Anoplocephala egg 272K Intussesception due to Anoplocephala 277K Copyright C 1995 University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Faculty Dr.
      [Contents]
    • The Design of Horse Milk - Dandy Designs - Does God Exist? - MayJun97 - http://www.doesgodexist.org/MayJun97/TheDesignOfHorseMilk.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: The Design of Horse Milk Reproduction systems in living things show incredible complexity and a level of design that defies chance explanation. Not only do the processes of reproduction show design characteristics but frequently there are substances involved that have unique and very specific properties unique to the animal involved. The foal has a unique problem in its development. Without these antibodies the foal is very susceptible to harmful bacteria. The way the foal gets these necessary antibodies is from a substance known as colostrum which the foal receives from the mother's milk. The milk has incredible nutritional value being high in energy proteins mineral and vitamins. During the first hours of a foal's life colostrum will be concentrated at the end of the mare's teats so the foal is given a full compliment of antibodies as early as possible. The uniqueness of each reproductive system argues against chance explanations based on evolutionary theories. We would suggest that design features and substances like colostrum are the result of planning by the Creator.
      [Contents]
    • Colostrum: Collection, Handling & Care - http://www.horse-previews.com/698articles/colostrumcollection.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Colostrum Collection Handling Care. JUNE 1998 BACK ISSUE Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Colostrum Collection Handling Care Colostrum is that all important life giving first milk produced by a mare for her newborn foal. It is rich with antibodies to give her foal passive immunity against the assault of bacteria and viruses waiting for it in its new environment. Mares produce colostrum for approximately two days after foaling with the richest concentration of antibodies in the first 24 hours. She can be milked by a stripping motion of the fingers like milking a cow or a syringe prepared as in last months article in Horse Previews works very well. Collect into a plastic pint container that will freeze easily without risk of cracking. We have a separate freezer in the barn for colostrum so as to protect it from frequent thawing risks. Bottle feed if possible at body temperature 100 degrees F One of the major reasons to require colostrum is when a mare is bred to a stallion with incompatible blood factors and her colostrum contains antibodies against the foal she is carrying. Tennessee Walking Horse breeders are lucky in that the registry supplies them with blood typing cards on their horses. This allows the breeder to have colostrum from another mare available. Submitted by Janet Franklin Reinbeau Ranch Visit the Horse Previews Colostrum Bank Go Back to the Back Issues Go Back to the Horse Previews Home Page This page was last built with Frontier on Wed Jan 17 2001 at 6 28 48 AM. Thanks for visiting All Contents C 2000 Horse Previews Magazine.
      [Contents]
    • Post-foaling Care Of The Mare And Foal - http://www.ag.auburn.edu/dept/ads/ExtPrograms/anr-922.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Post-foaling Care Of The Mare And Foal Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Auburn University Alabama 36849-5612 CIRCULAR ANR-922 POST-FOALING CARE OF THE MARE AND FOAL Cynthia A. McCall Extension Animal Scientist Associate Professor Animal And Dairy Science Most horse owners who have decided to raise a foal from their mare often miss the actual birth of the foal. The average pregnancy length in the mare is 336 to 340 days but horses have a wide variation in pregnancy lengths normal foals have been produced from pregnancies as short as 305 days and as long as 400 days making it difficult for the horse owner to predict the actual date of birth. Fortunately mares seldom experience foaling difficulties and usually require no assistance during foaling. If the foal still does not breathe try rubbing the foal vigorously squeezing its ribs or lifting it about one foot off the ground and dropping it. These procedures usually shock the foal slightly and initiate respiration. Do not cut the umbilical cord immediately after birth because it is thought the foal receives blood from the placenta after birth. Foals with circulatory problems typically seem dumb and may have convulsions leading to the common terms of dummy or wanderer foals for this condition. Bacteria that enter the foal through the umbilical stump cause a systemic infection known by various names such as shigellosis naval ill joint ill or polyarthritis. This infection causes severe illness or death in foals and causes swelling and deformities in the foal's joints. Urine dripping from the stump indicates the fetal urine passage from the bladder to the umbilical the urachus has not closed. If it fails to close in a condition called persistent urachus the foal should be treated by a veterinarian. During the first standing attempts the foal is unsteady and constantly shifting its head neck and feet in an attempt to remain balanced. Lifting the foal on its feet before its legs are strong enough to support it may strain tendons and ligaments and interferes with the bonding process between the mare and foal. Human interference during initial nursing attempts actually may slow the foal's progress in finding the udder and it interferes with the mare-foal bond. Occasionally a young mare or a mare with a swollen sensitive udder will have to be restrained for several nursing sessions before she willingly lets the foal nurse. Keeping the mare tranquilized for a day or two solves most foal rejection problems. Normally gentle well-mannered mares can become very protective and aggressive if they think you are threatening their foal. It is important for the foal to receive colostrum soon after birth because it contains antibodies needed for disease protection during the first few months of the foal's life. These antibodies can be absorbed by the foal's intestinal tract for up to 36 hours after birth but absorptive ability begins decreasing drastically at 12 hours after birth. Therefore it is important that the foal receive colostrum before this time has passed. Your veterinarian can perform a simple test to determine if the foal has received adequate protection from colostrum. This gives you an opportunity to correct potential deficiencies in immunity during the time the foal can absorb antibodies from its intestinal tract. To insure that the mare has high amounts of antibodies in her colostrum vaccinate her approximately 30 days before foaling. If you miss this vaccination time make sure the foal is protected against tetanus by giving it a tetanus antitoxin injection at birth. The tetanus antitoxin is less efficient than immunity from colostrum because it protects the foal for only two to three weeks while its umbilical stump heals. Because the foal's immune system is not mature enough to utilize a tetanus toxoid vaccination until it is three to five months old the foal is unprotected for two and a half to three months if it does not receive protection from the colostrum. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the foal which helps it pass the fetal excrement meconium Most foals pass the meconium within four hours after birth. Constipation can be relieved easily by giving the foal a warm soapy water enema 1 to 2 cups or a prepackaged human mineral oil enema. Foal Health Problems Diarrhea in the newborn foal is not common and may indicate a serious illness in the foal. Immediately consult your veterinarian if your newborn foal develops diarrhea. However mild diarrhea is common in older foals 1 to 2 weeks of age This diarrhea often occurs during the mare's foal heat a fertile heat beginning approximately seven to nine days after foaling and is commonly termed foal heat scours In the past horse breeders thought hormonal changes in the mare's milk during foal heat caused diarrhea in the foal. Recent research has implicated an internal parasite Strongyloides westeri as the true cause of foal heat scours. This parasite is transmitted from the dam to the foal through the mammary gland. However if the foal stops nursing and becomes weak or dehydrated consult your veterinarian immediately. These include knuckling over at the fetlock joint weak pasterns in which the back of the fetlock touches the ground knock knees and crooked legs. If your foal is born with less than straight legs your veterinarian can assess the situation and recommend a treatment. Some foals may be born with hernias defects in the body wall that allow part of the intestines to protrude under the skin Hernias occur most frequently at the naval and scrotal areas. Small hernias often correct themselves with time and larger hernias may require surgical correction. Again this is a situation that your veterinarian should assess and recommend a treatment. This is a condition called entropion and causes tearing and irritation of the eye. If your foal has entropion gently roll the eyelid out and consult your veterinarian for the proper eye ointment or treatment that you can perform. Another infrequent problem in newborn foals is caused by an incompatibility between blood groups of the mare and foal. This condition is known as neonatal isoerythrolysis or jaundice foal Antibodies to the foal's red blood cells are formed by the mare and secreted in her colostrum. If you suspect neonatal isoerythrolysis prevent the foal from consuming colostrum until you can get a veterinarian to test for the condition. You should not interrupt the mare or dry the foal unless it is cold enough to threaten the foal's health because it might interfere with the bonding process. Retained afterbirths can cause colic founder laminitis or septicemia in the mare. Spread the afterbirth on the ground after delivery and examine it carefully to make sure no small pieces have been retained. A normal afterbirth consists of a large sack allantochorion that is a shiny grey-white color on the outside and a velvety red color in the inside a sack that immediately surrounds the foal amnion and the remains of the umbilical cord. A normal afterbirth should weigh about 11 of the foal's birth weight about 10 to 14 pounds for most riding horse breeds A heavy placenta around 20 pounds or one that is bloody in appearance may indicate a uterine infection and the mare should be checked by your veterinarian. A slight watery blood-tinged discharge is fairly common but a thick whitish discharge usually indicates a problem that may require veterinary care. Care of Orphan Foals Orphan foals can result from death of the mare inability of the mare to produce milk or maternal rejection of the foal. If the foal cannot receive its mother's colostrum try to locate frozen colostrum large breeding farms and your veterinarian are good sources Thaw the frozen colostrum at room temperature. Microwaving or heating the colostrum can destroy the protective antibodies in it. In the absence of any colostrum your veterinarian can give the foal a plasma transfusion or an oral colostrum replacer to get antibodies into its system. To transfer the foal disguise its odor by rubbing whiskey linseed oil the foster mother's milk urine or feces or any other liquid with a strong odor on the foal. The nurse mare usually must be restrained or tranquilized for several days until she willingly lets the orphan nurse. You will need an elevated area for the goat to stand during nursing a few bales of hay make a good temporary platform and you should pad the goat's horns to prevent it from hurting the foal. There are several recipes for mare's milk replacer however the commercially available formulas are nutritionally balanced for the foal and easy to mix and use. Waiting several hours between feedings so the foal is hungry often speeds up the learning process. You should quickly and consistently discipline the foal for inappropriate behavior biting kicking shoving rearing directed toward you. Orphans which are bucket-fed or bottle-fed and those nursing a milk goat should be introduced to other horses as soon as possible so they will be develop normal equine social behavior. When either bottle-feeding or bucket feeding foals make sure your feeding equipment is clean and milk does not sour between feedings. Orphans should be offered grain milk replacer pellets and hay after a few days of life. Make sure the foal is protected against tetanus either through the colostrum or by a tetanus antitoxin injection. Make sure the foal passes the meconium and treat constipation or diarrhea promptly. Follow your veterinarian's advice about any limb deformities and hernias. Check the mare for several days after foaling for any sign of reproductive tract infection. To horse owners umfamiliar with raising foals this post-foaling checklist may seem like a large amount of work. However it only takes a few minutes to perform these management procedures and then you can relax and enjoy your new foal knowing that you have done your best to insure its well-being. Return to the Auburn University Animal and Dairy Sciences Horse Extension Home Page.
      [Contents]
    • Foaling Resources - http://www.foalstory.com/resources.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Foaling Resources. Foaling Resources. I do not agree with everything they say for many people do things during foaling because it is tradition and not because there is a valid reason to do so oftentimes tradition ends up being detrimental to your horse's health. Even one of the books I have is technically out of date for I saw an article that the author wrote in which she changed her opinion on post foaling vaccinations because of new research. I've contacted a number of the authors of these articles and they seem quite interested in what I'm doing here so be sure to let them know if you find their articles helpful. I've arranged these chronologically through the foaling process Breeding Mare Management Foaling Out Foal Management Problem Resources General Resources sites where most of these came from Breeding. UC Davis Horse Genetics and Body Color Breedersonline.com Use of Cooled Stallion Semen Let's Not Overproduce Horses Timely Tips Breeding Stallion Care and Breeding Mare Care and Breeding Equine Breeding Information Mare Management. General Five Management Factors for Pregnant Mares The Foaling Mare Management Foaling Wisdom Advice For The Novice The Foaling Mare Late-Summer Broodmare Management Foaling Management Your First Foal Nutrition Nutrition Management of the Pregnant and Lactating Mare Feeding Late Pregnant Mares Maintaining Your Broodmare Broodmare Nutrition Basics Fetal Fetal development Fetal Monitoring Preparation Foal Kit Predicting Foaling Circle J Foaling Date Calculator Foaling Out. Foaling Process Foaling Out Foaling Fundamentals Foaling Protocol Foaling Protocols II Other Foal Form Foal Imprinting Foal Management. Post Birth Newborn Knowledge Post Foaling Foals the Future General How to Safely Manage Growing Foals Nutrition Nutritional Strategies For Managing Growth When Young Horses Aren't Fed Right Weanling Foals Need Quality Protein The Great Balancing Act Feeding Weanlings Feeding Yearlings in Summer Months Creep Feeding Creep Feeding for Horses Creep Feeding Growing Horses Legs Watch Those Limbs Watch Those Limbs Fixing Foal's Crooked Legs Weaning Weaning Strategies Weaning Inspections Health Baby Boosters Weanling and Yearling Parasite Control Foal Protection IgG Problem Resources. Orphan Foals Guide to Nurse Mare Farms Orphan foals Nurse Mares Colostrum Orphan Foals Feeding and Care of Orphaned Foals Orphan foals Nurse Mares Colostrum Premature Foals Guide to Foal Critical Care Units Premature Foals Other Meconium Impactions Post Foaling Problems in Mares Foal Diseases list of articles on foal diseases General Resources. Equerry.com Articles that Educate The Horseman's Advisor Horse Farm Management The Knowledge Bank The Horse Interactive Timely Tips OPTION any of the words all the words the exact phrase SEARCH Have you found a site that you think should be listed here Submit a form or email me.
      [Contents]
    • ANR-922 POST-FOALING CARE OF THE MARE AND FOAL - http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/publications/anr/anr-922/anr-922.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: ANR-922 POST-FOALING CARE OF THE MARE AND FOAL. ANR-922 Reprinted Jan 1997. McCall Extension Animal Scientist Associate Professor Animal and Dairy Sciences Auburn University. The average pregnancy length in the mare is 336 to 340 days but horses have a wide variation in pregnancy lengths normal foals have been produced from pregnancies as short as 305 days and as long as 400 days making it difficult for the horse owner to predict the actual date of birth. Fortunately mares seldom experience foaling difficulties and usually require no assistance during foaling. If the foal still does not breathe try rubbing the foal vigorously squeezing its ribs or lifting it about one foot off the ground and dropping it. These procedures usually shock the foal slightly and initiate respiration. Do not cut the umbilical cord immediately after birth because it is thought the foal receives blood from the placenta after birth. Foals with circulatory problems typically seem dumb and may have convulsions leading to the common terms of dummy or wanderer foals for this condition. Bacteria that enter the foal through the umbilical stump cause a systemic infection known by various names such as shigellosis naval ill joint ill or polyarthritis. This infection causes severe illness or death in foals and causes swelling and deformities in the foal's joints. Urine dripping from the stump indicates that the fetal urine passage from the bladder to the umbilical the urachus has not closed. If it fails to close in a condition called persistent urachus the foal should be treated by a veterinarian. During the first standing attempts the foal is unsteady and constantly shifting its head neck and feet in an attempt to remain balanced. Lifting the foal onto its feet before its legs are strong enough to support it may strain tendons and ligaments and it interferes with the bonding process between the mare and foal. Human interference during initial nursing attempts actually may slow the foal's progress in finding the udder and it interferes with the mare-foal bond. Occasionally a young mare or a mare with a swollen sensitive udder will have to be restrained for several nursing sessions before she willingly lets the foal nurse. Keeping the mare tranquilized for a day or two solves most foal rejection problems. Normally gentle well-mannered mares can become very protective and aggressive if they think you are threatening their foal. It is important for the foal to receive colostrum soon after birth because it contains antibodies needed for disease protection during the first few months of the foal's life. These antibodies can be absorbed by the foal's intestinal tract for up to 36 hours after birth but absorptive ability begins decreasing drastically at 12 hours after birth. Therefore it is important that the foal receive colostrum before this time has passed. Your veterinarian can perform a simple test to determine if the foal has received adequate protection from colostrum. This gives you an opportunity to correct potential deficiencies in immunity during the time the foal can absorb antibodies from its intestinal tract. To insure that the mare has high amounts of antibodies in her colostrum vaccinate her approximately 30 days before foaling. If you miss this vaccination time make sure the foal is protected against tetanus by giving it a tetanus antitoxin injection at birth. The tetanus antitoxin is less efficient than immunity from colostrum because it protects the foal for only 2 to 3 weeks while its umbilical stump heals. Because the foal's immune system is not mature enough to use a tetanus toxoid vaccination until it is 3 to 5 months old the foal is unprotected for 2-1 2 to 3 months if it does not receive protection from the colostrum. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the foal which helps it pass the fetal excrement meconium Most foals pass the meconium within 4 hours after birth. Constipation can be relieved easily by giving the foal a warm soapy water enema 1 to 2 cups or a prepackaged human mineral oil enema. Diarrhea in the newborn foal is not common and may indicate a serious illness in the foal. Immediately consult your veterinarian if your newborn foal develops diarrhea. However mild diarrhea is common in older foals 1 to 2 weeks of age This diarrhea often occurs during the mare's foal heat a fertile heat beginning approximately 7 to 9 days after foaling and is commonly termed foal heat scours. Recent research has implicated an internal parasite Strongyloides westeri as the true cause of foal heat scours. This parasite is transmitted from the dam to the foal through the mammary gland. However if the foal stops nursing and becomes weak or dehydrated consult your veterinarian immediately. These include knuckling over at the fetlock joint weak pasterns in which the back of the fetlock touches the ground knock knees and crooked legs. If your foal is born with less than straight legs your veterinarian can assess the situation and recommend a treatment. Some foals may be born with hernias defects in the body wall that allow part of the intestines to protrude under the skin Hernias occur most frequently at the naval and scrotal areas. Small hernias often correct themselves with time and larger hernias may require surgical correction. This is a condition called entropion and causes tearing and irritation of the eye. If your foal has entropion gently roll the eyelid out and consult your veterinarian for the proper eye ointment or treatment that you can perform. Another infrequent problem in newborn foals is caused by an incompatibility between blood groups of the mare and foal. If you suspect neonatal isoerythrolysis prevent the foal from consuming colostrum until you can get a veterinarian to test for the condition. You should not interrupt the mare or dry the foal unless it is cold enough to threaten the foal's health because it might interfere with the bonding process. Retained afterbirths can cause colic founder laminitis or septicemia in the mare. Spread the afterbirth on the ground after delivery and examine it carefully to make sure no small pieces have been retained. A normal afterbirth consists of a large sack allantochorion that is a shiny grey-white color on the outside and a velvety red color in the inside a sack that immediately surrounds the foal amnion and the remains of the umbilical cord. A normal afterbirth should weigh about 11 percent of the foal's birth weight about 10 to 14 pounds for most riding horse breeds A heavy placenta around 20 pounds or one that is bloody in appearance may indicate a uterine infection and the mare should be checked by your veterinarian. A slight watery blood-tinged discharge is fairly common but a thick whitish discharge usually indicates a problem that may require veterinary care. If the foal cannot receive its mother's colostrum try to locate frozen colostrum large breeding farms and your veterinarian are good sources Thaw the frozen colostrum at room temperature. Microwaving or heating the colostrum can destroy the protective antibodies in it. In the absence of any colostrum your veterinarian can give the foal a plasma transfusion or an oral colostrum replacer to get antibodies into its system. To transfer the foal disguise its odor by rubbing whiskey linseed oil the foster mother's milk urine or feces or any other liquid with a strong odor on the foal. The nurse mare usually must be restrained or tranquilized for several days until she willingly lets the orphan nurse. You will need an elevated area for the goat to stand on during nursing a few bales of hay make a good temporary platform and you should pad the goat's horns to prevent it from hurting the foal. There are several recipes for mare's milk replacer however the commercially available formulas are nutritionally balanced for the foal and easy to mix and use. Waiting several hours between feedings so the foal is hungry often speeds up the learning process. You should quickly and consistently discipline the foal for inappropriate behavior biting kicking shoving rearing directed toward you. Orphans that are bucket-fed or bottle-fed and those nursing a milk goat should be introduced to other horses as soon as possible so they will develop normal equine social behavior. When either bottle-feeding or bucket feeding foals make sure that your feeding equipment is clean and that milk does not sour between feedings. Orphans should be offered grain milk replacer pellets and hay after a few days of life. Make sure the foal is protected against tetanus either through the colostrum or by a tetanus antitoxin injection. Make sure the foal passes the meconium and treat constipation or diarrhea promptly. Follow your veterinarian's advice about any limb deformities and hernias. Check the mare for several days after foaling for any sign of reproductive tract infection. To horse owners unfamiliar with raising foals this post-foaling checklist may seem like a large amount of work. However it only takes a few minutes to perform these management procedures and then you can relax and enjoy your new foal knowing that you have done your best to insure its well-being. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics Acts of May 8 and June 30 1914 and other related acts in cooperation with the U.S. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System Alabama A M University and Auburn University offers educational programs materials and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race color national origin religion sex age veteran status or disability. If you have problems loading this document please email publications@aces.edu for assistance.
      [Contents]
    • 1999 Back Issues - http://www.horse-previews.com/prev99.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. 1999 Back Issues 2001 Index 2000 Index 1999 Index 1998 Index 1997 Index 1996 Index 1995 Index January 1999 February 1999 March 1999 April 1999 May 1999 June 1999 July 1999 August 1999 September 1999 October 1999 November 1999 December 1999 DECEMBER 1999 OPEN BREED Issue Front Cover Ransom San Bar More About the December 1999 Front Cover Ransom San Bar Features TRI-CHALLENGE EXTRAVAGANZA EQUIFAIR World Renowned Farrier Burney Chapman Dies ApHC Lots of Color and Talent was Showcased in Fort Worth Help Make a Miracle for Stephanie Martin National Show Horse Club Formed NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION Smart Chic Olena Named NRHA's Fifth Million Dollar Sire A WILD IBERIAN HORSE AMONG MUSTANGS Youth of the Month Jessica Jasman Veterinary Corner 12 99 Common Skin Tumors of the Horse Paint Spots December 99 Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page NOVEMBER 1999 WISHING STAR RESULTS Issue Front Cover Wishing Star More About this Month's Front Page Features Another Successful Year Wishing Star Gallop 1999 Opening Ceremony at the 1999 Wishing Star Gallop Blazing Hot Tops Wishing Star Gallop's Sale with Service Selling for 2 500 Veterinary Corner 11 99 Equine Dental Conditions Mt. Spokane State Park Commissioners'Action CANADA'S REAL WEST Part II 4th Annual Weaver Quarter Horse Production Sale Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page OCTOBER 1999 MINIATURE HORSE Issue Front Cover HLR Musics Little Melody More About this Month's Front Page Features APHA Offers Incentive For Turning SBR In Early CANADA'S REAL WEST Part 1 by Verne Albright Veterinary Corner 10 99 Preparing for the Coming Winter APHA Introduces New Merchandise in Winter Paint Horse Collection Catalog Appaloosa Aged Horse Special PAINT SPOTS OCTOBER 99 World Championship Appaloosa Horse Show Coming Soon Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page SEPTEMBER 1999 OPEN BREED Issue Front Cover What a Pleasure Morris Stables More About this Month's Front Page Features NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Oliga Indian Bridles Appaloosa News Six Winning Appaloosas Two New Track Records Set In Idaho Veterinary Corner 9 99 Caring for the Umbilicus Video Preview Safer Horsemanship Stallion Service Survey 1999 Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page AUGUST 1999 WISHING START GALLOP Issue Front Cover Wishing Star Gallop More About this Month's Front Page Features Eastern Washington Quarter Horse Association Seventeenth Annual WISHING STAR GALLOP The National Foundation Quarter Horse Association 1999 National Show Summer Celebration 1999 The 1999 Egyptian Event Inland Northwest Dressage Association Results Happy 41st Birthday IEQHA PAINT SPOTS August 99 Stallion Service Survey 1999 Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page JULY 1999 APPALOOSA HORSE Issue Front Cover Its Only Money Honey More About this Month's Front Page Features Appaloosa News Lots of Color on the Track this Spring Inland Northwest Dressage Association HORSE SHOW Wishing Star Gallop Soon Approaches July Update Veterinary Corner 7 99 The Importance of the Pre-Purchase Exam A WILD IBERIAN HORSE AMONG MUSTANGS Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page JUNE 1999 GAITED HORSE Issue Front Cover A Common Denominator More About this The. Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page MARCH 1999 QUARTER HORSE Issue Front Cover CONTINENTAL CAD Why Not Have It ALL. and COLOR TOO More About this Month's Front Page Features Veterinary Corner 3 99 Understanding The Bond between Horses People Do That Thing You Do Part 2 by Verne R. Albright Congratulations 1998 Winners Tri-Star Futurities IEAHC to Hold 31st Annual All Arabian Horse Show Memorial Day Classic The Hells Canyon Futurities Appaloosa News Be the One Appaloosa News Are You The World's Greatest Horseman Methow Valley Chapter Backcountry Horsemen Announce 15th Annual Spring Trail Ride PAINT SPOTS March Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page FEBRUARY 1999 PAINT HORSE Issue Front Cover Sirtainty Producing Sons and Daughters with a Sirtain Future More About this Month's Front Page Features The American Paint Horse Origin of the Breed Choice'Paint Horse easily tops NCHA Select Futurity Sale Colored Corrals in the Inland Northwest Paints Earn Bonuses at USTRC Finals Zone One Year In Review 1998 by Jeri Stone Career Connections Trail Ride Congratulations Inland Empire Miniature Horse Club 1999 Montana Mule Days Western Quarter Pony Registry News Flash Do That Thing You Do by Verne R. Albright Youth of the Month Jamie Lee Dockins Veterinary Corner 2 99 The Arthritis Drug Adequan Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page JANUARY 1999 STALLION Issue Front Cover Shadows MVP Enjoy the Ride. More About this Month's Front Page Features The Lipizzan Horse Veterinary Corner 1 99 Sarcoids Book Review Baxter Black Loose Cow Party Helmet Safety January Paint Spots Go Back To Index Go Back To Horse Previews Home Page Previous Page Home Page This page was last built with Frontier on Sun Feb 4 2001 at 10 21 26 PM. Thanks for visiting All Contents C 2000 Horse Previews Magazine.
      [Contents]
    • Mare & Foal Health - Best of L'il Beginnings - http://www.lilbeginnings.com/links/info/breeding2/
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Miniature Horse Information Pages Breeding Horses II Testing RH factor in new born foals I would say that you have about a 50 50 chance of survival. If it separates and appears to curdle which it will do very quickly do NOT LET THE FOAL NURSE but get the vet there IMMEDIATELY to give the foal IGG or an artificial colostrum or colostrum from another mare. After the colostrum is gone the foal can start nursing without danger. re-printed from L'il Beginnings Miniature Horse Forum Colt Not Eating Grain Ok I probably shouldn't worry but my colt didn't eat his grain tonight. Her website is on http www.horseforum.com tjones and she's great Best wishes There are 2 books that I believe every horse person should have in their library and they are Blessed Are The Broodmares and Blessed are the Foals both are written by Phyllis Lose V.M.D. This test strip is sold by Nurnburg Science 6310 SW Virginia Ave Portland Oregon 97201 1 800-826-3470. Like everything nothing is 100 but it is the best thing I have found and for the difference in price of the commercial pregnancy test strips. printed from L'il Beginnings Miniature Horse Forum Get me back to L'il Beginnings Miniature Horses main page please Miniature Horse Breeders Connect Miniature Horse Tack On-Line Auction What's New Miniature Horse Forum Miniature Horse Top Sites Miniature Horse Tack Sales Canada Free Miniature Horse Tack Sale Board U.S.
      [Contents]
    • Foaling Mare and Newborn - http://www.dclahdvm.com/articles/foaling.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Foaling Mare and Newborn. Products Articles Services Scrapbook Area Stallions Staff Related Sites Home Foaling Mare and Newborn. CARING FOR THE FOALING MARE AND NEWBORN If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy you're almost home free. Labor and delivery while momentous are generally uneventful. Mares seem to Prefer to foal at night in privacy and apparently have some control over their delivery. She is unlikely to need your help anyway However in case problems arise it is advisable to have your veterinarian's telephone number nearby. Remove manure and soiled bedding promptly and disinfect the stall between deliveries. The following is a general guideline but be prepared for surprises The mare's udder begins filling with milk 2-4 weeks prior to foaling. If such behavior is prolonged for more than an hour or two without progress towards foaling contact your veterinarian. PREPARING FOR BIRTH Most mares foal without difficulty. When you're worried or anxious your perception of time becomes distorted. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail. Test strips that measure calcium in mammary secretions are available commercially. These strips aid the owner in predicting when the mare will foal because sudden increases in calcium are associated with imminent foaling. UNDERSTANDING LABOR DELIVERY Labor is divided into three stages Stage one begins with the onset of contractions and generally lasts 1-2 hours. Normal presentation of the foal resembles a diving position with front feet first one slightly ahead of the other hooves down followed closely by the nose head neck shoulders and hindquarters. If you suspect any deviation from the normal delivery position call your equine practitioner. A retained placenta can cause serious problems including massive infection and laminitis. POSTPARTUM CARE FOR MARE AND FOAL In the excitement of birth it is important to remember some tried and true guidelines Allow the foal time to break the fetal membranes. Never cut the cord Twisting and pulling of the cord stimulate closure of the umbilical vessels and reduce the likelihood of hemorrhage from the cord stump. If bleeding persists following cord separation pressure can be applied to the stump for several minutes by squeezing with a thumb and finger. Treat the umbilical cord with an antiseptic solution recommended by your veterinarian soon after the cord breaks and for several days thereafter to prevent bacterial infection. IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVATION Following birth of the foal the mare and foal should be monitored for the following Foal is breathing normally. An elevated temperature may indicate infection normal is 100.5 F IMPORTANCE OF COLOSTRUM It is essential that the foal receive an adequate supply of colostrum. If a mare appears to be leaking an excessive amount of milk prior to birth consult your veterinarian. For orphan foals or mares without an adequate supply of colostrum it is important to locate a back-up supply. If IgC is inadequate treatment for Failure of Passive Transfer FPT should be instituted by your veterinarian. OTHER FOALING CAVEATS If a mare appears to require assistance during foaling call your veterinarian. If you suspect a problem during the foaling process such as a foal which is not in the normal birth position call your veterinarian immediately. An exception to this rule might include a backwards presentation because the foal can suffocate unless delivered promptly. Under no circumstances should you ever pull with anything more than your own muscle power and pull only during a contraction when the mare is straining Improper pulling risks damage to the mare's reproductive tract injury to the foal and premature separation of the umbilical cord which will deprive the foal of oxygen. However if you see extreme deviations of limbs or note other physical problems or the condition persists consult your veterinarian. This brochure was developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners through a grant from Bayer TM Corporation. 1996 Bayer Corporation Products Articles Services Scrapbook Area Stallions Staff Related Sites Home Davie County Large Animal Hospital P.A. 183 Beechtree Place Mocksville NC 27028 dclahdvm@msn.com Website Graphic Design Hosting Maintenance by WebTop Publishing.
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    • Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals - http://www.equine-reproduction.com/articles/FPT.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals. Failure of Passive Transfer in Neo-natal Foals. By Jos Mottershead Foals are born with little or no immunity to infection from outside organisms. There is a minimal amount of immunoglobulin-M IgM produced in utero but insufficient to ensure adequate external protection. This is also why it is important to inoculate mares against tetanus and other infectious diseases in the last thirty days of pregnancy as this will assist in ensuring that there are suitable antibodies transferred to the foal in the colostrum. Another associated important point is that of transferring a mare to her foaling location preferably no fewer than 30 days prior to her anticipated due date. Ensuring that a foal receives adequate colostrum is not however a guarantee in itself of protection against Failure of Passive Transfer FPT There is the possibility that the colostrum may not contain immunoglobulins or that the foal for some reason is not absorbing them. Desirable levels are greater than 800 mg dL levels between 400 and 800 mg dL should be considered partial FPT s and may require supplementation depending upon circumstances levels below 400 mg dL are FPT s and should definitely be supplemented. Failure of passive transfer has no primary symptoms in itself other than a predisposition to the foal developing infections. Supplementation comes in the form of plasma transfusions or through commercially produced serum or plasma products such as Seramune It should be noted that oral supplementation must be given prior to 24 hours post foaling and preferably prior to 12 hours.
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    • Re: Leaking udder in older mare - http://www.horseadvice.com/forum/forumreproduction/messages/1680.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Follow Ups Reproduction Posted by M. on February 03 1999 at 14 32 50 In Reply to Leaking udder in older mare posted by Linda on February 03 1999 at 12 43 46 I would have your veterinarian contact BET Reproductive Laboratory in Lexington Kentucky. They can be reached at 606 273-3036. pure colostrum according to my vet He gave a hormonal injection and it cleared up after about a month. Also could a tumor be causing this Thanks for any info Follow Ups Re Leaking udder in older mare Linda 10 23 02 2 04 99 0 Post a Followup Name E-Mail Subject Comments I would have your veterinarian contact BET Reproductive Laboratory in Lexington Kentucky. I am also having udder trouble in my maiden 30 year old Arab Quarter pony.Three years ago the left side starting swelling and producing pure colostrum according to my vet He gave a hormonal injection and it cleared up after about a month. She did develop hind end lameness in September and was treated for EPM.
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    • G94-1230-A; The Foaling Mare - http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/horse/g1230.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: G94-1230-A The Foaling Mare. G94-1230-A The Foaling Mare This NebGuide outlines the foaling process and appropriate actions to take during both normal and abnormal foaling. Kathy Anderson Extension Horse Specialist Previous Category Catalog Order Info Gestation Length Early Signs Predicting Foaling Time-Water Hardness Test Parturition-Stage I Parturition-Stage II Parturition-Stage III Preparations for Foaling-Facilities Preparations for Foaling-Caslicks Removal Inducing Parturition The ultimate goal of any breeding operation should be both maximal foaling and a high survival rate of foals. Gestation Length The average gestation length duration of pregnancy of mares is 335 to 340 days but can range from 320 to 370 days. Foals are considered premature if delivered at less than 326 days of gestation and usually require immediate veterinary attention. Many breeders will calculate the expected foaling date at 11 months following the last breeding date. Additionally mares foaling during the late spring and summer months long days tend to have a shorter gestation length than those foaling in January or February. Exposure of bred mares to artificially lengthened days during the latter third of gestation has been shown to shorten gestational length by about 10 days. Early Signs The signs of impending parturition are about as variable as gestation length. Although there is a tremendous amount of variation among mares many individuals do repeat their foaling behavior year after year. Therefore it is recommended to keep accurate records on each mare to aid future deliveries. The classical signs of approaching parturition include udder development beginning 2 to 6 weeks before foaling then milk let down into the teats teat distension 4-6 days prior to parturition. If this streaming is continuous the colostrum should be collected and stored for possible use with the newborn foal. In addition to changes associated with the mammary gland muscular relaxation in the pelvic region occurs progressively during the last 7-14 days of gestation and the mare's vulva begins to relax during the final days of gestation. Many mares will show these classic signs of approaching parturition and make it fairly easy to determine their foaling time. Predicting Foaling Time-Water Hardness Test For mares with unknown foaling history or for mares which are unpredictable for some reason there is help available. These test kits are based on the fact that in most mares calcium and magnesium concentrations in prepartum mammary secretion rise progressively during the latter portion of gestation to the time of foaling. A majority of mares show a significant rise in calcium and magnesium concentration just prior to parturition. In other words if the test shows no changes in the calcium concentration the mare probably will not foal within the next 24 hours and thus would not need to be watched as closely. When a rise in calcium is indicated the foaling attendant could then direct more attention to the mare which is close to foaling. These test kits available from veterinarians are simple to use and fairly inexpensive 25 to 1.00 per test All kits require taking 1-4 cc of milk daily once the classical signs of approaching parturition are observed. Recent research has shown daily samples collected during the early evening hours were adequate for detecting the prepartum calcium rise. Stage I normally lasting 1 to 4 hours reflects the initial uterine contractions and final positioning of the foal for delivery. Typically the mare will exhibit the following behavior Restlessness indicated by frequent interruptions in eating. Pawing the bedding or ground in different places as if looking for something and switching her tail. These indicators are far from infallible and in some mares the appearance of the water bag the outer membranes surrounding the foal may be the first signs of parturition observed. If a veterinarian is readily accessible this is a good time to notify them of the approaching parturition so they can be prepared in the event of any problems. Close observation without interference unless absolutely necessary is important throughout this stage. A viewing window or video camera system out of the mare's sight is preferred to avoid disturbing the parturition process. Although dystocia foaling difficulty is uncommon in mares Figure 1 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 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 Figure 2 illustrates various abnormal foal presentations. Some abnormal presentations are life-threatening both to mare and foal and require surgical removal of the foal. Fortunately not all abnormal presentations are life-threatening and many are easily corrected by a qualified attendant. Owners should visit with a veterinarian prior to the foaling season regarding procedures to be used in the event of an abnormal foal presentation. The inexperienced horseperson has a tendency to rush into the stall causing the mare to stand and prematurely rupture the umbilical cord. It is important to allow the mare to lie as long as possible to prevent early cord rupture as the foal receives several pints of blood via the umbilicus if left undisturbed. To avoid infection dip the stump of the umbilical cord in 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. Parturition-Stage III The final stage of parturition Stage III is the delivery of the placenta afterbirth These membranes which surround the foal during gestation should be expelled 3 to 4 hours after delivery. Once expelled the placenta should be examined to determine if it is intact or if any portions may have been detached. Placenta retention can be a problem leading to uterine infection endometritis and or laminitis founder Under no circumstances should the placenta be pulled from the mare Typically the mare will stand with the placenta partially expelled while the foal struggles to stand and nurse. The foal's nursing helps stimulate uterine contractions aiding in placental release. In cases of retained placenta treatment should be done under veterinarian supervision. This treatment typically includes administration of oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions and antibiotics and uterine infusion may be required. After parturition mares may experience some mild to moderate colic as her uterus and reproductive tract contracts and heals. If a white discharge develops however this indicates a uterine infection and a veterinarian should be consulted for treatment. Preparations for Foaling-Facilities A foaling mare should not be placed in a strange environment or have a stranger act as night attendant immediately prior to parturition. Ideally mares should be placed in the foaling environment 2 to 3 weeks prior to her expected foaling date. Mares can foal in a variety of locations depending on the weather and facilities available. During warm weather many producers choose to allow their mares to foal in grassy paddocks or pastures. Thorough disinfection of the stall prior to bringing in the mare will help prevent disease. Stall confinement for an extended period just prior to foaling may predispose the mare to impaction colic and abnormal swelling. Mares foaling in paddocks or pasture should either be isolated or have sufficient space to separate themselves from any other horses in the pasture. Additionally the pasture paddock should be examined for possible hazards to the foal. Foaling in contaminated areas can predispose the foal to bacteria invasion and neonatal septicemia via the navel stump. Preparations for Foaling-Caslicks Removal Early in gestation some mares require a Caslicks operation to partially suture together the lips of the vulva. Caslicks are used to prevent problems in mares that have abnormal vulva conformation. If the Caslicks is not opened there is the possibility of oblique tears to the vulva or vagina which are difficult to repair and may result in a deformity that leads to uterine infection. Inducing Parturition With the great variability in determining the foaling time in mares the question of labor induction frequently arises. Only in extreme situations such as a life threatening condition to the mare or foal or some type of medical emergency is parturition induction recommended. If conditions warrant a mare to have labor induced she must only be induced once certain criteria are met. It is important to remember that induction of parturition in mares should not be practiced routinely due to the risks involved to both mare and foal. pubs@unl.edu Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work Acts of May 8 and June 30 1914 in cooperation with the U.S. Bolen Director of Cooperative Extension University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
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    • Milk Fever - http://www.mccallhorseworld.com/Pool%20hemolytic%20icterus.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Jim and Lynda McCall Hemolytic Icterus MILK FEVER A POSSIBLE KILLER OF NEWBORN FOALS What a relief we all share when our mare finally delivers a strong healthy baby A feeling of conquering the odds adds to the euphoria of the long-awaited event. Gone are the fears of abortion due to uterine infections rhinopneumonitis hormonal failures As the final triumph of a normal delivery is achieved by the sack breaking open over the nose our sigh of relief is muffled as the life-giving air rushes to enter the foal's limp body. The foal struggles to conquer his long uncoordinated legs. This first milk will not only provide the foal with food for growth but is a source of antibodies which will protect the young horse against disease during his early months. What caused the life-giving colostrum to turn traitor killing off the life Nature intended for it to protect The answer is two-fold. This created the opportunity for the natural immune system of the dam to recognize the foal's blood type as an infectious invader. Her response to develop antibodies to destroy these cells is a case of mistaken identity. No antibodies against the fetal blood cells will be made and the foal will grow be nurtured and protected by his dam's colostrum. So for this condition to develop an opportunity must develop which will allow the mare to be exposed to the incompatible blood type. This contact provides the mare's immune system with the reason to develop the antibodies which will destroy her foal. Then as the mare begins to manufacture colostrum her body calls upon the immune system to send a copy of all of her antibodies to the udder to give her newborn a limited immunity until he can begin to ward off infections himself. For the unfortunate foal whose dam has antibodies structured to kill off his red blood cells the colostrum becomes a poison. Recognition of this life-threatening situation can prevent the inevitable. The antibodies found in colostrum can only be absorb through the wall of the foal's digestive system for somewhere between the first six to thirty-six hours of life. Although it is critical to eliminate his access to the lethal colostrum of his dam it is imperative to replace it with colostrum from a compatible donor mare. Should it be impossible to get colostrum for this foal the antibodies could be supplied by tubing into his stomach blood serum from a horse other than his dam. In very severe cases a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the destroyed red blood cells before the foal suffocates from lack of oxygen to the cells. Through all of this you must be prepared to continue nursing the foal on a bottle until the colostrum production has ceased in his dam. The closer you can schedule your hand milking to the design of Nature the more effective it will be. There is relatively simple test which can be done to predicate the possibility of hemolytic icterus in the pending foal. Late in pregnancy testing the blood serum of the mare against the red blood cells of the stallion to whom she was bred will indicate if the mare has developed antibodies against one of his blood factors. A clumping of the cells is considered a positive test an icterus foal is imminent. Without personal records on broodmares mare produce records may be helpful. We all know there are many other possible reasons for foal death broken legs pneumonia bacteria infections. The list could be endless but proper management can eliminate many of them including the insidious hemolytic icterus. SideBar Although a faulty placental attachment is the most prevalent cause of hemolytic icterus it is possible that a mare can develop antibodies which may be fatal for her future foals by receiving a blood transfusion. When a mare receives a blood transfusion from a horse who has a blood group that she doesn't have her immune system will develop antibodies against the foreign blood type. Should this mare subsequently be bred to a stallion who has her missing blood type and this blood type is passed on to her foal then the foal is in danger of receiving these harmful antibodies in the colostrum of his dam. Library Old McCall Place Jimani Publications Return to McCall Horse World Main Page Copyright C 1996 Dr.
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    • EquineCanada Magazine - Vol. 3 No. 2 - Research - Colostrum - http://www.equinecanada.com/vol_3_2/eq_magazine_research_milk.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: EquineCanada Magazine Vol. 2 Research Colostrum. Site Index Current Issue EquineCanada Magazine Commentary Fundraising Research News Nutraceuticals Nuclear Imaging Growth Development Respiratory Industry News Nutraceuticals Horse Management Disease Watch ERC Bookstore Magazine Archives Site Index Home EquineCanada Magazine Business of Horses Job Track Disease Watch Canadian Horse Industry Profile Canadian Horse Industry Survey Industry News Associations'Guide Calendar of Events Contact Us Research News Growth Development Colostrum First Milk Facts Body Conditioning Scoring Colostrum All foals require colostrum or first milk for protection against disease. You may need an immediate source of colostrum for supplementation in situations such as the following weak foal. Failure of Passive Transfer FPT If a foal does not receive colostrum and immunoglobulins IgG in sufficient volume concentration or shortly after birth then FPT can occur. To evaluate the success of passive transfer measure foal serum levels 15-18 hours after the foal has had its first drink. Foals that are less than 18 hours old may still be able to absorb IgG therefore colostrum from a bank or a commercial IgG product could be given orally. Collection and Storage Use a clean plastic or glass container not metal. Neonatal Isoerythrolysis NI This is a condition in a newborn foal that results in destruction of the foal's red blood cells RBC's resulting in jaundice anemia and possible death. During gestation or at parturition the mare could be exposed to these factors. She then produces antibodies that appear in the colostrum and will destroy the foals's RBC's. The NI condition usually appears with the second or subsequent pregnancies. NI potential can be determined by blood typing the mare and stallion for compatability. jaundice foal agglutination test at time of foaling checking compatability of mare's milk and foal's blood. if incompatible prevent nursing and feed a milk substitute with commercial globulin or colostrum from a nurse mare or bank this should be cross-matched for NI antibodies. approximately 9 days post-foaling mare serum can be checked to determine if the mare has been sensitized to the stallion's blood type. For orphan or foals needing nutritional support nurse mares commercial milk replacers homemade recipes and other species milk can be used. Have telephone numbers for nurse mares and colostrum bank sources readily at hand. Of course it is preferable to supply the newborn with its own species'milk since the composition of milks from different animals vary. If this is not possible then purchase a commercial milk replacer that is specifically made for the horse. Goat's milk is similar in protein and fat content but is about the lactose. Unaltered cow's milk differs in protein fat and lactose content. If used the fat and protein content needs to be reduced and the lactose increased. When feeding any milk substitute the foal's health status and growth rate for that breed must be monitored frequently.
      [Contents]
    • Expectant Mare--Assuring the Health and Well-Being of the Pregnant Mare - http://www.aaep.org/ownereducation/expectant_mare.asp
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Expectant Mare-Assuring the Health and Well-Being of the Pregnant Mare. EXPECTANT MARE Assuring the Health and Well-Being of the Pregnant Mare We often think of pregnancy as a delicate and fragile condition. When it comes to horses this perception is perhaps due to the mare's relatively poor reproductive performance in comparison to other domestic animals. However in a natural setting the mare does comparatively well reproductively. Therefore this seemingly poor performance is due as much to improper management as to any reproductive deficiency. Proper nutrition deworming exercise and vaccinations will help ensure a healthy pregnancy and you can look forward to the birth of your foal with greater confidence. PRECARIOUS BEGINNINGS The earliest days of an embryo's existence are perhaps the most precarious. Stress illness uterine infection hormonal abnormalities the presence of twins and other factors have been implicated in early embryonic loss. When the mare conceives the fertilized egg zygote travels down the fallopian tubes and enters the uterus around day 6-7. It migrates throughout the uterus until about day 16 and typically implants into the uterine wall at 6-8 weeks. By day 12-13 the embryonic vesicle is usually large enough to be detected by ultrasonic examinations during which an image is made by bouncing sound waves off tissues. For practical reasons some breeding farms simply tease the mare 14-20 days after her last breeding date to see if she comes back into estrus heat If she does not the pregnancy may then be confirmed by ultrasound or trans-rectal palpation at approximately 30-35 days post-breeding. Neither teasing palpation nor ultrasound has been shown to harm the developing embryo or endanger the pregnancy. However because of the embryo's uncertain beginning it may be wise to have the pregnancy reconfirmed at 45 60 or 90 days. Early detection of twins provides an opportunity to eliminate one embryo thus allowing the other to develop normally. This is commonly done because twins pose a number of risks In 95 of mares with twin embryos one or both embryos are resorbed or aborted during the first 60 days. However waiting to see if this occurs naturally could delay or interfere with a subsequent successful pregnancy. Mares carrying twins are more likely to give birth prematurely before 300-320 days Premature foals may have serious medical problems and are less likely to survive. HELPING NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE Good broodmare management is the best aid for helping the mare make it through the critical first 30-60 days of pregnancy. Severely underweight mares will have more trouble conceiving than will mares of appropriate weight. Stress can cause a drop in progesterone a hormone which helps maintain pregnancy. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals is unnecessary in mares being fed a balanced diet. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations regarding specific vaccinations and deworming interval during pregnancy. Do not administer hormones or other drugs unless specifically prescribed by your equine practitioner. Carefully evaluate the mare before deciding whether to breed on foal heat. The ration should be composed primarily of high-quality forage in approximately the same as pre-pregnancy amounts. Extremes in weather can alter her nutritional requirements and should be taken into account when formulating the ration. The mare will also benefit from routine hoof and dental care standard vaccinations and regular deworming. VACCINES Vaccinations should be current since infectious diseases can trigger abortions. A four-way inoculation for Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis influenza and tetanus is recommended at the beginning of pregnancy. DEWORMING Most deworming agents available today are relatively safe for pregnant mares. Consult your veterinarian to establish an effective and safe deworming schedule for your mare. It is especially important to deworm the mare within several weeks of foaling because the mare will be the primary source for infecting her foal with parasites. If your mare's pregnancy extends much past 340 days or you're concerned ask your veterinarian to examine her to determine if the mare is still pregnant and confirm that all is well. If you notice a vaginal discharge or dripping milk during pregnancy contact your veterinarian. If you find the remains of a placenta or fetus save it for your veterinarian to examine. However it's always a good idea to have her checked by your veterinarian because some complications of abortion such as a retained placenta can be life-threatening to your horse. The most obvious and reliable are Filling of the udder two to four weeks pre-foaling Distension of the teats four to six days pre-foaling Waxing of the teats one to four days pre-foaling Obvious dripping of milk More subtle signs include Softening and flattening of the muscles in the croup Relaxation of the vulva Visible changes in the position of the foal PREPARING FOR BIRTH Your eleven-month waiting game will be over before you know it. To prepare brush up on your foaling knowledge with the companion AAEP educational brochure Foaling Mare and Newborn. American Association of Equine Practitioners 4075 Iron Works Parkway Lexington KY 40511.
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    • Throwaway foals find haven at rescue farm - http://www.dispatch.com/news/newsfea00/apr00/261973.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Ohio's Greatest Home Newspaper Search dispatch.com Back to the home page Neal C. Lauron Dispatch photos A rescued foal nuzzles Victoria Goss at the her Last Chance Corral in Athens Ohio. Heather McGrath background tends the horses full time. Throwaway foals find haven at rescue farm Athens facility nurses casualties of breeding Sunday April 30 2000 By Rita Price Dispatch Staff Reporter ATHENS Ohio Confused hungry and frightened the foal searches desperately for his mother. But the first foal scruffy and without noteworthy bloodlines serves no economic purpose. Although no one can say for certain Smith and other critics of the practice say it happens hundreds perhaps thousands of times a year. Many of the foals bred just to induce lactation are immediately made available for slaughter their only value a buttery-soft unblemished hide. Without the benefit of at least 20 minutes of nursing during which the foal receives vital immunity-producing colostrum they soon are too weak to survive. Goss runs the Last Chance Corral a rescue center for abused neglected and unwanted horses. Her small farm in Athens County about 70 miles southeast of Columbus is hospital ward and home to the dozens of foals she rescues each year. Goss said getting foals away from the eastern Kentucky farms she regularly visits is an expensive clandestine affair. Industry insiders say the use of nurse mares is common more often because of a Thoroughbred mare's inability to produce enough milk than for a quick return to breeding. We know about it we've had some of those places try to solicit business from us said Beth Meredith of Overbrook Farm an elite Thoroughbred operation near Lexington Ky. Tammy Roseberry part of a family-run nurse mare farm in northern Kentucky said reputable operations which supply nurse mares to Kentucky Derby-caliber farms such as Overbrook would never withhold colostrum or milk. A rescued foal nibbles on a pacifier at the Last Chance Corral operated by Victoria Goss and her partner Don Chalmers. Goss is especially touched by an anonymous patron who donated an original Ghiglieri sculpture which she said has an estimated value of 35 000. Smith whose practice routinely extends Goss credit said he hopes the auction is a success. HOME SPONSORED EVENTS CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE YELLOW PAGES SUBSCRIBE CONTACT US Copyright C 2000 The Columbus Dispatch.
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    • Colostrum Fact sheet - ERC, Guelph - http://www.erc.on.ca/health_repro_colostrum.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: by Leslie Huber D.V.M. ERC Guelph Ontario. All foals require colostrum or first milk for protection against disease. You may need an immediate source of colostrum for supplementation in situations such as the following weak foal. In late gestation pregnancy antibodies from the mare's blood are concentrated in her mammary gland. For approximately 12 hours post foaling the newborn can absorb these antibodies through the intestinal wall. If mares pre-lactate their colostrum may not contain sufficient IgG. For exact concentrations of IgG samples must be submitted to a laboratory. Failure of Passive Transfer FPT If a foal does not receive colostrum and immunoglobulins IgG in sufficient volume concentration or shortly after birth then FPT can occur. To evaluate the success of passive transfer measure foal serum levels 15-18 hours after the foal has had its first drink. Foals that are less than 18 hours old may still be able to absorb IgG therefore colostrum from a bank or a commercial IgG product could be given orally. Collection and Storage Use a clean plastic or glass container not metal. Neonatal Isoerythrolysis NI This is a condition in a newborn foal that results in destruction of the foal's red blood cells RBC's resulting in jaundice anemia and possible death. During gestation or at parturition the mare could be exposed to these factors. She then produces antibodies that appear in the colostrum and will destroy the foals's RBC's. The NI condition usually appears with the second or subsequent pregnancies. NI potential can be determined by blood typing the mare and stallion for compatability. jaundice foal agglutination test at time of foaling checking compatability of mare's milk and foal's blood. if incompatible prevent nursing and feed a milk substitute with commercial globulin or colostrum from a nurse mare or bank this should be cross-matched for NI antibodies. approximately 9 days post-foaling mare serum can be checked to determine if the mare has been sensitized to the stallion's blood type. For orphan or foals needing nutritional support nurse mares commercial milk replacers homemade recipes and other species milk can be used. Have telephone numbers for nurse mares and colostrum bank sources readily at hand. Of course it is preferable to supply the newborn with its own species'milk since the composition of milks from different animals vary. If this is not possible then purchase a commercial milk replacer that is specifically made for the horse. Goat's milk is similar in protein and fat content but is about the lactose. Unaltered cow's milk differs in protein fat and lactose content. If used the fat and protein content needs to be reduced and the lactose increased. When feeding any milk substitute the foal's health status and growth rate for that breed must be monitored frequently.
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    • FOALING EMERGENCY????? - http://www.warmbloods.net/health/_disc117/000000d3.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: FOALING EMERGENCY Horse Health Care Forum. Contents Search Post Reply Next Previous Up FOALING EMERGENCY From LEN. Remote Name 209.240.216.85. For anyone that has or knows of someone that has the NIGHTMARE of loosing a mare or foal or maybe has a N I Mare and needs colostrum and milk THERE IS HELP AT CYBERFOAL.COM go there and check it out. lots of THANKS Last changed May 25 2000 copyright 1996-2000 c WSG and the author s All rights reserved.
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    • AS-491 - http://www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/AS/AS-491.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: AS-491 AS-491. Cooperative Extension Service. Management of the Pregnant Mare. Janice Sojka VMD Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Mark Russell PhD Department of Animal Sciences Brenda Weedman Department of Animal Sciences. This fact sheet provides management information to help owners and managers maintain healthy pregnancies in their mares. It will alert owners of pregnant mares to the common problems encountered during the first two-thirds of pregnancy. When it comes to breeding practices and the reproductive process the mare's reproductive control mechanisms are quite efficient when left to function in the wild. Because of manipulation and confinement however that physiologic governing system cannot be counted on with the same predictable efficiency. Several factors contributing to poor reproductive performance include simple reproductive anatomy an unusually long time period before an embryo can safely implant in the uterine lining and a variable hormonal system synchronizing the whole process. To produce offspring with regularity maximize reproductive efficiency and protect the future reproductive capabilities of the mare it is essential to build a sound practical understanding of the mare's reproductive process and develop breeding practices that coincide with her physiology. Endocrine System Regulation All reproductive actions in the mare are controlled by her endocrine system. The balance of hormones produced by glands control all phases of reproductive tract stimulation and inhibition. When hormonal balance is not achieved either because of a natural imbalance or a disturbance a mare will have problems cycling conceiving maintaining pregnancy delivering a foal and providing an adequate milk supply. The luteal phase is after she ovulates and is responsible for production of the corpus luteum production of progesterone. If there is conception no prostaglandins are released and the corpus luteum remains dominant. Progesterone also relaxes the uterus to allow the embryo to implant and the new pregnancy to be established. In the Northern Hemisphere the mare begins cycling although somewhat irregularly in January and February as the days get longer. In September or October as the day length decreases the mare ceases to cycle regularly and by late November stops cycling altogether and remains inactive through winter. The times of the year with irregular and subfertile cycles in February and March and in September and October are called breeding transition months. The current tendency of some breeders to mate mares earlier and earlier in hopes of producing foals earlier is a reproductive problem for the mare. While this practice is perhaps economically advantageous when a larger and more developed foal is presented in the sale or show ring it is incongruent with the mare's natural timing. The result is that reproductive efficiency is sacrificed for the chance to attain greater weanling and yearling sizes. An arbitrary January 1 birth date entices breeders to try to breed their mares before the mare is ready to accept and maintain a pregnancy or even to conceive. Special lighting techniques used to simulate longer days and the hormone injections that are employed to bring mares into heat earlier in the winter require intensive management and often result in improperly timed breedings that are not successful. Mares becoming pregnant early in the year are more likely to loose their fetus because of extreme fluctuations in hormone levels. In fact early in the season a mare may exhibit signs of estrus and not ovulate at all just as some mares may ovulate on schedule but not show outward signs of estrus heat The incidence of ovulation within the estrus period increases as daylight increases peaking in late June. The mare's reproductive anatomy is characterized by a simple uterus unusual placenta arrangement and inefficient cervical closure. These structures are suspended within the abdominal cavity via ligaments and connective tissue to the abdominal wall. From Marshall's Physiology of Reproduction Eckstein and Zuckerman 1956 This elongate shape to the uterus and uterine horns causes the uterus to drain inefficiently predisposing this organ to infections. With each subsequent pregnancy the uterus and the supporting connective tissue decrease in tone and the suspension of the uterus becomes lower and lower in the abdominal cavity. The closure of the cervix maintains pregnancy by retaining the embryo and its membranes within the uterus and preventing entry of bacteria. Maintenance of the cervical seal is vital for embryo survival by preventing infection. The closure of the cervix is controlled by hormonal levels and can therefore be unstable. The placenta is attached to the endometrial lining of the uterus by innumerable tiny villi that project into the lining forming a shallow one cell thick fusion through which the placenta will transfer the embryo's blood oxygen and nutritional needs. This attachment is responsible for maintaining embryonic life and early shedding or detachment of the placenta drastically endangers the pregnancy. In order to make breeding efforts more efficient and the likelihood of conception greater it is wisest to coincide the time of breeding with ovulation. Assuming the breeding is timed appropriately with the sperm present when she ovulates and fertilization occurs the early gestation period will be the most dangerous time for the fetus. The luteal phase which maintains the new pregnancy is challenged by the follicle stimulating phase exerting its influence to bring about another estrus cycle. In the nonpregnant mare one follicle would normally mature and ovulate and the cycle would proceed. Evans 1990 In the pregnant mare this new follicular development must be held in check by the luteal phase hormone progesterone and prevent cycling if the pregnancy is to continue. Mating or inseminating a pregnant mare can cause the existing pregnancy to terminate. It is possible to detect pregnancies at this time day 18 to day 28 with the use of ultrasound equipment and often by rectal palpation. A veterinarian or manager can also perform a blood test to measure progesterone levels. This is a good time for a rectal or ultrasound examination to determine the type of pregnancy present whether it is a single pregnancy or twins. The uterus is usually unable to support and deliver two fetuses and the result is often the death of one or both fetuses. Most multiple-fetus pregnancies are hormonally corrected by the mare and she will come back into heat 28 or 50 days after the initial conception. If a twin pregnancy is diagnosed at a 21 day examination it is recommended that one of the embryos be destroyed in order to allow the other to develop into a normal foal. On the 28th to 33rd day postbreeding the mare will again experience a challenge to the luteal phase from the follicle stimulating hormones that arise at this time. On the 45th day postbreeding if other methods have not already determined your mare to be in foal a physical examination performed by your veterinarian is generally conclusive and important to determine what level of management is needed. The primary cause of open mares is uterine scarring from poor postpartum care following her earlier pregnancies. The scarring is most commonly caused by genital reproductive infections. It is defined as the period of fetal development and growth to a state at which the new individual is sufficiently mature to survive outside the uterus. During this time primary organ development and tissue differentiation takes place but maintenance of the pregnancy is precarious. At 24 days after fertilization the allantois chorion or placenta begins to form and by 30 days rudimentary organs eyes mouth limb buds and a heartbeat are discernable. From Fertility and Infertility of Domestic Animals Bitteridge and Laing 1970 The final third of the gestational period is devoted to the rapid growth of the fetus. Until the last 110 days of gestation the nutrition and feeding requirements of the mare are much the same as before she was bred. Many mares can easily meet their nutrient requirements during this first two thirds of pregnancy with good improved pasture and a mineral source. Exposing a pregnant mare to endophyte-contaminated fescue without intensive management during the last 90 days increases the risk of abnormal deliveries. Endophyte interferes with prolactin and other hormones associated with foaling. Late-gestation mares exposed to endophyte often have agalactia failure to produce milk extended pregnancies over 350 days foals that suffocate in their placenta and dystocia abnormal parturition Mares should be moved from an endophyte-containing fescue pasture by day 250 of pregnancy. Improved pastures with legumes and other grasses or endophyte-free varieties of fescue are recommended. Concentrates in the pregnant mare's diet may remain at maintenance levels until about halfway through gestation about 170 days At that time they should be increased until she delivers. Her protein needs will gradually increase from 10 to 12 percent over the last half of gestation added concentrate is the easiest way to increase the protein level she is receiving. The mare's increased vitamin A requirement especially in winter as daylight decreases and pastures produce less green forages can be met with good-quality green hay. Care should be taken to see that the calcium and phosphorus in the diet are maintained at adequate levels of 8 Ca and 5 P on an as-fed basis. The size of the foal at birth is determined primarily by genetics and the size of the mare's uterus and is not greatly affected by how much the mare is fed. To allow the mare to become obese a body condition score of seven or greater may cause foaling problems and possibly inhibit milking ability. See AS-460 Recognizing and Maintaining the Healthy Horse for a complete description of the body condition scoring system. Although obesity is a problem malnutrition is a more serious condition. Mares with a condition score of less than three extremely thin have smaller foals make less milk and are less likely to cycle normally after delivery. Fat mares become reproductively more efficient when they are loosing weight to approach a body condition score of five while thin mares benefit from additional energy to gain condition up to a body score of five. Ideal mares should be fed to maintain a body condition score of five throughout their breeding cycle. A five Moderate is described a having a flat back no crease or ridge ribs are not visually distinguishable but easily felt fat around tailhead beginning to feel spongey withers appear rounded over the spinous process shoulders and neck blend smoothly into the body. Exercise during gestation is as important as the feeding program. The mare should be dewormed for parasites as needed throughout her pregnancy. The mare's level of antibodies against common diseases must be high so that the colostrum the first milk to the foal will have high concentrations of passive immunity. If your mare has been vaccinated for this disease previously then a booster should be administered. The mare should be vaccinated during mid-gestation usually at the fifth seventh and ninth months against Rhinopneumonitis to prevent viral abortions. Boosters for Potomac Horse Fever Encephelomyelitis Influenza and possibly Strangles can also be a wise idea. The environment provided for foaling should be of adequate size to allow the mare to lie down and stretch her legs completely out during parturition and should provide ample space for both mare and foal to move around comfortably. If foaling must occur in a stall or shed it should be constructed safely without obstructions or protrusions that could injure the mare or the inquisitive and mischievous foal. Because of the high susceptibility to infections of newborn foals it is important to disinfect the foaling area and to keep it as sanitary as possible as time for parturition nears. Shavings can be irritating to the mucosa of newborn foals'nasal passages and may contain Klebsiella bacteria. Providing a safe disease-free environment for the mare to deliver is as important as ensuring that the mare is healthy. The management of your mare from the time she is pronounced in foal to the time of the foal's arrival is critical to the success of your breeding program. Knowledge of the developmental process of the embryo and the endocrine control of pregnancy helps the veterinarian and the mare owner manager to better manage the mare. Proper preparation of the mare relative to feeding health exercise and a safe foaling environment are critical to a healthy foal. AS-490 Management of the Foaling Mare AS-488 Neonatal Foal Management AS-460 Recognizing and Maintaining the Healthy Horse AS-462 Horse Health Management AS-429 Nutritional Management for Horses ID-190 Selecting Quality Hay for Horses ID-167 Maximizing the Value of Pastures for Horses AS-418 Fences for Horses New 9 93 Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics state of Indiana urdue University and U.S. The Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University is an affirmative action equal opportunity institution.
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    • Breeding - http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/rirdc/articles/breeding/breeding.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Progesterone treatment for preventing foal slip Issue 1 95. Management practices on stud farms Issue 3 95. Improving the fertility of horses Issue 3 95. New Research to Investigate the Fertility of Stallions Issue 3 97. Determining the Gender of the Equine Foetus Issue 4 99.
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    • Mane Points: Breeding and Foaling Index - http://www.manepoints.com/breed/breed.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Mane Points Breeding and Foaling Index. Breeding foaling Broodmare nutrition basics by Dr. Bill Vandergrift Having a mare in foal means that you're taking on new responsibilities. Creep feeding Creep feeders are available commercially but you can build your own using either lumber or pipe. First-hand foaling by Rebecca Colnar Midwifing a first-time foaling. Work closely with your veterinarian from pre-conception through foaling imprint and enjoy the miracle. Maiden mare by Bill Walsh Professionals obviously have a lot more to worry about than amateur breeders but no matter who has the mare to be bred breeding successfully is more than letting Mother Nature do her thing. A foal may become orphaned for various reasons ranging from the dam's death rejection illness or lack of milk production to even more temporary situations such as the dam being shipped off to be bred without the foal. You were sure that you'd have plenty of time to read Blessed are the Broodmares to watch the foaling videos and to get all of your questions answered. Send us a message with our comment form books breeding diseases feeding forage how to health hoof care issues legs links management The Mane Points is produced by Southern States Cooperative Inc. The intent of this site is to provide equine enthusiasts with articles advertising and commentary relating to horses. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and are offered for general information not to provide specific recommendations. Agri-Land GardenSouth Mane Points Energy Services Shop SSC Southern States Info News Search SSC Sites Index of Products Services C 1997-2000 Southern States Cooperative Inc.
      [Contents]
    • AS-490 - http://www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/AS/AS-490.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: AS-490 AS-490. Cooperative Extension Service. Management of the Foaling Mare. Janice Sojka VMD Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Mark Russell PhD Department of Animal Sciences Brenda Weedman Department of Animal Sciences. Introduction It is critical to properly prepare a mare for foaling if an owner is to realize the results of the time effort and money invested. This publication is designed to help mare owners properly prepare the environment themselves and their mare for foaling. It outlines the normal delivery process and provides the steps necessary to ensure mare and foal health and successful rebreeding. The discussion focuses on those aspects of care that an owner can implement without professional assistance. The Last Two Months During the final two months of pregnancy the tenth and eleventh months of gestation the mare's abdomen takes on the pendulous enlarged characteristics of pregnancy. If no mammary gland development is noted prior to foaling the owner should be suspicious of hormonal inadequacies. Signs of Impending Parturition The following is a check list to help owners identify many of the signs present prior to foaling 1. If the milk calcium concentration is measured by either the owner or a veterinarian it can be used to predict the foal's arrival time. The best predictor of foaling time is knowledge of the mare's gestation length and behavior during previous pregnancies. Equipment Helpful for Foaling Prior to foaling the owner or manager should assemble the following equipment or supplies that will be needed during and or after foaling 4 to 5 ounces of an iodine solution in a sterile jar Tail bandages or 3 gauze bandages Roll of sterile cotton Package of gauze squares 3 or 4 square Adhesive tape one-inch wide 1 pint povidone-iodine compound 6 to 8 clean towels Enema tube soap and lubricant Seamless pail Large animal thermometer Labor The mare's labor is intense and rapid. Because all of the foal's oxygen is obtained through the umbilical cord blood supply a prolonged delivery can quickly endanger the foal. Stage 1 usually is imperceptible and can go unnoticed even by the watchful observer. The mare may urinate and defecate frequently and carry her tail in an elevated position. To prepare a mare in Stage 1 labor for foaling the mare's perineal area should be cleaned thoroughly with a povidone-iodine solution and the tail should be bandaged out of the way. Once the preparations have been finished the owner should observe discreetly from a distance. Stage 1 ends when the allantois or fetal membranes are pushed through the cervix by the advancing fetus and rupture thereby releasing amniotic fluid breaking water Stage 2 Stage 2 is the time of intense labor contractions which push the foal through the birth canal. The advancing fetus is enveloped in a white filmy membrane known as the amniotic membrane. The placenta a thicker pink membrane is attached to the uterine wall and should not be visible at this time. The foal normally will be lying on its stomach positioned upright in the birth canal with its forefeet slightly displaced one before the other and with the muzzle resting on top of the knees. Once the shoulders the widest portion of the foal's body are born the rest of the foal usually follows shortly. If the mare has been pushing for 45 minutes and no sign of a foal is seen intervention is needed quickly if the foal is to survive. Should the mare require assistance the attendant must first make sure that the foal's front legs and head are properly positioned. The entire foal could also be completely backward or breech with the hindquarters presented first or upside down or both. Until the veterinarian arrives the attendant may try to place the foal in the correct position by turning locating and extricating lodged limbs. If repositioning is attempted care must be taken to ensure that the attendant's arm is sterile and well-lubricated. Inserting a length of rubber tubing into the mare's trachea and walking may prevent her from bearing down too hard on the foal or your arm. Once this has happened the foal's navel should be immediately treated with an iodine solution to prevent entrance of pathogens through the opening. Stage 3 Stage 3 is complete when the placenta and fetal membranes are expelled. Once serious symptoms develop it may be too late to prevent permanent damage. Immediately Post Partum After the membranes have been properly expelled the mare's uterus will undergo involution during which the uterus will return to its nonpregnant size. However if a uterine infection is present the process will be delayed. Involution may cause abdominal pain and some colic-like symptoms. Some mares become extremely agitated and the attendant should watch carefully to make sure the mare does not endanger the foal by rolling or getting up and down frequently. After that weather conditions and temperature should dictate whether the mare and foal are turned out or housed indoors. After one week of age the foal is not affected adversely by cold weather but damp or wet environments should be avoided the first few weeks. Decreased appetite and water intake results in decreased milk production so every effort should be made to keep the mare comfortable. Because of the increase in energy demands for lactation the mare needs larger amounts of concentrates and high-quality hay. Her need for crude protein is increased to 14 percent of her daily total intake and her calcium need increases to 1 percent of the diet. From Care and Bredding of Horses Jones 1947 a Neck presented b Head and all four legs presented c Head presented knees doubled back d Breech with hocks presented A broodmare's stall is normally very dirty because she is eating and drinking larger amount of feeds. This problem is easily prevented by housing outdoors. Normal and Abnormal Post Partum Occurrences The mare's uterus continues to involute through the first two weeks. A foul smelling discharge signals a uterine infection and requires medical attention. A more serious condition occurring immediately post partum is internal bleeding caused by rupture of the middle uterine artery. The symptoms associated with a middle uterine artery rupture are colic pawing anxiousness and profuse sweating. Often a mare with a middle uterine artery rupture is unaware of her surroundings and of her foal. Any uterine or vaginal bruising damage or swelling slows down the involution process and the uterus will be unable to support embryo life. Excessive or improperly timed breeding attempts increase the chances of uterine infections. Conception The fertile egg is released from a follicle on the ovary during the mare's estrus. There is variation between mares some remain in standing estrus for longer periods after ovulation and some ovulate without showing any external signs of estrus. Their maternal instinct is stronger than the instinct to display estrus. These mares tend to be susceptible to uterine infections so early breeding is not recommended. Prolactin the hormone which stimulates milk production may inhibit estrogen and the hormones necessary for ovarian activity. Lactational inhibition of ovarian activity is more common if the mare is on a substandard diet and in a negative energy balance. Things to do in this instance are to improve the mare's plane of nutrition wean the foal early or attempt hormonal treatments under a veterinarian's supervision. Body Condition of the Mare A mare's body condition affects her reproductive efficiency and ability to reproduce. See AS-460 for more information on body condition scoring. A score of four is termed Moderately Thin and is characterized by a negative crease down the back with the vertebrae slightly protruding. A faint outline of the ribs is discernible some fat can be felt about the tailhead and neither the withers shoulders or neck are obviously thin. A mare in ideal five or Moderate Condition score would have a level back with ribs that cannot be visually distinguished but that can be easily felt. The fat around the tailhead is beginning to feel spongy and the withers appear rounded over the spinous processes. A mare in estrus demonstrates receptivity by standing quietly when the stallion approaches urinating frequently everting the vulva to expose the clitoris also known as winking and raising the tailhead. There is a wide range of individuality of expression of estrus between different mares. Teasing must be correlated with other findings such as a reproductive tract examination to determine the optimum time to breed the mare. Preparation for foaling is critical to ensuring the mare and foal's health upon delivery. Being aware of normal signs of approaching parturition stages of labor and post-partum occurances is essential. Experience good records and attention to detail are the tools which help breeders obtain efficient productive mares and healthy foals. Additional References AS-488 Neonatal Foal Care AS-491 Management of the Pregnant Mare ID-190 Maximizing the Value of Pasture for Horses AS-418 Fences for Horse AS-429 Nutritional Management for Horses AS-460 Recognizing and Maintaining the Healthy Horse New 10 93 Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics state of Indiana urdue University and U.S. The Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University is an affirmative action equal opportunity institution.
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    • Born To Run - 2/5/99 - http://o-zone.starbanner.com/BornToRun/BornToRunSense020599.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: HORSE SENSE Terminology from the equine industry. SIRE Father of a horse. A horse earns its state-bred designation by where it was born regardless of where it was conceived. COLOSTRUM An animal's first milk which in the case of horses delivers vital antibodies to the foal in the first 24 hours after birth. EARLY FOAL A foal born toward the beginning of the foaling season preferably in January through March. COVER The physical breeding act between stallion and mare. While other horse breeds utilize artificial insemination as the primary means of impregnation thoroughbred breeding does not.
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    • The Immune System - http://www.gvequine.com.au/The%20immune%20system.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: The Immune System. Advanced Reproduction Short Course 2000 FOAL IMMUNOLOGY Lecture Notes Darien J. Feary Introduction Failure of passive transfer of immunity the single most important condition predisposing the newborn foal to developing potentially life-threatening infections. Essential to recognize these immunological disorders early to enable prompt and effective prevention treatment and management. Enables the body to target and destroy invading organisms that it is exposed to every day prevent infections from becoming established respond to an infection and enable the body to recover. Anything that is foreign to the body and can potentially cause disease we call and ANTIGEN can be bacteria fungi viruses parasites toxins etc. Antibodies are essentially large proteins also called IMMUNOGLOBULINS Ig These terms often used synonymously. Types of Immunity Basically the immune system can be divided into two types Innate Immunity WBC s and other cells which act non-specifically to fight invading organisms. antibodies produced by specialized lymphocytes and other specialized cells which act specifically to target and destroy invading antigens. As the name suggests this type of immunity is acquired and proper development requires previous exposure to a foreign organism so that when exposed again the body can mount a rapid and more effective secondary response. When immature as it is in the newborn foal the acquired immune response is slow and essentially ineffective. Foals Immune System The important aspects of the foals immune system at birth that put it at a very high risk of developing life threatening infections The newborn foal is what we call immunocompetant at birth that is it has all the basic components of its innate immunity that enable it to immediately respond to an antigenic challenge. However because of the nature of the equine placenta epitheliochorial-6 layers there is no transfer of antibodies from the mare to the foal in the uterus. This protection provided in the form of maternal immunoglobulin in the colostrum of the mare. This passive transfer of Ig especially IgG is essential what we call the passive transfer of immunity. Any delay or failure in this vital transfer of immunity will increase the risk of foal developing serious infections early in life. In optimal circumstances there is an overlap of passive and active immunity. If passive transfer is inadequate the particularly dangerous period for foal is about 4 weeks of age. So how is this vital immunity transferred How can it fail How do we tell it has failed before it is too late And how do we deal with the problem Colostrum. Thick yellow and sticky because it is high in proteins Mare produces about 1-2L of colostrums but only ONCE during each pregnancy. Colostrum is important not only because it supplies essential immunoglobulins but it is also a source of calories growth factors WBC s laxatives and various factors which enhance the intestinal absorption of colostral proteins. Absorption of Colostrum Absorption of colostral Ig carried out by specialized cells in foals small intestine which enable large proteins not normally absorbed due to there large size to be taken up and transferred to foals bloodstream where they are detected at there highest level at 6 hrs after ingestion. In addition while the gut is permeable to colostrum it is also permeable to bacteria and other organisms in foal s intestine. So while increased intestinal permeability is good ideally we want the foal to ingest and absorb adequate colostrum as early as possible to avoid intestinal infections. Level of IgG considered to be protective depends on many factors relating to the foaling environment management etc but generally accepted that IgG level of serum of normal healthy foal is 8g L 800mg dl within 24hrs after birth. Although strong correlation between low IgG levels in colostrum-deprived foals and an increased risk of serious infection this is NOT to say that foal with IgG 2g L WILL develop serious infection after birth or conversely that foal with IgG 8g L WILL NOT get sick. For our purposes we can say that FPT may be considered to have occurred when level of IgG in foal s blood is 8g L and that the foal requires some sort of temporary supplementation with a source of IgG. Causes of Failure of Passive Transfer. Can occur as a result of ANY interference with sequence of events leading to effective transfer of IgG from mare s blood to mammary gland to foals blood within the critical time period of 6-12 hours. Can group various causes into problems associated with Manufacture and secretion of colostrum by MARE Ingestion and absorption of colostrum by FOAL Mare Factors. The mare must concentrate the right IgG from her blood lactate at the time of foaling produce adequate volume of good quality colostrum and allow the foal to suck What can go wrong Premature Lactation or loss of colostrum.probably most common cause of FPT. Why does this occur Not really sure of mechanism but has been related to presence of placentitis or placental separation or both and also with twin pregnancies. Failure of Milk let down opposite to premature lactation less common. Lack of udder development pain from engorged udder total lack of milk production due to certain plant toxins. Poor Colostral Quality important cause quality of colostrum basically refers to level of IgG in colostrum which is very variable between individual mares breeds etc. Good quality colostrum has IgG level 30g L correlated to colostral specific gravity which is easily measured of 1.060 Poor colostral quality occurs as result of many factors especially premature lactation also premature foaling genetic defects in mares aged 15 yrs mares obese mares also found to occur more commonly in mares foaling early in season and in Standardbred mares. The Wrong IgG an effective acquired immune response can only be mounted if there has been previous exposure to antigen if foal born in different environment to that which mare has been exposed to then she does not concentrate and transfer protective IgG to foal in colostrum. Prepartum mare immunization also very important within a reasonable time to allow sufficient antibody production against specific antigens and concentration into colostrum covered in Stacy s Preventative Reproductive Medicine lecture Finally mare can prevent foal from sucking i.e. Anything preventing foal standing and sucking can potentially be a cause if FPT eg weak premature foals dummy foals deformed bent-leg foals sick foals etc. Premature gut closure can occur due to foal stress disease intestinal damage and administering anything other than colostrum orally before gut closure Do not give normal milk to foals before colostrum Diagnosis of FPT. How do we tell foal has inadequate protective IgG before foal gets sick and its too late Important to remember FPT has no primary symptoms so critical to identify these foals before they develop obvious signs of infection. Subjective criteria identify high risk foals based on history of mare running milk difficult foaling weak deformed dummy foals old obese mares etc. Testing Colostral quality using colostrometer to measure specific gravity of colostrum if s.g 1.060 then foal serum IgG 5g L. Advantage is accurate and easier to obtain sample in time period but too late to supplement with colostrum as gut closure has occurred. Best treatment for FPT foals is PREVENTION early detection and early supplementation is the key Form of supplemental IgG depends on age of the foal. Colostrum is the fluid of choice and the best preventative if given early enough as its natural and provides all other beneficial factors discussed earlier. Thaw colostrum slowly in warm water 39 degrees DO NOT MICROWAVE This destroys essential proteins. Bovine cattle colostrum can also be given if desperate Apparently goat colostrum is also suitable Foal 12 hours old give IV PLASMA transfusion. This method more time consuming need IV line takes 30-40 mins to run in 1L plasma risk of transfusion reaction requires veterinarian more expensive and lack other factors in colostrums. In general need to give 1-2L plasma may need to give repeat transfusions to achieve final serum IgG levels of 8g L depending on initial IgG level. Take home messages Normal foals suck with 1 to 3 hours of birth identify foals at risk and test colostrum or foal serum IgG Supplement early preferably with colostrum before 12 hours after birth Don t wait until foals get sick with obvious signs. Managemen t management management plan before season starts Neonatal Isoerythrolysis NI Introduction Uncommon but serious and potentially fatal condition of newborn foal must be recognized early. NI is essentially a disorder of blood group incompatibility between foal and mare inherited from the stallion. Involves destruction of foal s red blood cells by mare s immune system AFTER ingestion of antibodies in mare s colostrum. foal inherits particular Aa or Qa blood type from stallion exposure of mares blood to foals blood mares immune system recognize as foreign antigens time to mount effective secondary immune response and ingestion of anti-RBC antibodies by foal. Mixing of maternal and foal blood can occur late in gestation or more commonly during foaling process. Therefore condition more often seen in multiparous mares as first foal usually not affected need time to mount immune response antibodies concentrated in colostrum and ingested by subsequent foals. After ingesting colostrum become progressively weaker depressed as RBC s rabidly destroyed when antibodies reach foals bloodstream. Foals may also show difficulty breathing have red discoloured urine eventually seizures coma and die. Diagnosis Very important to detect early typical signs of weakness depression pale or yellow foals that are NORMAL at birth suck vigorously then deteriorate after ingesting colostrum. Specialized tests to definitively diagnose condition by detecting mare anti-RBC antibodies but don t have time to wait for results before treating. Treatment Prevent further ingestion of colostrum by foal muzzle feed supplemental colostrum from unaffected mare for at least 24 hours. Keep warm minimize stress nutrition maintain blood volume may need IV fluids and or blood transfusion if severely anaemic antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. src themes glacier aglabul1.gif width 15 height 15 hspace 13 If mare known to have antibodies or previous NI foal muzzle foal at birth for 24 hours milk mare and discard colostrum give foal colostrum from another mare. Combined Immunodeficiency CID Introduction A primary genetic disorder of Arabian bred foals results in a complete failure to produce necessary cells to mount immune response lack B and T-lymphocytes Low incidence about 3 An autosomal recessive trait carriers show no clinical signs but can pass on genes incidence of 25 Clinical Signs Generally non-specific foals develop persistent recurring infections due to lack of acquired immune system. Most commonly respiratory tract infections with nasal discharge coughing breathing difficulties. Foals may temporarily improve with treatment of infection but not long term and affected foals usually die within 6 months. Blood test shows very low lymphocyte count and absence of IgM Post mortem shows very undeveloped small organs involved in immune system i.e. Prevent disease by not breeding with known affected individuals by affected offspring and testing for carriers.
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    • 2000 Exodus Breeders Supply Company - General Foaling - http://www.exodusbreeders.com/generalfoal.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: 2000 Exodus Breeders Supply Company General Foaling. Johnson McClure. Baton Rouge Louisiana Neonatal isoerythrolysis NI is an immunogenic disease that affects foals within the first week of life. A mare generates an antibody response against a foreign antigen. If the foal has on its red cells the target antigen inherited from the sire the antibodies attach to the red cells and cause their destruction or removal from the circulation. Mares become sensitized or immunized as a result of exposure to blood containing the foreign antigens from transfusion or exposure to blood of a fetus with incompatible blood type as a result of placentitis or at parturition. 6 The antibodies must combine with the factor on the red cells which results in their rapid destruction or removal from the circulation leading to anemia. The two red cell factors or antigens that appear to be most immunogenic and are most commonly associated with problems in horses are Aa and Qa. Theoretically any factor lacked by the mare and present in the foal and stallion can be a problem but the prevalence is so low that it does not warrant taking preventive measures for incompatibilities in these other factors. Not all mares at risk actually become sensitized and produce foals that develop NI. This antibody does not appear to produce NI and in fact it may confer some degree of protection against sensitization by other factors by rapidly eliminating foreign cells from circulation. If a mare is known to be at risk either based on knowledge of her blood type or because of previous production of an affected foal her sera can be tested for the presence of anti-red cell antibodies during the last month of gestation or her colostrum can be tested against the foal's or stallion's red cells before allowing the foal to nurse. If antibody is detected before ingestion of colostrum the foal can be prevented from ingesting the tainted colostrum and an alternate source can be provided. Foals that survive for several days or that have a slower and later onset are generally icteric. Secondary signs resulting from anoxia may include those of central nervous system injury such as depression or seizures. Nephropathy associated with organ failure may result from renal vascular changes and excretion of hemoglobin. Mules suffering from NI frequently manifest thrombocytopenia as well as anemia presumably because of the presence of anti-platelet antibody as well as anti-red cell antibody. Delayed onset after more than 6 days of acute hemolysis is uncommon and may be due to continued presence of antibody of some class other than IgG. In these cases the milk gives a positive result on the jaundiced foal agglutination JFA test Table 1 suggesting the continued presence of agglutinins. DIAGNOSIS Diagnosis may be suspected based on signs of pallor or icterus and concurrent anemia hemoglobinemia or hemoglobinuria. Septicemic foals may clinically share many of the features including depression and icterus but infected foals are not usually anemic. Diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating antibody on the surface of red cells using a direct antiglobulin test Coombs'test This test is run on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EDTA anticoagulated samples and requires species-specific reagents. Diagnosis is supported by demonstrating anti-red cell antibodies in the colostrum or serum of the mare using agglutination or hemolytic assays. Minus signs and lower case letters listed below the system denote those factors that were detected and those that were not in a particular individual. TREATMENT Treatment after the ingestion of colostrum and the onset of signs depends on the severity of clinical changes and the speed with which red cells are destroyed. In mild cases when the hematocrit PCV remains above 15 and is not decreasing rapidly little except restriction of exercise may be indicated. In more severe cases minimizing exertion is imperative because these foals may die while being manipulated or attempting to follow their dams. Although transfusion may not be necessary if the PCV remains above 12 if it is at 15 and decreasing preparation should begin to have the blood ready if the PCV drops to 12 as collecting and processing blood for transfusion takes time. Selection of a Donor The key to donor selection is to provide a red blood cell that will not react with the maternal antibodies that the foal absorbed through the colostrum. has the same blood type as the mare with regard to that factor and has no anti-red cell antibodies in its serum Whole blood can be used from these horses without additional processing. This means that only one in 50 Thoroughbreds is a suitable red cell donor to treat a foal affected with NI due to anti-Aa antibody. With advance screening horses that are Aa and Qa negative and free of antibody can be identified for donors Table 2 Among the more common breeds in the United States a suitable Aa and Qa negative donor would most likely be found among Quarterhorses. Because pregnancy is often associated with sensitization against red cells the use of geldings as blood donors has been suggested. This is a consideration relating to the presence of antibodies in the transfused blood but has no effect on which red cell factors are present. JAUNDICED FOAL AGGLUTINATION TEST JFA Materials 1 Centrifuge capable of centrifuging blood types at moderate speeds 300 x 600 x g 2 Test tubes either 13-x 100 mm disposable tubes or blood collection tubes. 4 Pasteur pipettes and rubber bulbs or other pipette system to deliver 1.0-ml volumes. 3 In the remaining 7 tubes prepare serial dilutions 1 2 1 4 1 8 1 16 1 32 1 64 1 128 of the colostrum by adding 1 ml of colostrum to the tube labeled 1 2 then transferring 1 ml of the mixture to the second tube labeled 1 4 and so on until reaching the tube labeled 1 128. If the blood agglutinates in the SALINE CONTROL tube this may indicate that the foal has already absorbed antibodies and the cells are already coated at the time of collection. Colostrum can be tested on the dam's own cells to be certain that it is not the condition of the test or viscosity of the colostrum that are causing the agglutination. Positive reactions at 1 16 or greater in horses and 1 64 or greater in mules are considered significant. The dam's red cells will not be affected by her antibody but the problem with using the dam's red cells is that they must be washed free of antibody to prevent administration of more offending antibody to the foal. The process of washing allows the red cells to sediment from anticoagulated blood and removes as much of the plasma as possible followed by addition of several volumes of isotonic saline. The red cells are allowed to sediment again after which time as much of the saline-diluted plasma as possible is removed. Administration of more red cells that share the same antigens as the foal will only add to the load of damaged red cells that must be cleared by the reticuloendothelial system and hemoglobin that must be cleared by the kidneys. In the case of mules with NI virtually any horses can provide suitable red cells because the factor involved appears to be a uniquely donkey antigen i.e. a xenoantigen and thus it is necessary only to exclude horses with anti-donkey antibody in their serum as donors. Administration of Erythrocytes The red cells or whole blood must be administered through a blood administration set with a filter. The PCV tends to gradually decrease again over the following several days. This is most likely attributable to the continued destruction and removal of the foal's cells not the transfused cells if they were compatible with the maternal antibody. If the decline in PCV is gradual additional transfusions may be unnecessary even if the levels decrease to around 15 It may take several weeks for the PCV to return to levels expected for age keeping in mind that the PCV level of normal foals tends to decrease often into the 20's over the first several weeks of life. One is to prevent incompatible matings and the other is to prevent the offending antibodies from entering the foal. A compatible breeding is to mate a mare and stallion lacking the same factors therefore precluding the inheritance of those factors by the foal. As described earlier the list amounts to a series of lower-case letters from a to g for the A system and a to c for the Q system. It is the lack of a factor in the mare that creates the at risk situation not the converse and thus the presence of the factor in the mare and the absence in the stallion is of no consequence. The presence of anti-red cell antibodies in the serum of mares late in gestation is presumptive evidence of an impending problem although because the blood type of the fetus is not known this does not predict absolutely that a problem will occur with the current pregnancy. Postpartum tests for antibody can be done using either the sire's blood or blood from several horses that are known to possess a spectrum of red cell antigens known as a panel. If antibodies are detected provision should be made to either check colostrum for specific reaction with the foal's cells at birth by means of the JFA test see Table 1 or to arbitrarily withhold the dam's colostrum and provide an alternate source. Mare colostrum is reacted with foal's blood collected before the foal is suckled and a titer determined see Table 1 Titers of 1 16 or greater are considered significant in horses. The JFA does not differentiate antibodies against one factor from another it simply detects the presence of some anti-red cell antibody. If the foal has already nursed and has anti-red cell antibody on its cells the cells may agglutinate in the JFA test saline control and at all dilution even in the absence of colostrum thus it is important to use presuckle blood to accurately assess the test or the tendency will be to overestimate the titer. Colostral titers as determined by JFA test generally decrease quite rapidly. Recommendations to withhold milk for 24 to 72 hours are probably overly conservative. If colostral antibodies are ingested in the first few hours the antibody levels may continue to increase in the blood for 24 hours but probably not because new absorption is occurring but rather because the antibody already in the pipeline continues to reach the blood stream. LABORATORIES PROVIDING EQUINE BLOOD TYPING SERVICES Serology Laboratory Stormont Laboratory Inc. Carthage TX 75633 Department of Veterinary Medicine. Telephone 519 836-2400 Serum and or colostrum from the suspect mare are needed to screen for the presence of anti-red cell antibody. Supplemental Readings Bailey E Prevalence of anti-red blood cell antibodies in the serum and colostrum o fmares and its relationship to neonatal isoerythrolysis. Bailey E Albright DG Equine neonatal isoerythrolysis Evidence for prevention by maternal antibodies to the Ca blood group antigen. pp 341-353 Bowling AT Clark RS Blood group and protein polymorphism gene frequencies for seven breeds of horses in the United States. McClure JJ Koch C Traub-Dargatz J Characterization of a red blood cell antigen in donkeys and mules associated with neonatal isoerythrolysis. Stormont C Neonatal isoerythrolysis in domestic animals. Traub-Dargatz JL McClure JJ Koch C Schlipf JW Neonatal isoerythrolysis in mule foals.
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    • Foaling Management - http://www.gaitedhorses.net/FoalingManagement2.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Foaling Management. The Foaling Mare Management Guidelines COLOSTRUM When the mammary glands produce milk but it is not suckled or milked as happens during late pregnancy a yellowish slightly syrupy milk is produced. The foals resistance to disease is critical in the first two to four months of life. The foal relies on the absorption of antibodies from the mare's colostrum for this early life protection from many bacterial and viral pathogens that cause infection. The colostrum also provides a mild laxative effect for the foal helping to prevent impaction. If the foal cannot receive colostrum from the dam because of complications from the birth the mare not bagging or the loss of the colostrum prior to foaling because of excessive streaming the foal MUST be given an alternative source of colostrum. Several testing procedures are available that estimate the antibody levels in the mare's colostrum or the level of antibodies in the foals blood. There are no specific symptoms that you can look for without testing except for the infections that may develop in the foal within the first three weeks of life. EARLY LIFE HANDLING IMPRINTING Introducing human contact should occur soon after birth this reduces weaning stress and there are indications that imprinting the foal can alleviate many handling difficulties in the future. There is much literature available on imprinting but the main thing is that the techniques imprint the basic behavior of the foal toward humans to be one of respect rather than fear or flight. Oxytocin release is triggered by stimulation of the uterus vagina and vulva during parturition and later by tactile stimulation of the nerve endings in the teats when the foal suckles. Oxytocin stimulates the milk let down by forcing milk into the large ducts that supply the teat cistern where it remains until suckled out by the foal. Within several days following birth the foals should be allowed access to creep rations most will not consume large quantities until 2 to 3 months old. The feed for the creep rations should contain between 16 and 18 protein with a 2 1 calcium phosphorus ratio. Often milk replacer pellets may encourage the transition from formula to grain. This information is for educational purposes only please consult your veterinarian for further advise and procedures.
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    • Crossmatch: NI - http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/popmed/clinpath/CPmodules/coags/mrefoal.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Mare-foal Incompatibility The mare-foal incompatibility test is a crossmatch procedure that looks for incompatibility between the mare and the foal. Specifically the test compares whether there are antibodies in mare serum or colostrum to foal erythrocytes The mare-foal incompatibility crossmatch is a test for the confirmation or prevention of neonatal isoerythrolysis NI Neonatal isoerythrolysis is a hemolytic anemia that occurs in foals that inherit their sire's blood group antigens born to mares of a different blood type to the stallion they were mated to. The mare is sensitized to the blood group antigen of the stallion through previous pregnancies the most common situation previous blood or plasma transfusions or vaccination with products containing equine erythrocyte antigens. Sensitization occurs during pregnancy due to a phenomenon called retroplacental bleeding in which the foal's blood comes into contact with the mare's circulation during the last few weeks of pregnancy. It can naturally occur earlier if there is any placental pathology. Therefore NI occurs usually in multiparous mares and only after the foal has ingested colostrum. The most common blood types in the horse that produce NI are Aa and Qa antigens although NI to other antigens including Pa and Ua has been reported. When the foal ingests colostrum containing antibodies from the mare against the sire's red cell antigens the foal as long as it has inherited the sire's blood type suffers a hemolytic anemia which can be severe and result in neonatal mortality. This requires the submission of erythrocytes from the foal EDTA blood and serum from the mare Alternatively a direct Coombs test can be done on the foal's blood this requires an EDTA tube However these tests are usually performed by referral laboratories and the results may only be available after several days. There is a kit available called the jaundice foal agglutination test that can be performed stallside if you have a centrifuge This test assesses for mare-foal incompatibility by testing for agglutination between mare colostrum or serum and foal blood. A positive reaction at a titer of 1 16 is indicative of an incompatibility at lower titers false-positive reactions may occur and indicates that colostrum should be withheld from the foal. This is a useful test to determine if a mare that has previously had a foal with NI and has been mated to the same stallion that produced the NI foal or another stallion of unknown blood type has antibodies to the current foal. However the test does not look for hemolysis and is less sensitive than the routine crossmatch procedure which assesses for hemolysis and microscopic agglutination Neonatal isoerythrolysis can be prevented by testing a susceptible mare before parturition and withholding colostrum. Ideally the mare should be crossmatched with the stallion stallion red cells and mare serum especially in the last few weeks of pregnancy when exposure to the foal's erythrocytes is likely to occur thus boosting the antibody titer if there is an incompatibility Some authors recommend repeat crossmatching every two weeks in the last month of pregnancy to look for a rising titer often increases from 1 256 in the last 4 weeks prior to foaling A rising titer indicates a high likelihood of NI and reveals the need for withholding of colostrum from the foal.
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    • The Mare Owners Resource - Care of the New Born foal - http://www.stallionsdirect.com/mares/care_of_the_newborn_foal.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: The Mare Owners Resource Care of the New Born foal. Studbook Data Show Results Calculator UKhorses Contacts For Stallion Owners For Mare Owners AI Services Studs Free Classifieds Breeding Articles Reading Material The superb artwork for this article is from the collection of Janet Griffin-Scott and the full collection may be viewed here Care of the New Born Foal To Ja Ja Breeding a foal can be one of the most rewarding things possible to do with your horse however it can also turn into an expensive disaster if you do not know how to handle your new arrival. For this reason Stallions Direct has compiled a summary of how to care for your foal so that hopefully all will be well. Introduction The atmosphere into which the foal is born is very different compared with the previous 11 months of it's life. At birth all this changes and the foal is exposed to the outside world full of disease other animals and dangerous objects. Foals are very delicate creatures who once sick are expensive and time consuming to treat. Things to watch out for include colic thinness discharge from the uterus illness treatment with un-safe drugs chronic lameness long traveling periods COPD dripping milk prior to foaling. The foaling or birth prolonged labour foal that needs assistance during birth premature separation of the placenta characterised by a red bag deliveries that have had to be induced premature delivery prior to 320 days excessive bleeding from the umbilicus dirty surroundings The foal premature birth birth defects abnormally small death of the dam delay in ingestion of colostrum within 2 hours of birth weak foals twins those that can not rise within 3 hours The leading cause of foal death under 7 days is bacterial infection so be warned. Be present for the delivery Clean the mare off as soon as the delivery is complete especially the udder region. Ingestion of bacteria may be significant in causing infection of the foal. Other practical HORSEMAN'S advice Be observant around the mare and foal and take on a routine so you can immediately notice any changes. Make sure the foal is passing regular quantities of dung especially the initial meconium. Swelling and lameness are usually caused by infections that may be potentially life threatening. This article could continue ad infinitum describing all the various disorders and what to look for however it can all be summarised in a few simple lines Summary If in doubt call the veterinary surgeon. They will not mind being called to a healthy foal if you are uncertain Keep everywhere clean and bear in mind that the biggest killer of foals is infection Be observant around the mare and foal so you can act quickly on any changes Do not hesitate in treatment of ailments especially cuts.
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    • RD17210: BREEDING & STUD MANAGEMENT - http://users.aber.ac.uk/infoman/wirs/exam98/semester1/rd17210.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: RD17210 BREEDING STUD MANAGEMENT. PRIFYSGOL CYMRU UNIVERSITY OF WALES ABERYSTWYTH HND EXAMINATIONS SEMESTER 1 1998 WELSH INSTITUTE OF RURAL STUDIES RD17210 BREEDING STUD MANAGEMENT TIME ALLOWED 1 HOURS Answer ALL questions. All questions carry equal weighting. Label the following diagram NOT AVAILABLE What is the function of the ovary apart from producing ova What hormone a drives follicle development b induces ovulation What is Equimate and what could it be used for in the horse What hormones are produced in the stallion's testes What is an unilateral cryptorchid Why is swabbing a stallion an important practice in stud management Name the 4 accessory sex glands in the stallion. What is their collective function What is the utero-tubular junction and why is it particularly important Give the reason why live twins are so rare in the equine species. On what day during a mare's oestrous cycle should you aim to cover her Why is an ultrasonic scanner used prior to covering in many studs Give three methods of detecting pregnancy in the mare. At what stage of pregnancy should you consider increasing the mare's nutrient intake Give reasons for your choice. What parameters should you check immediately a foal is borne to give you an indication of its wellbeing At what age should a foal and its mother ideally be turned out for the first time Why do many Thoroughbred studs foal their mares down very early in the year What problems does this pose Why is it important to monitor the body condition of a brood mare Label the following diagram NOT AVAILABLE At what age should you wean a foal How does sudden weaning differ from gradual weaning.
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    • BIOQUAL INC. - Lyphomune IgG, Products - http://www.bioqual.com/lyphomune.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Lyphomune IgG Products. 9600 Medical Center Drive. Rockville Maryland. Products Discovery Research Press Releases Investor Relations Corporate Profile Government Contracts Genetics Neurobiology Behavior Aging Project Contract Services Contact Information Corporate Lyphomune IgG Products. In nature the foal is normally given protection by its mother's first milk or colostrum which is rich in maternal antibodies. Afterward the villous epithelial cells of the small intestine undergo changes which frustrate further adsorption of immunoglobulins. Unfortunately foals which are born too weak to nurse or which are rejected by the mare after birth often become immunodeficient leading to a condition called complete or partial Failure of Passive Transfer FPT of immunity. Other causes of FPT include premature lactation by the mare abnormally low or no immunoglobulin content in the mare's colostrum maternal infection mare death premature birth malabsorption or fescue toxicosis. The treatment of Failure of Passive Transfer in newborn foals is focused toward supplying immunoglobulins IgG and managing infections that may exist. There are several commercial preparations available that merely consist of whole serum or plasma containing a variable quantity of antibodies. These crude preparations have numerous disadvantages including freezing thawing high cost short shelf-life variable IgG levels and contamination with non-specific proteins that increase potential for adverse reactions. BIOQUALS's equine Lyphomune the only purified Equine IgG available is the product of choice in these cases. Each bottle of Lyphomune provides a consistent dose of IgG to foals and in recent clinical trials has clearly demonstrated elevating foals IgG levels comparable to levels observed following colostrum ingestion. Additional product features include oral or IV administration from the same bottle significantly less expensive than plasma 3-year shelf life freeze-dried convenience quality-controlled Aa Qa anti-RBC aby negative and derivation from a selectively vaccinated donor herd. For more information please see the Lyphomune product brochure complete with clinical trial results and or contact us for a more detailed clinical trial publication reprint. e-Mail csarma@bioqual.com Related Links Lyphomune Equine IgG Brochure Download Acrobat Reader 200k ImmunoGam MiniGam Oral Equine IgG. Eqstend Equine Albumin Veterinary Therapeutics Return to the TOP OF THIS PAGE Return To PRESS RELEASE MAIN Send mail to cmayer@bioqual.com with questions or comments about this web site.
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    • Veterinary Corner - http://www.horse-previews.com/699articles/0699vetcorner.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Veterinary Corner. from the Vet Corner Archives Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Veterinary Corner 6 99 Septicemia in Foals by Frosty Franklin DVM. Unfortunately even under the best conditions things can go wrong and it is important for owners to be aware of common problems in newborn foals so they can prevent and or correct them. Septicemia is defined as the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. As with any type of infection the outcome is determined by the interaction between the foal's immune system and the infectious agent which in this case is bacteria such as Foals are born without a competent immune system and must receive antibodies from the mare's colostrum or another source in order to be able to ward off infections. If the foal does not get enough antibodies a failure of passive transfer is said to have occurred and the veterinarian can give the foal some additional antibodies. Failure of passive transfer occurs because the foal did not get enough colostrum due to lack of nursing or because the mare did not produce enough colostrum. Checking for adequate passive transfer is crucial preventative medicine for any foal. By the time a foal starts showing signs of illness the disease process may be too advanced to save the foal's life or the foal may be left with permanent debilitating health problems. A foal may become septic if it has not received enough antibodies and or when it is exposed to large amounts of harmful bacteria. Exposure may occur from an infected umbilical stump a mare that was sick during pregnancy or simply from ingesting bacteria from a dirty environment. The bacteria get into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body causing harm to many organ systems including the lungs and the digestive tract. With careful observation and management practices foals at risk for developing septicemia can be identified early and steps taken to prevent serious illness. Foals that are at risk for septicemia include premature foals twins foals that have had a difficult birth and foals born to mares that have abnormal placentas. Obviously prevention is the best method for dealing with septicemia. The foal should be checked for adequate passive transfer and the mare should be checked to ensure that she has not experienced excessive trauma during the delivery. A veterinarian should also examine the placenta for any abnormalities. Even foals that have been observed to stand and nurse within a few hours after birth should be checked for antibody levels as there is no other way to tell if the foal ingested enough colostrum. All of these precautions may seem excessive for an animal like the horse that rarely needs assistance with delivery and that is born in a relatively mature state. Identification of risk factors and the implementation of preventative measures are the best methods for dealing with septicemia. Remember your veterinarian will be happy to answer any of your questions and the two of you should work together to ensure the healthy development of new foals. Thanks for visiting All Contents C 2000 Horse Previews Magazine.
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    • Foaling Mare and Newborn--Preparing for a Safe and Successful Foal Delivery - http://www.aaep.org/ownereducation/foaling_mare.asp
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Foaling Mare and Newborn-Preparing for a Safe and Successful Foal Delivery. FOALING MARE AND NEWBORN Preparing for a Safe and Successful Foal Delivery CARING FOR THE FOALING MARE AND NEWBORN If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy you're almost home free. Labor and delivery while momentous are generally uneventful. Mares seem to prefer to foal at night in privacy and apparently have some control over their delivery. However in case problems arise it is advisable to have your veterinarian's telephone number nearby. Remove manure and soiled bedding promptly and disinfect the stall between deliveries. The following is a general guideline but be prepared for surprises The mare's udder begins filling with milk 2-4 weeks prior to foaling. If such behavior is prolonged for more than an hour or two without progress towards foaling contact your veterinarian. PREPARING FOR BIRTH Most mares foal without difficulty. When you're worried or anxious your perception of time becomes distorted. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail. Test strips that measure calcium in mammary secretions are available commercially. These strips aid the owner in predicting when the mare will foal because sudden increases in calcium are associated with imminent foaling. UNDERSTANDING LABOR DELIVERY Labor is divided into three stages Stage one begins with the onset of contractions and generally lasts 1-2 hours. Normal presentation of the foal resembles a diving position with front feet first one slightly ahead of the other hooves down followed closely by the nose head neck shoulders and hindquarters. If you suspect any deviation from the normal delivery position call your equine practitioner. A retained placenta can cause serious problems including massive infection and laminitis. POSTPARTUM CARE FOR MARE AND FOAL In the excitement of birth it is important to remember some tried and true guidelines Allow the foal time to break the fetal membranes. Never cut the cord Twisting and pulling of the cord stimulate closure of the umbilical vessels and reduce the likelihood of hemorrhage from the cord stump. If bleeding persists following cord separation pressure can be applied to the stump for several minutes by squeezing with a thumb and finger. Treat the umbilical cord with an antiseptic solution recommended by your veterinarian soon after the cord breaks and for several days thereafter to prevent bacterial infection. IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVATION Following birth of the foal the mare and foal should be monitored for the following Foal is breathing normally. An elevated temperature may indicate infection normal is 100.5 F IMPORTANCE OF COLOSTRUM It is essential that the foal receive an adequate supply of colostrum. If a mare appears to be leaking an excessive amount of milk prior to birth consult your veterinarian. For orphan foals or mares without an adequate supply of colostrum it is important to locate a back-up supply. If IgG is inadequate treatment for Failure of Passive Transfer FPT should be instituted by your veterinarian. OTHER FOALING CAVEATS If a mare appears to require assistance during foaling call your veterinarian. If you suspect a problem during the foaling process such as a foal which is not in the normal birth position call your veterinarian immediately. An exception to this rule might include a backwards presentation because the foal can suffocate unless delivered promptly. Under no circumstances should you ever pull with anything more than your own muscle power and pull only during a contraction when the mare is straining Improper pulling risks damage to the mare's reproductive tract injury to the foal and premature separation of the umbilical cord which will deprive the foal of oxygen. Don't be overly concerned if the baby is down in the pastems and fetlocks for the first day or two of life. They will generally straighten up. However if you see extreme deviations of limbs or note other physical problems or the condition persists consult your veterinarian. American Association of Equine Practitioners 4075 Iron Works Parkway Lexington KY 40511.
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    • Foal Kit - http://www.gaitedhorses.net/FoalKit.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: The Complete Foaling Kit Your foaling kit should be handy and completely stocked well before the actual foaling date. A large secure plastic box and tight lid make the best foaling kit container. tetanus shot tetanus antitoxin IGG selenium In the refrigerator in bags along with the needle syringe for the tetanus shot and a long nose bulb syringe for the IGG if you need to give it. The tetanus antitoxin in case the mare's colostrum didn't furnish enough immunity for the foal. Selenium is often recommended as a precaution in areas that have selenium deficient soil consult your vet. disinfectant betadine regular exam gloves clean medicine dose cup the kind that comes on medicines like nyquil 4 x 4 sponges Disinfectant to clean off the mare's perineum along with regular exam gloves so you won't get it all over your hands. Hemostats or clamps Suture material to stop bleeding from an umbilical cord or torn blood vessel. Suture material to tie off bleeding vessels or the umbilical cord if needed. sharp knife in the case that the placenta a has detached and the foal cannot get any oxygen either from the blood or from the outside air so they have to get out as quickly as possible. Colic mixture To relieve colicky pains in the mare after foaling ask your veterinarian what he recommends to have on hand. You can always administer the oxygen the tranquilizer or the oxytocin on his advice over the phone so as to improve a situation prior to his arrival.
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    • Equine World, Horse News and Information Source: News Horse Trivia - http://www.equineworld.net/newborn.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Equine World Horse News and Information Source News Horse Trivia. Feature Articles Racing News CARE OF THE NEWBORN FOAL DURING THE FIRST 24 HOURS OF BIRTH The birth of a new healthy foal is a joyous occasion for most breeders particularly on smaller units and family farms. However one should not let the excitement of a newborn deflect ones responsibility away from the tasks necessary to ensure its long-term performance and ultimate survival. Is foal care top of your list Do you have a preplanned foal management program If not why not What's a normal foal The following is a checklist following the arrival of the newborn foal. Monitor the parturition process and expect birth within a half-hour of intensive labour. Visually access the foal particularly its legs especially knee hock cannon pastern and fetlock neck head eyes skin and for general physical normality. Healthy foals generally attempt to stand within a half-hour via sternum and one would expect the majority standing still wobbly within one hour of birth. Expect the foal to experiment once standing and stable moving around the mare looking for its methers teats. Administer 10ml of Protexin R multi-strain probiotic within 30 minutes and preferably before suckling to promote an excellent gut microflora and thus protect the horse from pathogenic bacteria. Where foals are slow or refuse to nurse the first milk colostrum must be bottle-fed or stomach tubed if necessary. Check the mares colostrum for quantity colour rich yellow and viscosity thick Milk colostrum into the palm of your hand if the mare allows you An immunoglobulin test 500mg Ig dl colostrum is desirable would be very beneficial where the necessary equipment is available. Newborn foals tend to explore its surroundings when it wakes from its slumber usually within two hours. A guideline is as follows Foal Weight at birth 8-10 of mature mares bodyweight the colt is normally heavier than the filly Foal Height at birth Wither height 60 mature height. Maiden Mares It is important to remember that the birth of a newborn is a completely new experience for her. When the above is observed I strongly suggest that maiden mares be enclosed in a large isolated Foaling box with a generous supply of clean straw and water. Its a good practice to tie up the placenta with sterile strings to about one foot of the vagina once the foal is looked after as an aid in reducing uterine infections and increase the rate of traction and placenta expulsion. It is sometimes common practice to bandage the tail to prevent dirt and infection being spread further. International Animal Health Products Pty Ltd ACN 003 185 699 Administration Sales 18 Healey Circuit Hunteringwood NSW 2148 PO Box 6199 Blacktown NSW 2148 Australia Fax 02 9672-7988 Int'l 61 2 9672-7988 Telephone 02 96727944 Int'l 61 2 9672-7944 E-Mail Prepared by James Martin B.
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    • Breeding articles for conception, mare & foal care - http://www.raineyvalleyfarm.com/stallions/breeding_articles.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Breeding articles for conception mare foal care. BREEDING ARTICLES MENU Pre-Breeding Genetics AI Mare Vetting Hormone Use Sex Selection Problem Breeders Abortion Mare Care Foaling The Foal Foal Problems Miscellaneous Illustrations Pre-Breeding Read This First Breeding Your Mare Read This First Breeding Costs to Expect Breeding Process Selecting a Stallion Stallion Breeding Soundness Exam Tips from Stallion Owner's View Equine Reproduction Notes When Best to Breed Successful Breeding Conception Rate Help Mare to Conceive Prepare Mare for Breeding Breeding Soundness Mare Exam Reproductive Anatomy Breeding Your Mare Genetics Inbreeding or Linebreeding UC Davis Horse Genetics AI AI Breeding with Transported Semen Artificial Insemination Artificial Insemination AI vs Natural Cover Breeding by Transported Semen Chilled Semen A.I. Mare Vetting Prebreeding Examination of the Mare Cytology and Culture Do I really need a Coggins Test Uterine Swabs Smears and Cultures Hormone Use Pharmacological Manipulation Ovuplant Relaxin for Improved Reproduction Progesterone Estradiol Ovuplant hCG Dexamethasone Inducing Early Cycling in Mares Regulating Estrus Delaying Foal Heat Oxytocin Sex Selection Fetal Sexing Breeding for Sex Selection Colt or Filly Problem Breeders Infertility in Broodmares Barren Mare Issues Sub-Fertile Mares Caring for Problem Breeder Mares Mare Conception Infertility Diagnosing Uterine Inflammation Uterine Infection TX Endometritis Managing Problem Mares Managing Problem Mares Late Gestation Problems Getting the Older Mare In Foal Abortion Determine Pending Abortion Abortion in the Mare Early Embryonic Death Late Term Abortion Causes Twin Management Abortion Causes Herpesvirus Induced Abortion Mare Care Pregnancy Diagnosis Broodmare Nutrition Mare Care Nutrition for Mare Foal Management of the Pregnant Mare Managing the Broodmare What s Safe For Pregnant Mare Dangers of Fescue Fescue Toxicosis Fescue Early Pregnancy Broodmares Fed Fescue Foaling Preparing for a Safe Delivery Prepare For Foaling Foaling Kit Predicting Foaling Time Predicting Foaling Signs of Labor Predicting Foaling with Mare's Milk Impending Labor Foaling Out Management of the Foaling Mare Normal Post Birth Parameters The Foal Your First Foal Foaling Time Line Foaling Kit Foal Check List Mare and Foal Care Newborn Knowledge Caring for the Umbilicus First Foal Tips Caring for Your Newborn Foal Worming Foals Immunizing Foals Over Vaccination Feeding Foals Effect of Early Weaning Imprinting Foal Problems Foal Resuscitation Protocol Foal Emergencies Septicemia in Foals Foal Emergencies Foal Ulcers Endophyte Toxicity R. equi in Foals Miscellaneous All About Colostrum Maiden Mare Orphan Foal Improving Fertility Equine Repro Bulletin Board Mare Foaling Illustrations Repro Foal Development Anatomy the Estrous Cycle Embryo up to Day 40 Fetus after Day 40 Twin Embryos Ultrasonic Imaging Reproduction Foaling Out Mare Foaling Go to top of page.
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    • Vet Rap Articles: Foaling - http://www.equiresource.com/vetrap/foal_ermerg.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Vet Rap Articles Foaling. FOAL EMERGENCIES. This means that you should be familiar with normal behavior in order to recognize problems early. The wait and see approach used in adult equine medicine can be disastrous when dealing with the neonate. A short time delay in the institution of therapy can make the difference between success and failure. NORMAL GUIDELINES USED TO ASSESS NEONATAL VIABILITY Adaptive response Time Elapsed Since Birth. Normal respiratory and cardiac rhythm Within 1 minute Righting reflexes established Within 5 minutes Sucking reflex established Within 30 minutes Attempts to stand Within 60-120 minutes Ability to stand unassisted Within 60-180 minutes Nurses from udder Within 60-180 minutes As I previously said any of these parameters outside the given normal range either high or low should be considered abnormal. Flexor tendon laxity walking on their fetlocks Angular limb deformities eg.knock knee'd Entropion lower eyelid rolled under Tipped ears velvety hair coat prematurity Heat swelling or pain at joints or physes growth plate Fractured ribs associated with foaling rapid shallow breathing Umbilical or inguinal scrotal hernias. Cleft palate milk running out of the foals nose as it nurses Scoliosis curved kyphosis flexion or lordosis extension of the spinal column. Malodorous uterine discharge may indicate the foal has an infection which developed in utero. CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH RISK NEWBORN FOALS MATERNAL CONDITIONS Purulent vaginal discharge Fever Hydrops allantois General anesthesia Colic surgery Endotoxemia Excessive medication History of previous abnormal foal Premature lactation Poor nutritional status Prolonged transport prior to foaling CONDITIONS OF LABOR OR DELIVERY Premature parturition Abnormally long gestation Prolonged labor Induction of labor Dystocia Early umbilical cord rupture C-section NEONATAL CONDITIONS Meconium staining Placental abnormalities Placentitis Twins Orphan Inadequate colostral intake Immaturity prematurity Exposure to infectious disease Trauma SPECIFIC DISEASES OF THE EQUINE NEONATE It should be obvious to you that we can not possibly go every disease condition which constitutes an emergency in the time allotted to us. It is likely that the physical abnormalities associated with trauma constitute an emergency and need not be covered except your initial management until the vet arrives. This is something we as veterinarians deal with on a day to day basis and not something we take lightly. I will outline some conditions which I deem are not treatable medically or surgically briefly and then discuss some of the more common diseases seen. Untreatable diseases Microphthalmia Anophthalmia Ventricular septal defect Trilogy Tetralogy Pentalogy of Fallot multiple cardiac defects Atresia coli Atresia ani Choanal atresia Fractured spine Fractured femur Premature foal less than 300 days into gestation Constitute diseases which may have a treatment option however the prognosis going into treatment is grave. Lacerations and long bone fractures can initially be managed with pressure wraps and support bandages until the vet arrives. The conditions I will concentrate on will include failure or partial failure of passive transfer neonatal isoerythrolysis red blood cell lysis neonatal maladjustment syndrome and ruptured bladder. PASSIVE TRANSFER DISORDERS OF THE FOAL In order for the foal to fully fight off infection early in its life it must ingest colostrum first milk which contains the antibodies which protect the foal from many diseases. The earlier the foal nurses the more antibodies it absorbs the more protected it becomes. These foals do not show any evidence of disease and a diagnostic test is the basis of detecting the disorder. CAUSES OF FAILURE OF PASSIVE TRANSF ER Premature lactation loss of colostrum before birth Inadequate colostrum production by the mare or poor colostral quality. Less than 400 mg dl is considered to be complete failure of passive transfer. There are no specific abnormal clinical signs associated with failure of passive transfer and the foals act normally until they develop some disease. How do you tell if the foal got a good quality colostrum and an adequate amount If the mare dripped milk for any appreciable time before foaling assume that she has lost her colostrum. If the mare doesn't drip milk before foaling collect some of the colostrum and measure the specific gravity. An device used to measure antifreeze in your car radiator will suffice. If you know the foal hasn't nursed and it is less than 12 hours old oral administration of colostrum 3 liters is the treatment of choice followed by testing for adequate absorption. If the foal is over 24 hours old a plasma transfusion is required to bolster the IgG concentration. Plasma administration should take place over several hours however it may not be practical to administer it this slowly. Adverse transfusion reactions include shivering elevated respiratory rate anaphylactic reactions have occurred and resulted in death. NEONATAL ISOERYTHROLYSIS NI This is a severe hemolytic disease caused by incompatibility between the mare's and stallion's bloodtype. It is rarely seen in maiden mares as the mare must be sensitized to antigens from the stallion's red blood cells RBC in order to produce antibodies against them. If the foal has inherited incompatible RBC antigens from the stallion and ingests colostrum containing antibodies directed against those antigens NI may ensue. Mares may become sensitized by previous blood transfusion with blood of a similar type to the stallion or by transplacental RBC leakage during pregnancy. CLINICAL SIGNS Foal born healthy with onset of the desease between 6 96 hours of age. These foals usually are not febrile fever and may or may not exhibit hemoglobinuria dark colored urine The diagnosis is based upon clinical signs and cross-match the mare and foal. If this is impractical to accomplish an aged gelding who has not had a blood transfusion is an alternative source. NEONATAL MALADJUSTMENT SYNDROME Barkers Dummies Wanderers A noninfectious central nervous system disorder of neonatal foals associated with behavioral abnormalities. The clinical signs associated with this disease relate to derangements of cerebral function or spinal cord disease or both. Central signs Loss of suckle reflex Aimless wandering may appear blind Hyperexcitable with jerky stiff movements or unresponsiveness Extensor spasms of neck limbs paddling Chomping or teeth grinding Abnormal vocalization Anisocoria one dilated and one constricted pupil Abnormal respiratory patterns Hypothermia low body temperature acidosis Coma death Spinal cord signs Weakness Ataxia incoordinated Depressed local reflexes This disease needs to be differentiated primarily from septicemia. Treatment Control convulsions Maintain body temperature hydration caloric intake electrolyte and acid-base balance and blood glucose. Oxygen therapy as needed CNS edema Ensure adequate passive transfer Physical therapy Broad spectrum antibiotics. This is a multisystemic disease and many of the patients concurrently have ongoing sepsis failure of passive transfer enteritis ulcers etc. The primary routes of infection are the respiratory tract gastrointestinal tract and umbilical cord. This out of all the diseases discussed previously is truly an emergency and needs attention as soon as it noted the foal to be ill. The clinical signs associated with septicemia include All ten signs listed under NEONATAL MALADJUSTMENT SYNDROME Bright red mucous membranes gums and conjunctiva Cyanotic bluish mucous membranes gums Hemorrhages present on the gums Injected sclera blood shot eyes Elevated heart rate Elevated respiratory rate Respiratory distress Severe depression Unable to rise or unable to arouse Diarrhea Straining to defecate Colic Grinding the teeth. This a disease syndrome which should not be handled in the field and needs to be referred to a hospital. They may require oxygen therapy assisted ventilation intravenous nutrition and constant nursing care. Broad-spectrum antibiotics nonsteroidal antiinflammatories intravenous fluids drugs which egulate blood flow are among the medications required to sustain life. RUPTURED BLADDER The most common disorder of the bladder of the newborn foal is rupture. The clinical signs are usually present within the first two days of life and include straining to urinate dysuria depression and bilaterally symmetric distension of the abdomen. Go to Karl's Korner Tack In The Box Sporthorse Stallions Worth a Look Sale Corral Index DRESSAGE CT magazine Horseman's Notebook Village Blacksmith If you have problems comments or questions about this site please email webmaster@Equiresource.com.
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    • First Milk - Colostrum, from the ERC - http://www.erc.on.ca/colostrum.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: FIRST MILK FACTS Be Prepared By Leslie Huber DVM Equine Research Centre Foaling season is here again. All foals require first milk or colostrum for protection against disease. In cases such as an uncooperative mare a weak foal twins incompatible blood types a pre-lactating or older mare you may need an immediate source of colostrum for supplementation. IgG immunoglobulin G is transferred from the mare to the foal via the colostrum and provides the antibodies the newborn foal needs to fight disease and infection. The concentration of IgG in colostrum declines to a critical level of 10g litre at different rates in individual animals. Mares that pre-lactate or drip colostrum for several days before foaling should be milked and this colostrum saved for her foal when it arrives. If the colostrum that is pre-lactated is not collected the first milk that the foal actually drinks from its mother may not have sufficient immunoglobulin content for protection and the foal may require supplementation. This mare's colostrum should not be banked When collecting analyse a small portion of each sample of colostrum for IgG and neonatal isoerythrolysis NI antibodies before using or banking. On the farm you can use a colostrometer modified hydrometer to measure the specific gravity which indicates the IgG concentration. If the serum isoantibody status of the pregnant mare is unknown don't know if she has NI antibodies in her blood it is safer not to save her colostrum if you can't have the colostrum screened by a qualified laboratory. If you want to bank colostrum and screening is not available then milk primiparous mares mares having their first foal There is a large difference in IgG concentrations in colostrum between mares. Mares with gestation periods of 335-345 days have been shown to have higher colostral IgG concentrations. There may be breed differences Standardbreds can have lower values than some other breeds such as Arabians and Thoroughbreds but results are conflicting so it is best to test a small amount of each sample collected from any breed. Once a mare has foaled you could milk a sufficient volume of colostrum give some to the foal by bottle and then milk the remainder for banking. Lack of solar radiation and wet cold climate conditions could result in lower IgG concentrations in colostrum therefore supplementation may be necessary. To evaluate the success of the passive transfer of antibodies to the foal measure foal serum for IgG levels approximately 15-18 hours after the foal has had its first drink. Otherwise a postsucking foal serum IgG greater than 4 g litre should provide adequate protection. Don't forget these are quantitative measurements and not qualitative Vaccinate mares late in gestation to increase titres and improve the quality of the colostrum or first milk Colostrum collection Wash udder.
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    • Horse Talk (UK) Home Page - http://members.aol.com/arfryn1/HorseTalk/feedfoal.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: The initial feeding of the foal is the responsibility of the mare whose feeding management has been described. Overall it is beneficial to have the mare in good condition at the onset of lactation. As well as improving milk supply this has been shown to improve breeding efficiency possibly via earlier onset of oestrus or by increased ovarian activity. Underfed mares replace body condition rather than producing milk i.e. The newborn foal must adapt quickly from regular intravenous feeding parenteral to an intermittent supply of nutrients in the form of ingested milk enteral feeding The foal is comparatively mature and independent at birth and thus its gut is well prepared for enteral feeding showing little postnatal growth during the early neonatal period. The foal depends on this maternal colostrum for the acquisition of certain proteins immunoglobulins which confer immunity against a number of disease organisms. If the foal does not receive colostrum during this period then it will be susceptible to gastroenteritis and septicaemia. The decline in protein is accompanied by a rise in the quantity of milk produced by the mare and this ensures that the foal receives a high energy intake during the first months of lactation. Premature birth or a prolonged birthing process can lead to weakly foals and a subsequent serious delay in sucking. More serious is the situation where the mare dies at parturition or where the mare has experienced premature leakage of milk with the resultant loss of colostrum. In these situations an alternative supply of colostrum is necessary and preference should be given to using colostrum from a mare on the same stud since she will have been exposed to the same array of infectious agents In this respect it is always sensible to keep a stock of frozen mare's colostrum. Although it is perfectly alright to feed colostrum beyond this time the immune value is much less although it still has beneficial local effects within the gut. If the foal will not voluntarily drink the colostrum via a nipple then it will be necessary to use a stomach tube It is possible to blood sample foals to assess blood protein levels which in turn indicate if sufficient antibody has been absorbed in the immediate neonatal period. The above procedures require the skill of your veterinary surgeon. The foal is unaffected until it receives its mother's colostrum which may contain antibodies that destroy the foal's red blood cells. Heart and respiratory rates increase and severely affected foals produce urine which is discoloured due to the presence of haemoglobin. If the problem is recognised early prevention of nursing activity for 36 hours can suffice severe clinical signs may necessitate a blood transfusion. It is confirmed that the foal will develop icterus if allowed to suck then it should be muzzled to prevent it consuming its mother's milk for the first 36 hours of life. Alternative liquid feed should be offered in the form of half a litre of colostrum from another mare every one to two hours for three or four feeds and then a mare milk replacer should be provided via a nipple drinker. Another feeding-related problem in the first few days of life is when the foal fails to expel the meconium which is present in the large intestine at birth. This material is normally voided within the first 2 to 3 days of life since sucking promotes contraction and movement of the bowel. The pain will distress the foal so that it stops feeding and behaves abnormally in an attempt to pass the offending material. Sucking frequency is very high initially and reduces as the foal gets older. Suckling thoroughbred foals have been shown to consume milk dry matter equivalent to 3.2 2.1 and 2.0 per cent of liveweight at 11 25 and 39 days post partum liveweight gain averaged 1.14 kg per day. It is important to realise that whilst food consumption during late pregnancy and early lactation affect milk yield the mare's individual ability to produce milk and water availability are also significant factors affecting milk production. A 500 kg lactating mare will require an additional 50 1 of water per day to support the average milk yield and restriction of water will reduce yield drastically. Home Back Next Disclaimer All items articles contained herein are the copyright of Wallcad DDS unless otherwise stated. To our knowledge all graphics used at this site are public domain or used with the author's permission and may not be used in any format without written authorisation.
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    • Tip of the Month - http://www.buenavistafarm.com/tip_month_1-1.asp
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Equine Veterinary Tip of the Month January Please note The tip of the month is meant as a suggestion only. Please consult your veterinarian for further information. The Easy Way To Milk A Mare There are many important reasons why you may need to milk your mare. Studies have shown that the earlier the newborn foal receives the first milk colostrum the more protected he will be against infections. Another reason for collecting milk is to freeze colostrum for later use form a good producing mare most breeding operations will have a colostrum bank in case they foal a mare that does not produce adequate colostrum or to save colostrum form a mare that is dripping milk days before she foals. Juan Samper of Vancouver Canada Take a large high quality syringe like monoject 135cc and cut the tip off Push the plunger into the syringe opposite of the way it came Press end of syringe with plunger against teat and draw back. The suction from the plunger will fill the syringe quickly with milk. Mata 352.622.9100 se habla espanol Carolin Von Rosenberg DVM 352.622.6495 Ich spreche Deutsch E-mail BVFarm@aol.com Fax 352.622.6698 Vet Home Veterinarian Services Tip of the Month Paso Finos Thoroughbreds Quarter Horses Directions Map Contact Home Top of Page.
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    • My mare in foal to Virgil had a disasterous foaling... - http://www.warmbloods.net/trak2a/_disc4/000002d8.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: My mare in foal to Virgil had a disasterous foaling. Contents Search Post Reply Next Previous Up My mare in foal to Virgil had a disasterous foaling. Remote Name 24.4.254.71. According to the vet who performed the antibody test on the filly on a scale of 400-800 antibody count this baby is 1200 Very healthy. An ornamental capital letter placed before the beginning of a chapter in medieval manuscripts.
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    • horse breeding - health information for young foals at HorseIT.com - http://www.horseit.com/en/breeding/
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: horse breeding health information for young foals at HorseIT.com. Searching for a stallion HorseIT has linked with StallionsDirect to be able to provide you with the ultimate in Stallion search facilities on the internet. So if you are looking for a Stallion this season start here. Successfully Foaling Your Mare At Home In this article the aim is to describe the sequence of events in a normal delivery so that the attendant person has some guidance as to when to summon immediate veterinary assistance. Provita have produced this source of live beneficial bacteria for the stabilisation of the intestinal microflora in horses and foals helping them to digest proteins fats and carbohydrates into easily absorbed nutrients. BSJA Performance Stallions-New list of accredited stallions Codes of Practice MAFF codes of practice. What you need to know Nomination Agreements Do you need them What are they about Stallion Search HorseIT has linked with StallionsDirect to bring you the ultimate in online stallion information.
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    • neonatalfoalcare - http://horsecla.hostme.com/neonatalfoalcare.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Cooperative Extension Service Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 Neonatal Foal Care. Brenda Weedman Department of Animal Sciences Janice Sojka VMD Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Mark Russell PhD Department of Animal Sciences Introduction Newborn foals are vulnerable to the elements starvation predation and disease. The threat of disease introduction is perhaps the greatest determinant of foal survival with the second being exposure to risks of compromised health and injury. These hazards can be minimized through implementation of proper management practices. Once the new foal has arrived on a bed of clean grass or fresh straw the membranes have been cleared away its breathing has been initiated and it has received a vigorously stimulating rub down with a dry towel the most critical job of observation and action begins. If the foal appears to be healthy and energetic it is best to stand back and allow the mare and foal to bond and establish their relationship. During this short time span an alert robust vigorous foal can regress to irreparable states of dehydration infection coma or death. A frail lethargic foal can exhibit considerable improvement and be nearly or completely restored to stable health by the next day. Within fifteen minutes of birth the normal foal should assume a sternal position with head upright resting on its chest. After the foal has become somewhat acclimated to life outside the womb it should stand nurse and move around the stall showing normal inquisitive activity. Immunity Intrauterine antibodies are not provided to the foal by the mare during gestation miprotective antibodies are too large to pass through the mare's thick placenta and into the foal's bloodstream. The immunity that is provided is available only through the antibodies in her first milk the colostrum. Ingestion of colostrum is therefore the most critical factor influencing the foal's survival growth and future potential. The foal's ability to absorb antibodies through the lining of the duodenum is based on the presence of special absorption cells in the small intestine. These special cells decrease rapidly over the first twenty-four hours after forty-eight hours they are replaced with normal duodenal lining. For this reason it is extremely important that the foal receive colostrum during the first twelve hours of life to receive the antibodies it will need for immunity in the following three to four months. The process by which antibodies are passed from mare to foal is called passive transfer. Occasionally a foal exhibits a failure of passive transfer where even though the antibodies are readily available in the colostrum the foal is unable to absorb and use them. An immunoglobulin IgG test can be performed to identify failure of passive transfer of blood. Blood IgG levels below 400 mg dl indicates a failure of passive transfer and a veterinarian should be consulted. Antibodies against certain diseases will be present in the mare's colostrum if she is vaccinated with booster injections thirty days prior to parturition. Tetanus is one disease to which horses are extremely susceptible. The mare should be vaccinated against all common diseases because the colostrum can only contain antibodies against diseases to which the mare has been exposed. If the mare has not been given a tetanus toxoid thirty days prior to parturition then the foal should be given 1500 IU of tetanus antitoxin at birth in order to protect it from the tetanus pathogen which is ever present in equine feces. No antibiotics or probiotics such as special vitamin formulations should be administered the first day of life in an effort to bolster the foal's vigor. In the case of an aglactic mare one that does not produce milk in adequate quantities a mare with poor-quality colostrum one that leaked her colostrum or one that is dead a source of frozen colostrum taken from other mares will provide the foal with the immune protection it needs. Microwaving destroys the protein molecules that make the antibodies protective. The best colostrum sources will be from mares on the same farm as the foal in order to provide the most specific immunity. Commercial plasma sources are available however there is some question as to whether the antibodies in this plasma are specific enough to give the foal adequate protection against the particular disease organisms in the foal's immediate environment. Premature Foals Foals that arrive prematurely before 320 days will be especially susceptible to risks of the environment and disease. Since their bodies are physiologically underdeveloped they are unprepared even with sufficient colostrum to provide adequate resistance to disease. They tend to have low body temperatures are especially susceptible to colds infections hypothermia and require a lot of intensive care to survive. Neonatal Procedures After the foal's birth the first important task is treatment of the foal's navel with a tincture of iodine solution. The navel stump should then be saturated with tincture of iodine immediately after tearing. This is a bacterial infection usually resulting from poor navel treatment and umbilical infection as its source. Aggressive therapy is needed to prevent permanent cartilage or bone damage. Symptoms of joint ill include sudden lameness with or without systemic illness swollen and painful joints and stiffness. The navel stump is an ideal growth environment and entrance for potentially life threatening bacteria into the system of the newborn. A simple iodine treatment minimizes the risks of navel ill and other infections quickly and easily. Continue to examine the navel daily until it becomes dry shrinks and disappears altogether. The meconium is soft dark greenish-brown accumulation of digested amnionic fluid glandular secretions mucous bile and epithelial cells in the digestive tract during development. Evacuation of the meconium should occur within three hours after birth but retention and constipation may occur anywhere from six to twenty-four hours after birth and after prior fecal passages. Foals often have trouble expelling the meconium and have a tendency toward painful constipation if not passed in a timely fashion soon after birth. Meconium retention occurs in two types in the large colon high and in the rectum low The signs of meconium retention and constipation are similar restlessness tail switching attempts to defecate elevated tail straining colic pain rolling often getting up and down and lying upside down with knees and forelegs extended toward the head. Remember during the first part of the foal's life infection and disease are constant threats. The stall and bedding should be frequently cleaned and conditions kept as sanitary as possible. Imprinting During these first hours and days handling and accustoming the foal to human hands has been shown to psychologically prepare the foal for later handling. Handling the foal's feet muzzle ears rectum and girth help prepare the foal for later when it is necessary to pick up the feet and clip the muzzle and ears pass a stomach tube take temperatures and tighten the saddle respectively. When intake is decreased degeneration in the condition of the foal is shockingly disproportionate. It may walk around stiffly with tail elevated and may stretch in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort or pain. The foal's immediate environment should be carefully scrutinized for hazards obstructions openings that the foal could become wedged or caught in they can do so in extremely small areas and protrusions. xble Turn-out Exercise The timing for a mare and foal to be first turned out depends on the climate time of year of foaling and weather conditions. The pair should not be allowed to become fatigued or overly stressed by temperature extremes or by overheating as a result of exercise or excitement. The mare's udder should be closely watched and the foal's temperature monitored daily. A subnormal out of range temperature indicates an infection and requires immediate attention. Pediatric Problems Pediatric problems may be divided into three categories prenatal before birth perinatal during birth and neonatal after birth to two weeks of age This publication is primarily concerned with the neonatal pediatric problems. Bacterial infections are responsible for one-third of all foal mortality occurring within the first two months of age. Infections are aggravated by prematurity delayed or inadequate quantity of colostrum or anything that diminishes the quality of the foal's immune response. A septicemic foal will appear sleepy depressed lethargic and may exhibit decreased suckling dehydration hypothermia fever diarrhea or respiratory distress. Septicemic infections may be prevented by maintaining good mare health a clean environment administering proper umbilical care and disinfection and ensuring prompt ingestion of adequate amounts of colostrum. Although not a cause for septicemia administering tetanus toxoid to the mare three weeks prior to delivery or 1500 IU of antitoxin to the foal at birth will protect against tetanus which is one of the most serious bacterial infections for both adult and newborn horses. Listed here are several common viruses Congenital Equine Herpes-1 produces a weak immune-deficient foal. Botulism or Shaker Foal is caused by the botulism bacteria and may have a rapid 12-36 hour or gradual 2-4 day onset. Shaker foal syndrome is characterized by an inability to swallow slow responses dilated pupils and muscle weakness. prevented by administering botulism Type B toxoid to the mare three times before foaling. Contact your veterinarian or a local breeder to determine the need for botulism prevention. Pneumonia is commonly seen as a secondary development to bacterial or viral infection. Scout for pneumonia by looking for increases in the foal's resting respiration rate. Temperature should be taken on a suspected case of pneumonia as temperature will usually be elevated. Any increase in temperature or respiration not explained by ambient temperature or exercise should receive immediate attention. Pneumonia in foals and horses in general is complicated by the lack of significant coughing as a symptom and defense mechanism. Often a case of pneumonia may appear completely normal without obvious abnormal signs until the condition is so advanced that aggressive treatment is needed. Premature and dysmature foals are most susceptible to pneumonia. Diarrhea most commonly of nutritional viral or bacterial origin in foals can be initiated by sudden diet change over consumption of milk ingestion of foreign material parasites carbohydrate intolerance and water intake while nursing. At this time the foal's gastrointestinal tract is undergoing physiologic alteration and the microflora that inhabit the tract and contribute to its normal functioning are adapting to the digestion of solid foods. The parasites responsible for foal diarrhea are Strongyloides threadworms and ascarids lung worms These can be prevented by a good deworming program for the mare and foal. Salmonella bacteria are the most dangerous cause of bacterial diarrhea. The source of salmonella infection is carrier horses that shed the bacteria into the environment. Antibiotic fluid and electrolyte therapies are effective against this type of bacteria. Ruptured bladder is rare but when present occurs ninety percent of the time in colts between one and two days of age. Its telltale symptoms include depression gradual loss of appetite abdominal distension with or without abdominal pain and decreased frequency and volume of urine. A foal with a ruptured bladder may flex its back and extend its legs out in front and behind and may resemble a constipated foal. Because of these symptoms a veterinarian should be consulted if straining is not relieved by an enema. This condition arises usually within the first two weeks from an incomplete closure of the urachus the tube which connects the bladder to the ubillicus in the fetal foal. Urine may leak into the abdominal cavity or surrounding subcutaneous tissues should the urachus be open between the umbilicus and bladder. Treatment for patent urachus may be either medical or surgical. Foals with other infections may develop a patent urachus secondarily. Surgery is generally required for foals that develop infection associated with a patent urachus. Navel problems generally occur in one of two forms abscesses or hernias. A navel abscess occurs sometime after the foal is one week old and may or may not be associated with signs of systemic infection. The size of the opening in the abdominal wall determines what form of treatment is necessary. If larger then two fingers in diameter 2 to 3 inches the intestines may become trapped and surgery is recommended. Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome NMS is a term used to describe neurologic problems which develop within 72 hours of birth and are characterized by an inability to stand disorientation and struggling loss of affinity for the mare and nursing a poor sucking reflex blindness or convulsions and a characteristic airway-origin barking noise hence the nick-name barker foals. Causes may be the result of a decreased oxygen supply to the foal associated with traumatic or prolonged birth in-utero infection or central nervous system hemorrhage or swelling but it is not infectious. The survival rate related with this disorder is 50 percent it is almost always hopeless if there is no improvement within six days of onset. An NMS or any foal without a suck reflex can easily although laboriously be fed using a stomach tube inserted through a nostril and esophagus directly into the foal's stomach. Fortunately foals that survive NMS usually regain all neurologic ability and are normal. Length of gestation alone however is a poor indicator of the individual foal's readiness for birth and maturity. In-utero growth retardation can occur as a result of several conditions including in-utero infection multiple pregnancy malnutrition and infection of the placenta. Difficult breathing increased respiration rate and reduced body temperature coupled with susceptibility to hypothermia are characteristics associated with prematurity. These foals require special assistance and support through environmental temperature regulation and augmented nutrition. Special consideration needs to be given to prevention and control of infection where such a disease susceptible foal is concerned. Respiratory support with oxygen may also be needed in case of incompletely developed lungs. Shigellosis or sleepy foal disease is caused by an infection of Actinobacillus equili bacteria which occur normally in the intestine but spread throughout the rest of the body. This condition may occur at or shortly after birth and is caused by either a colostrum deficiency or failure of passive transfer in the foal. Onset of sleepy foal disease is associated with signs of septicemia sudden fever diarrhea and rapid respiration. This disease is best prevented by ensuring adequate colostrum intake and proper navel care. Treat ulcers with antacids to neutralize the acidity of the intestine and with other medications to protect the damaged ulcer site inhibit acid production and promote stomach-wall healing. Lateral leg deformities can appear severe at birth and make profound improvements within a few days. Experienced assistance will determine whether exercise splinting with lots of padding or surgery is needed. When the foal is first born the sole of the foot will be covered with extensions of soft hoof tissue called feathers that protected the mare's reproductive tract from damage by the sharp hooves during birth. The growth rate of foals'hooves varies greatly from one foal to the next but foals of this young age require very little attention to their hooves other than an occasional rasping-off of toes that become too pointed. Care should be taken to use a rump rope with a halter to teach the foal to step forward without using excessive force on the head and neck as it could be permanently damaging. Mare's milk is deficient in trace minerals especially copper and iron which are necessary for red blood cell formation. Foals which are creep fed usually excel in size and condition because all of their nutritional requirements have been consistently met they have been given every opportunity to develop to their full genetic potential. Some references suggest 3 to 3.25 percent however this may promote bone growth problems. A creep feed should contain 15 crude protein 6 lysine 7 calcium and 4 phosphorus calculated as percents of the total ration. Conclusion A new foal represents many possibilities to its owners the beginning of a new training prospect a future stakes winner a continuation of superior performance bloodlines new stock to augment a breeding program or a fine dependable work and pleasure animal. The achievements that the foal embodies will happen only if the foal is given every opportunity to grow and develop to the fullest of its genetic potential. Allowing this potential to be expressed comes through careful attention to detail and continual observation. The earlier a problem is detected the easier it is to resolve the situation. The nutrition health care and time invested in observing and handling this foal are only the beginning of his progress. Judicious educated management needs to be a continuing process throughout the formative years and beyond if champions are to be produced. Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics State of Indiana Purdue University and U.S. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to our programs and facilities.
      [Contents]
    • Stallings Paint Horses: Breeding and Foaling Index - http://www.stallingspainthorses.com/breedingandfoalinformationindex.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Stallings Paint Horses Breeding and Foaling Index. Stallings Paint Horses Breeding and Foaling Index. Breeding Foaling Index. We are in the process of compiling a comprehensive list of top web sites that carry the latest information on Breeding Foaling. We hope this information in beneficial and again please don't hesitate to contact us by E-Mail if you have any questions. Foal Imprinting Fundamentals of Foaling Foal IgG Antibodies Foal Critical Care Clinics Foal Nurse Mare Farms Foal Growth Fetal Development Foal Fetal Monitoring Foal Leg Problems Raising Feeding Orphaned Foals Newborn Foal Information Synthetic Colostrum Foaling Premature Foals Weaning Strategies Post Foaling Problems in Mares Predicting Foaling Endometritis in Mares Broodmare's Estrous Cycle Primer Embryo Transfer Breeding Soundness Early Embryonic Death Regulating the Mare's Estrus Cycle Breeding Abnormalities Chilled Frozen Semen Equine Viral Arteritis Horse Interactive's Knowledge Bank Horse Interactive Home Page The American Association of Equine Practitioners USDA Animal Health Monitoring Information Center Vesicular Stomatitis VS Regulations Home Index Profile Stallions Info Fees Contract Trainer Links Sale Horses APHA.
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    • BIOQUAL INC. - Lyphomune IgG, Products - http://www.diagnon.com/lyphomune.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Lyphomune IgG Products. 9600 Medical Center Drive. Rockville Maryland. Products Discovery Research Press Releases Investor Relations Corporate Profile Government Contracts Genetics Neurobiology Behavior Aging Project Contract Services Contact Information Corporate Lyphomune IgG Products. In nature the foal is normally given protection by its mother's first milk or colostrum which is rich in maternal antibodies. Afterward the villous epithelial cells of the small intestine undergo changes which frustrate further adsorption of immunoglobulins. Unfortunately foals which are born too weak to nurse or which are rejected by the mare after birth often become immunodeficient leading to a condition called complete or partial Failure of Passive Transfer FPT of immunity. Other causes of FPT include premature lactation by the mare abnormally low or no immunoglobulin content in the mare's colostrum maternal infection mare death premature birth malabsorption or fescue toxicosis. The treatment of Failure of Passive Transfer in newborn foals is focused toward supplying immunoglobulins IgG and managing infections that may exist. There are several commercial preparations available that merely consist of whole serum or plasma containing a variable quantity of antibodies. These crude preparations have numerous disadvantages including freezing thawing high cost short shelf-life variable IgG levels and contamination with non-specific proteins that increase potential for adverse reactions. BIOQUALS's equine Lyphomune the only purified Equine IgG available is the product of choice in these cases. Each bottle of Lyphomune provides a consistent dose of IgG to foals and in recent clinical trials has clearly demonstrated elevating foals IgG levels comparable to levels observed following colostrum ingestion. Additional product features include oral or IV administration from the same bottle significantly less expensive than plasma 3-year shelf life freeze-dried convenience quality-controlled Aa Qa anti-RBC aby negative and derivation from a selectively vaccinated donor herd. For more information please see the Lyphomune product brochure complete with clinical trial results and or contact us for a more detailed clinical trial publication reprint. e-Mail csarma@bioqual.com Related Links Lyphomune Equine IgG Brochure Download Acrobat Reader 200k ImmunoGam MiniGam Oral Equine IgG. Eqstend Equine Albumin Veterinary Therapeutics Return to the TOP OF THIS PAGE Send mail to cmayer@bioqual.com with questions or comments about this web site.
      [Contents]
    • Managing Your Pregnant Mare and Her Foal, EC 1476 - http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/ec/ec1476/ec1476.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Managing Your Pregnant Mare and Her Foal EC 1476. 75 Managing Your Pregnant Mare and Her Foal. Coates-Markle If you want to print this publication we recommend downloading the PDF version. Managing Your Pregnant Mare Health care Feeding Foaling preparation Foaling After-foaling mare care Conclusion For further reading Managing Foals General foal care Newborn care Colostrum Foal observation Weaning Supplemental nutrition Deworming and vaccinations For further reading Managing Your Pregnant Mare. Proper mare management is essential to ensure the birth of a live healthy foal with the greatest probability of survival and success in performance. Thin mares do not become pregnant or maintain pregnancy as readily as moderate or fleshy mares however lower milk production and foal growth are observed in very fat mares. It's advisable to do a follow-up pregnancy check on all bred mares in the fall even if previous checks and pregnancy determinants were done. To provide the best protection for your mare and her foal follow your veterinarian's recommended vaccination deworming and hoof-care program. If the mare is in proper body condition and the pasture plentiful supplementing the ration probably is unnecessary. If the pasture is questionable adjust your horse's diet according to its individual needs as assessed by body condition. Make sure clear fresh water and trace mineralized salt are available at all times and at all ages weights and periods of gestation. You can calculate feeding rations by using NRC feeding recommendations. Most fetal growth occurs during the last third of pregnancy thus the nutritional requirements especially for proteins minerals and vitamins are greatest during this period. Pregnant mares need to be in desired body condition prior to the last trimester thus the second trimester is the best time to feed them to achieve the desired healthy condition. Milk production increases during the first 30 to 60 days then steadily declines. Your mare should have access to a properly balanced ration that satisfies her increased lactation requirements. A mare can however lactate successfully on pasture alone if her nutrition requirements are being met. If pasture is not available adjust your horse's complete ration to maintain lactation and body condition according to the NRC feeding guidelines. Colostrum the first milk contains immunoglobulins which provide protection until the foal's immune system becomes functional. This allows her to produce protective antibodies against the microorganisms in the environment and subsequently to pass these to the foal in the colostrum. Just before foaling the mare's croup muscles relax producing a sunken appearance over the hips and the point of the buttock becomes very accentuated. Locate the foaling stall so the mare can be observed inconspicuously. If foaling problems occur such as a wrong fetal position time is critical and assistance is required immediately. Shavings and sawdust cling to the foal and afterbirth making it difficult to clean the foal and inspect the afterbirth. This is why it's advisable to thoroughly disinfect the foaling facility prior to foaling and to use good hygiene in preparing mares for foaling by disinfecting external genitalia and udder and wrapping the tail. One front leg usually is slightly forward of the other speeding the foal's movement through the birth canal. In stage three the uterus shrinks and the placenta afterbirth is expelled normally without assistance. If the placenta is still attached after 2 to 3 hours call your veterinarian because it may result in a medical emergency. This aids in the mare's comfort since her reproductive tract probably will be bruised. Allow the mare and foal outside for exercise in a small paddock or pasture the day after birth. A foul-smelling uterine discharge indicates a uterine infection which requires medical attention. If the foal has not nursed within the first 3 hours there probably are problems that require medical attention. The mare owner who decides for pleasure or profit to breed a mare and raise a foal will find it a challenging but rewarding experience. A working knowledge of pregnant mare management should help you properly prepare for a safe healthy delivery for both mare and foal. American Youth Horse Council Horse Industry Handbook Iron Works Lexington KY 1993. Early management decisions help determine the relative success of the foal's entire life. Ideally the mare should lie quietly for 15 to 20 minutes after foaling to allow the blood in the placenta to transfer to the foal. If the mare has not had a tetanus immunization before foaling give the foal a tetanus antitoxin injection. Some veterinarians recommend this injection even if the mare has had her tetanus booster. Constipation frequently is seen in newborns because fecal material meconium accumulates in the foal's rectum before birth. You may give a 4-ounce fleet phosphate enema from the drug store to ease the passage of the meconium. Observe foals closely for normal urination as ruptured urinary bladder may occur. top Colostrum Colostrum the first milk is a concentrated source of nutrients energy protein minerals vitamin A and immunoglobulins. Although the foal is born immunocompetent it takes 2 to 4 months for its immune system to produce enough antibodies to guard against disease. You can establish a colostrum bank by milking one teat of a heavily milking mare while the foal nurses the other. A veterinary examination the following day is essential to identify foals at high risk for septicemia. A foal with abdominal pain may sit upright resting on its chest may curl its legs and neck in unusual positions or may roll up on its back. Knowing foals'normal vital signs helps you recognize disease symptoms. Early identification leads to earlier treatment which hopefully reduces foal losses. Complete separation can occur after 7 to 9 days of barrier separation. Begin deworming vaccinations and halter training 3 to 4 weeks before weaning to minimize stress yet not compromise the herd health program. Creep feed is specifically formulated for suckling foals and should contain 1.4 Mcal of energy 16-18 percent protein 0.8 percent calcium and 0.55 percent phosphorus. Creep feeding is especially important if pasture is limited and or mares are poor milk producers. A foal's parasite control program includes proper management of facilities and pastures good sanitation and proper use of effective drugs. The aggressiveness of the program depends on the amount of movement occurring on the farm. Closed herds with minimal movement may require less frequent vaccinations. Other diseases to consider include equine viral arteritis strangles potomac horse fever and botulism. American Youth Horse Council Horse Industry Handbooks Iron Works Lexington KY 1993. OSU Extension publications To order copies of the following publications or additional copies of this publication EC 1476 send the complete title and series number along with check or money order in the amount listed payable to Oregon State University to Publication Orders. Corvallis OR 97331-2119 Fax 541-737-0817 You may order up to six no-charge publications without charge. Keeping Your Horse Healthy EC 1472 by Eva Sestric Karen Keen and Linda Coates-Markle Oregon State University Corvallis 1996 75 Preventing and Treating Parasites in Your Horse EC 1473 by Eva Sestric and Linda Coates-Markle Oregon State University Corvallis 1996 75 Preventing and Treating Colic in Your Horse EC 1474 by Karen Keen and Linda Coates-Markle Oregon State University Corvallis 1996 75 Your Horse's Nutrition EC 1475 by Katia Engelhardt and Linda Coates-Markle Oregon State University Corvallis 1996 75 Oregon's 1994 Preliminary Equine Impact Survey EC 1477 by Angela White and Linda Coates-Markle Oregon State University Corvallis 1996 No charge. For more information Order form Publications and Videos catalog Extension and Experiment Station Communications Oregon State University Extension Service. Oregon State University Prepared by Juli Ellingson student in equine sciences and Linda Coates-Markle former director Horse Center Oregon State University.This publication was produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs activities and materials-without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation national origin age marital status disability and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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    • Colostrum - Liquid Gold - http://mcdowell.ces.state.nc.us/newsletters/horse/97-11/4.shtml
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Colostrum Liquid Gold. McDowell County Center. by Topic Events Other Newsletters November 1997 1998 Horse Short Course and Clinic Series Horse Feed Sales Taxed for Non-Commercial Purposes Equine Disease update Colostrum Liquid Gold Horse Videos Available McDowell Extension Website Horse Websites of Interest COLOSTRUM-LIQUID GOLD. There are several classes of immunoglobulins but the most important for fighting infection is a newborn foal is immunoglobulin G abbreviated as IgG In some species such as the human and dog antibodies from the mother can cross the placenta and provide protection against infection to the newborn during late pregnancy and immediately at birth. The horse placenta is thicker than humans and dogs and does not allow passage of antibodies from the mare to the foal fetus. Therefore foals are born with basically no protection from infection and rely on the mare's first milk the colostrum to provide immunoglobulins. Some mares due to illness the presence of twins or for reasons unknown will lose their colostrum from the udder as it is formed. If you notice that your mare is leaking excessive amount of milk from the udder prior to foaling your veterinarian should be notified. The foal's gastrointestinal tract allows absorption of IgG for approximately 24 hours after birth after which time this large molecule cannot be absorbed. Immediately after birth bacteria in the foal's environment and on the mare's udder can invade the foal and it is important to have colostrum inside the foal to help fight infection. If a foal does not receive adequate colostrum it may suffer from a condition called failure of passive transfer. There are artificial colostrum products available but the research confirming their safety and usefulness is limited. Alternatively mare owners can build their own colostrum bank If the foaling process has gone smoothly and the mare and foal seem healthy 250 ml of colostrum can be milked from the mare immediately after foaling i.e. The colostrum should be strained through a piece of clean gauze and frozen in a labeled fated container. The quality of the colostrum can be assessed with a colostrometer. Colostrum donor mares should have a recent negative Coggins test and should be screened for neonatal isoerythrolysis similar to Rh disease in humans In an emergency cow colostrum can be given to a newborn foal but the IgG does not last as long as with equine colostrum. by Topic Events Other Newsletters This newsletter edited by Mario DeLuca Agricultural Extension Agent This page maintained by Lorene Lail Extension Secretary URL http mcdowell newsletters horse.
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    • DVM's Equine Practice Builder " Induction of Parturition" - http://www.dvmnewsmagazine.com/hreqpb01a.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: DVM's Equine Practice Builder Induction of Parturition Induction of parturition. Proper timing hormonal agents fetal maturity critical to success By Lisa Metcalf MS DVM. Contributing Author Careful consideration should be given to appropriate mare candidates before induction of parturition takes place. Successful induction of parturition that mimics spontaneous parturition in the mare is likely to be of most benefit to the foal. Timing is the critical factor.the aim is to induce the mare on the afternoon of the evening she would otherwise foal. Unfortunately the events of equine parturition are not well documented and much information is extrapolated from research on other species. Therefore appropriate choices of exogenous hormonal agents are critical to successful induction. Researchers have found similar endocrine events in pending labor of the mare with respect to other species. These metabolites rapidly decline just prior to parturition possibly due to increasing corticosteroid levels from the fetal adrenal glands. An intact fetal hypophyseal-pituitary adrenal axis is necessary for the production of cortisol which in turn serves to mature and stabilize fetal organs. High prepartum cortisol levels may also increase the maternal estrogens derived from an intact fetal-placental unit. Estrogens probably both maternal and fetal-gonadal in origin have multiple roles at parturition but in general may serve to prime organs at the receptor level for the effects of oxytocin and relaxin. It is believed that relaxin in response to rising oxytocin levels may induce changes in connective tissue of the mare thereby relaxing ligamentous structures of the caudal reproductive tract and dilating the cervix. Arising from the maturing fetus prostaglandins have been indicated in maturational changes of the fetus proper positioning of the fetus for stage II labor as well as sustained myometrial activity. Estrogen priming of the organ perhaps enhances the effect of oxytocin. History of dystocia The incidence of dystocia reportedly ranges from 4 to 10 percent depending on the breed and parity of the mare. Compromised mare If the mare has a medical illness or has experienced such conditions as a pelvic fracture abdominal surgery severe perineal tearing or a rectal tear it may prove wise to induce parturition. Other conditions that may suggest induction include rupture of the prepubic tendon rupture of the abdominal musculature due to excessive pressure of the uterus and hydroallatois or hydroamnios. These conditions may be associated with uterine incompetence or inertia necessitating rigorous fetal extraction techniques. These fetal conditions include a history of premature separation of the placenta thickened placental membranes difficult for the foal to break often secondary to infection of the uterus or placentitis neonatal isoerythrolysis or current conditions of concommitant mare compromise twins physical abnormality of the fetus itself or its position uterine torsion. Foal value In cases where a very valuable foal is being carried an owner may request attendance of skilled personnel and induction of parturition to give the foal the best chances of survival. Timing is the critical factor the aim is to induce the mare to foal on the afternoon of the evening she would otherwise foal. Therefore in order to accurately predict foaling all four of the following criteria must be met 1. The milk CaCO3 content is greater than 250 PPM and there is an inversion of the sodium and potassium concentrations potassium concentration rises above sodium and sodium concentrations markedly drop below potassium All four criteria should be met before labor is induced. Oxytocin an endogenous pituitary hormone that stimulates strong uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix is most often administered. Small frequent doses are often preferable to a large bolus since large boluses have been associated with severe discomfort sustained tonic-clonic contraction premature separation of the placenta and fetal hypoxia. Use of oxytocin alone albeit via different administration methods causes a high degree of premature placental separation and dystocia 38 and 25 percent respectively thereby compromising and potentially killing the foal. Manual dilation of the cervix alone may induce stage II labor in the mare through the release of prostaglandins from the mare's reproductive tract which in turn causes contraction of the uterus thereby propelling the foal caudally. The use of a prostaglandin analog fenprostalene has also offered favorable results when used alone or several hours preceding oxytocin administration. This synthetic hormone may serve to more accurately mimic the endogenous events of parturition by first relaxing and dilating the cervix before the powerful explosive effect of oxytocin occurs. Severely compromised mares that are receiving high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Banamine or Butazolidin may not respond to the more classic methods of induction since they inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. In these cases mares should be under the care of a person in a facility who can induce anesthesia and perform a C-section if necessary. In order to develop maternal antibodies available in the colostrum appropriate to those diseases on the foaling farm mares should be housed on the farm beginning at least two weeks prior to induction. Finally supportive peri-and postpartum care of the mare and foal may be necessary under circumstances where one is medically or surgically compromised. Metcalf owns and operates a private practice that is limited to equine reproduction in Sherwood Ore. She is the 1999 chairperson of the Reproduction Committee of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. DVM Home Page Practice Management Small Animal Food Animal Equine Products Dr.Mike Obenski Meetings Continuing Education About DVM Links E-mail DVM.
      [Contents]
    • Equine Veterinary Services, scheduling page - http://www.rodeheaverdvm.com/foals.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Equine Veterinary Services scheduling page. Rodeheaver Foaling Newborn Information Services Fees Scheduling Email the foaling event the Newborn The Neonate The Young Foal Getting Ready and the Foaling Event Pre-foaling Considerations. Vaccinate to increase antibody levels in colostrum mare s first milk 4-6 weeks prior to foaling Environment must be clean and safe for foaling. Have a Plan Anticipate the foaling date average gestation of 340 days Familiarize yourself with the foaling process and be prepared for surprises. Closely monitor the late-term pregnant mare for any signs of illness Vaginal discharge Early milk production. Signs of impending birth Filling of the udders 2-4 weeks prior flattening of muscles in the croup tailhead Distension of the teats 4-6 days prior relaxation and elongation of the mare's external features. Comments on the foaling event Most mares foal without difficulty. If assistance is necessary only pull during contractions no more strength than 1-2 people. the mare should pass the placenta within 3 hours Back to the top The newborn normal appearance reflexes and vital signs Conditions requiring early medical attention Bright and alert. ALL FOALS SHOULD HAVE A VET EXAM WITHIN 12 HOURS Colic abdominal pain or distension. Exercise fresh air sunshine gradually Watch closely for early recognition of illness. Illness in the neonate can often be vague and non-localizing Foal heat diarrhea Causes of diarrhea When diarrhea becomes a concern Expected at 7-12 days. Good hygiene and disinfection of foaling areas Infectious to other foals. Avoid exposure to environmental extremes Implement diagnostic testing to determine the cause Back to the top The Young Foal Management considerations Deworming programs Exercise free choice daily unless a medical concern. Hazard free environment with adequate shelter. Vaccination strategy for foals Work with your veterinarian to develop a total health care plan.
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    • FoalWatch - http://www.chemetrics.com/Products/Foal.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: FoalWatch Tests for Daytime Foaling Management References Ley W.B. et al Daytime Foaling Management of the Mare 1 Pre-Foaling Mammary Secretions Testing Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Vol. et al Daytime Foaling Management of the Mare 2 Induction of Parturition Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Vol. Pre-foaling Management of the Mare and Induction of Parturition IN Current Therapy in Equine Medicine Vol.3 pp.664-668 1992. et al The Sensitivity Specificity and Predictive Value of Measuring Calcium Carbonate in Mares'Pre-Partum Mammary Secretions Theriogenology 40 1 pp. The Use of a Pre-Foaling Milk Calcium Test Kit in the Foaling Management of Mares Equine Practice 16 6 pp. Management of the Foaling Mare Prefoaling Considerations Veterinary Medicine 89 6 pp. Management of the Foaling Mare Prefoaling Readiness for Birth and Inducing Foaling Veterinary Medicine 89 6 pp. et al Calcium Decreases and Parathyroid Hormone Increases in Serum of Periparturient Mares Journal of Animal Science 74 pp. Complexometry with EDTA and Related Reagents 3rd ed. The test measures the concentration of calcium in the mare's colostrum which rises sharply before birth. Simply begin testing once or twice a day about 2 weeks before the mare's expected foaling date. Safe and Easy to Use FOALWATCH contains no hazardous or toxic chemicals is non-invasive and requires no medical training to run. When the test is completed the ampoule can be discarded with household waste. Veterinarian Recommended Veterinarians at leading equine medical centers have evaluated FOALWATCH as a foaling aid and call it convenient reliable and safe for the mare foal producer and veterinarian alike. Contains Everything You Need to Test FOALWATCH comes complete with 20 Titrets test ampoules a test tube for collecting mare's milk a bottle of distilled water syringe sample cup and complete instructions. Sampling and testing should begin 10-14 days before the mare's expected foaling date 335-340 days from her last breeding date If the breeding date is unknown begin when udders become enlarged. Begin testing twice daily morning and late afternoon or evening when the calcium concentration first exceeds 125 ppm. Mares exposed to fescue grass pastures contaminated by Acremonium coephenophialum a fungus during the last 60-90 days of gestation may fail to undergo normal udder development and fail to secrete colostrum. Pre-foaling mammary secretion sampling does slightly increase the risk of infection to the mammary tissue especially if the udder is not cleaned and dried prior to obtaining the sample Easy Test Procedure. Dispense with the syringe 1.5 ml of the mare's mammary secretion into the 25 ml sample cup. This test kit is intended as a foaling aid only and should not substitute for standard veterinary care. FOALWATCH has an 8-month shelf-life For TECHNICAL and ORDERING INFORMATION Call 1-800-356-3072 Fax 1-540-788-4856 CHEMetrics and Titrets are registered trademarks of CHEMetrics Inc. FOALWATCH and Titret are trademarks of CHEMetrics Inc. Prices and technical specifications are subject to change without notice. Contents Test kits contain 30 ampoules 30 valve assemblies sample cup accessory solutions when necessary and instructions. Refill packs of 30 ampoules with valve assemblies and replacements for other components are available. The ampoule contains vacuum sealed liquid titrant and has an attached flexible valve assembly. Titrets simplify titration tests just as CHEMets and Vacu-vials simplify colorimetric tests. The sealed tip is fitted with a miniature valve that is used to control the flow of sample into the ampoule as the analyst performs what is known as a reverse titration. Sample is introduced into the ampoule in small increments with mixing while the analyst watches for the color change which signals the end-point of the titration. When that change occurs the ampoule is placed in an upright position and the test result is read opposite the location of the liquid level using a scale printed on the side of the tube. The entire process requires only a minute or two and avoids all the equipment hassle and clean-up associated with ordinary titrations.
      [Contents]
    • Breeding a Mare and raising a Foal - http://www.silvercreekfarm.com/breedmar.shtml
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Breeding a Mare Get Latest Stock Market Reports Symbol Lookup Our Privacy Vow Make with Lycos Java Applet Athens Texas Home Page To Bookmark Netscape ctrl-d Click here to read our On Line Articles. Books Training the Two Year Old Colt Coming Soon Purchase Books Services Horses 4-SALE Training Boarding Directions Stud Service Stories Prince's Story Magazine Rack 90 Day FREE Trial Photos Silver Creek Farm Your Horses A Little Fun Send an E-Mail Post Card Sign Our Guest Book Links Equestrian Web Rings Related links Breeding a mare Breeding a mare and raising a foal is something many dream of. The picture that comes to mind is of a foal that cavorts freely around your pasture with its innocent eyes and miniature hooves chasing his dam or sometimes just a plain ol'butterfly. However the details of breeding start long before that cute little foal arrives on the scene Before you consider breeding your mare take a good hard look at her. Does she have the kind of disposition that should be passed on Is she kind responsive willing Does she have conformation that will not predispose her to unsoundness problems Does she have a good mind i.e.easily trainable willing to learn pleasant to work around Does she have any vices that could be passed on Are her bloodlines free from inheritable complications These are all questions that should be answered before you go any further. Once you determine that your mare is of a suitable quality to breed look at her attitude towards other horses towards people and towards life in general. The ideal broodmare has a pleasant attitude that will be passed on to the foal both through the genes and through living together those first three to six months. And while surrogate mothers are possible with modern medicine you are passing on the same problem that caused your mare to be unable to carry a foal to full term. If your mare is unridable because of problems such as navicular disease or arthritis you face a tough decision as to what happens to her next. In an ideal world this type of mare would be put out to pasture to live the rest of her days in as much comfort as possible with all the help that modern medicine can give her perhaps as a companion horse. Concerns such as financial responsibilities time restraints pasture space over crowding number of stalls in the barn and or the availability of medical care intervene. Find out what information can be backed up by facts and what is purely sentimental information given by an enthusiastic or passionate owner. After selecting the stallion find out what tests are required by the owner or stallion manager giving yourself enough time to not only have these test per formed but to also have any problems corrected. Current shots Coggins tests and cultures as a way to test for infection are often required. Having these tests performed early will allow you time to correct such things as a uterine infection. This is the only time from which a mare will produce a fertile egg and the only time she will accept a stallion's advances. Some mares will show that they are in heat by nipping or rubbing up against any handy gelding and or sometimes to another mare as well as raising their tail and squatting. Many farms use artificial insemination as a way to protect both mare and stallion this is something to inquire about before hand depending on your preference. Rhino shots at the fifth seventh and ninth month can prevent an abortion from rhinopneumonitis but your vet will know what other vaccinations are beneficial in your area. Worming is important so that your mare receives all the nutrients from the food she receives. And get your camera ready Translate this page from English to Spanish English to French English to German English to Italian English to Portuguese Spanish to English French to English German to English Italian to English Portuguese to English Silver Creek Farm is Owned and Operated by Author and Trainer Laurie Truskauskas Search the Web Find local.CoverAll Bingo Zone Picturama AceyDeucey Cash Cow Back 9 Crystal Ball Basketball Football More. Get Latest Stock Market Reports Symbol Lookup Our Privacy Vow Make with Lycos Breeding a mare and raising a foal Copyright C 1997-2000 Dlan Design.
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    • AS-488 - http://persephone.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs/AS/AS-488.html
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: AS-488 AS-488. Cooperative Extension Service. Brenda Weedman Department of Animal Sciences Janice Sojka VMD Veterinary Clinical Sciences and. Introduction Newborn foals are vulnerable to the elements starvation predation and disease. These hazards can be minimized through implementation of proper management practices. Once the new foal has arrived on a bed of clean grass or fresh straw the membranes have been cleared away its breathing has been initiated and it has received a vigorously stimulating rub down with a dry towel the most critical job of observation and action begins. If the foal appears to be healthy and energetic it is best to stand back and allow the mare and foal to bond and establish their relationship. During this short time span an alert robust vigorous foal can regress to irreparable states of dehydration infection coma or death. A frail lethargic foal can exhibit considerable improvement and be nearly or completely restored to stable health by the next day. Within fifteen minutes of birth the normal foal should assume a sternal position with head upright resting on its chest. After the foal has become somewhat acclimated to life outside the womb it should stand nurse and move around the stall showing normal inquisitive activity. Immunity Intrauterine antibodies are not provided to the foal by the mare during gestation miprotective antibodies are too large to pass through the mare's thick placenta and into the foal's bloodstream. The immunity that is provided is available only through the antibodies in her first milk the colostrum. Ingestion of colostrum is therefore the most critical factor influencing the foal's survival growth and future potential. The foal's ability to absorb antibodies through the lining of the duodenum is based on the presence of special absorption cells in the small intestine. These special cells decrease rapidly over the first twenty-four hours after forty-eight hours they are replaced with normal duodenal lining. For this reason it is extremely important that the foal receive colostrum during the first twelve hours of life to receive the antibodies it will need for immunity in the following three to four months. The process by which antibodies are passed from mare to foal is called passive transfer. Occasionally a foal exhibits a failure of passive transfer where even though the antibodies are readily available in the colostrum the foal is unable to absorb and use them. An immunoglobulin IgG test can be performed to identify failure of passive transfer of blood. Blood IgG levels below 400 mg dl indicates a failure of passive transfer and a veterinarian should be consulted. Antibodies against certain diseases will be present in the mare's colostrum if she is vaccinated with booster injections thirty days prior to parturition. Tetanus is one disease to which horses are extremely susceptible. The mare should be vaccinated against all common diseases because the colostrum can only contain antibodies against diseases to which the mare has been exposed. If the mare has not been given a tetanus toxoid thirty days prior to parturition then the foal should be given 1500 IU of tetanus antitoxin at birth in order to protect it from the tetanus pathogen which is ever present in equine feces. No antibiotics or probiotics such as special vitamin formulations should be administered the first day of life in an effort to bolster the foal's vigor. In the case of an aglactic mare one that does not produce milk in adequate quantities a mare with poor-quality colostrum one that leaked her colostrum or one that is dead a source of frozen colostrum taken from other mares will provide the foal with the immune protection it needs. Microwaving destroys the protein molecules that make the antibodies protective. The best colostrum sources will be from mares on the same farm as the foal in order to provide the most specific immunity. Commercial plasma sources are available however there is some question as to whether the antibodies in this plasma are specific enough to give the foal adequate protection against the particular disease organisms in the foal's immediate environment. Premature Foals Foals that arrive prematurely before 320 days will be especially susceptible to risks of the environment and disease. Since their bodies are physiologically underdeveloped they are unprepared even with sufficient colostrum to provide adequate resistance to disease. They tend to have low body temperatures are especially susceptible to colds infections hypothermia and require a lot of intensive care to survive. Neonatal Procedures After the foal's birth the first important task is treatment of the foal's navel with a tincture of iodine solution. The navel stump should then be saturated with tincture of iodine immediately after tearing. This is a bacterial infection usually resulting from poor navel treatment and umbilical infection as its source. Aggressive therapy is needed to prevent permanent cartilage or bone damage. Symptoms of joint ill include sudden lameness with or without systemic illness swollen and painful joints and stiffness. The navel stump is an ideal growth environment and entrance for potentially life threatening bacteria into the system of the newborn. A simple iodine treatment minimizes the risks of navel ill and other infections quickly and easily. Continue to examine the navel daily until it becomes dry shrinks and disappears altogether. The meconium is soft dark greenish-brown accumulation of digested amnionic fluid glandular secretions mucous bile and epithelial cells in the digestive tract during development. Evacuation of the meconium should occur within three hours after birth but retention and constipation may occur anywhere from six to twenty-four hours after birth and after prior fecal passages. Foals often have trouble expelling the meconium and have a tendency toward painful constipation if not passed in a timely fashion soon after birth. Meconium retention occurs in two types in the large colon high and in the rectum low The signs of meconium retention and constipation are similar restlessness tail switching attempts to defecate elevated tail straining colic pain rolling often getting up and down and lying upside down with knees and forelegs extended toward the head. Remember during the first part of the foal's life infection and disease are constant threats. The stall and bedding should be frequently cleaned and conditions kept as sanitary as possible. Imprinting During these first hours and days handling and accustoming the foal to human hands has been shown to psychologically prepare the foal for later handling. Handling the foal's feet muzzle ears rectum and girth help prepare the foal for later when it is necessary to pick up the feet and clip the muzzle and ears pass a stomach tube take temperatures and tighten the saddle respectively. When intake is decreased degeneration in the condition of the foal is shockingly disproportionate. It may walk around stiffly with tail elevated and may stretch in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort or pain. The foal's immediate environment should be carefully scrutinized for hazards obstructions openings that the foal could become wedged or caught in they can do so in extremely small areas and protrusions. Turn-out Exercise The timing for a mare and foal to be first turned out depends on the climate time of year of foaling and weather conditions. The pair should not be allowed to become fatigued or overly stressed by temperature extremes or by overheating as a result of exercise or excitement. The mare's udder should be closely watched and the foal's temperature monitored daily. A subnormal out of range temperature indicates an infection and requires immediate attention. Pediatric Problems Pediatric problems may be divided into three categories prenatal before birth perinatal during birth and neonatal after birth to two weeks of age This publication is primarily concerned with the neonatal pediatric problems. Bacterial infections are responsible for one-third of all foal mortality occurring within the first two months of age. Infections are aggravated by prematurity delayed or inadequate quantity of colostrum or anything that diminishes the quality of the foal's immune response. A septicemic foal will appear sleepy depressed lethargic and may exhibit decreased suckling dehydration hypothermia fever diarrhea or respiratory distress. Septicemic infections may be prevented by maintaining good mare health a clean environment administering proper umbilical care and disinfection and ensuring prompt ingestion of adequate amounts of colostrum. Although not a cause for septicemia administering tetanus toxoid to the mare three weeks prior to delivery or 1500 IU of antitoxin to the foal at birth will protect against tetanus which is one of the most serious bacterial infections for both adult and newborn horses. Listed here are several common viruses Congenital Equine Herpes-1 produces a weak immune-deficient foal. Botulism or Shaker Foal is caused by the botulism bacteria and may have a rapid 12-36 hour or gradual 2-4 day onset. Shaker foal syndrome is characterized by an inability to swallow slow responses dilated pupils and muscle weakness. It may be treated with botulism antitoxin and penicillin but is best prevented by administering botulism Type B toxoid to the mare three times before foaling. Contact your veterinarian or a local breeder to determine the need for botulism prevention. Pneumonia is commonly seen as a secondary development to bacterial or viral infection. Scout for pneumonia by looking for increases in the foal's resting respiration rate. Temperature should be taken on a suspected case of pneumonia as temperature will usually be elevated. Any increase in temperature or respiration not explained by ambient temperature or exercise should receive immediate attention. Pneumonia in foals and horses in general is complicated by the lack of significant coughing as a symptom and defense mechanism. Often a case of pneumonia may appear completely normal without obvious abnormal signs until the condition is so advanced that aggressive treatment is needed. Premature and dysmature foals are most susceptible to pneumonia. Diarrhea most commonly of nutritional viral or bacterial origin in foals can be initiated by sudden diet change over consumption of milk ingestion of foreign material parasites carbohydrate intolerance and water intake while nursing. At this time the foal's gastrointestinal tract is undergoing physiologic alteration and the microflora that inhabit the tract and contribute to its normal functioning are adapting to the digestion of solid foods. The parasites responsible for foal diarrhea are Strongyloides threadworms and ascarids lung worms These can be prevented by a good deworming program for the mare and foal. Salmonella bacteria are the most dangerous cause of bacterial diarrhea. The source of salmonella infection is carrier horses that shed the bacteria into the environment. Antibiotic fluid and electrolyte therapies are effective against this type of bacteria. Ruptured bladder is rare but when present occurs ninety percent of the time in colts between one and two days of age. Its telltale symptoms include depression gradual loss of appetite abdominal distension with or without abdominal pain and decreased frequency and volume of urine. A foal with a ruptured bladder may flex its back and extend its legs out in front and behind and may resemble a constipated foal. Because of these symptoms a veterinarian should be consulted if straining is not relieved by an enema. This condition arises usually within the first two weeks from an incomplete closure of the urachus the tube which connects the bladder to the ubillicus in the fetal foal. Urine may leak into the abdominal cavity or surrounding subcutaneous tissues should the urachus be open between the umbilicus and bladder. Treatment for patent urachus may be either medical or surgical. Foals with other infections may develop a patent urachus secondarily. Surgery is generally required for foals that develop infection associated with a patent urachus. Navel problems generally occur in one of two forms abscesses or hernias. A navel abscess occurs sometime after the foal is one week old and may or may not be associated with signs of systemic infection. The size of the opening in the abdominal wall determines what form of treatment is necessary. If larger then two fingers in diameter 2 to 3 inches the intestines may become trapped and surgery is recommended. Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome NMS is a term used to describe neurologic problems which develop within 72 hours of birth and are characterized by an inability to stand disorientation and struggling loss of affinity for the mare and nursing a poor sucking reflex blindness or convulsions and a characteristic airway-origin barking noise hence the nick-name barker foals. Causes may be the result of a decreased oxygen supply to the foal associated with traumatic or prolonged birth in-utero infection or central nervous system hemorrhage or swelling but it is not infectious. The survival rate related with this disorder is 50 percent it is almost always hopeless if there is no improvement within six days of onset. An NMS or any foal without a suck reflex can easily although laboriously be fed using a stomach tube inserted through a nostril and esophagus directly into the foal's stomach. Fortunately foals that survive NMS usually regain all neurologic ability and are normal. Length of gestation alone however is a poor indicator of the individual foal's readiness for birth and maturity. In-utero growth retardation can occur as a result of several conditions including in-utero infection multiple pregnancy malnutrition and infection of the placenta. Difficult breathing increased respiration rate and reduced body temperature coupled with susceptibility to hypothermia are characteristics associated with prematurity. These foals require special assistance and support through environmental temperature regulation and augmented nutrition. Special consideration needs to be given to prevention and control of infection where such a disease susceptible foal is concerned. Respiratory support with oxygen may also be needed in case of incompletely developed lungs. Shigellosis or sleepy foal disease is caused by an infection of Actinobacillus equili bacteria which occur normally in the intestine but spread throughout the rest of the body. This condition may occur at or shortly after birth and is caused by either a colostrum deficiency or failure of passive transfer in the foal. Onset of sleepy foal disease is associated with signs of septicemia sudden fever diarrhea and rapid respiration. This disease is best prevented by ensuring adequate colostrum intake and proper navel care. Treat ulcers with antacids to neutralize the acidity of the intestine and with other medications to protect the damaged ulcer site inhibit acid production and promote stomach-wall healing. Lateral leg deformities can appear severe at birth and make profound improvements within a few days. Experienced assistance will determine whether exercise splinting with lots of padding or surgery is needed. When the foal is first born the sole of the foot will be covered with extensions of soft hoof tissue called feathers that protected the mare's reproductive tract from damage by the sharp hooves during birth. The growth rate of foals'hooves varies greatly from one foal to the next but foals of this young age require very little attention to their hooves other than an occasional rasping-off of toes that become too pointed. Care should be taken to use a rump rope with a halter to teach the foal to step forward without using excessive force on the head and neck as it could be permanently damaging. Even though the foal may be nursing well from a high milk-producing mare some additional nutritional considerations are important by the third week of lactation. Mare's milk is deficient in trace minerals especially copper and iron which are necessary for red blood cell formation. To compensate for this deficiency the foal needs to consume some hay and grain after three to five days following birth. Foals which are creep fed usually excel in size and condition because all of their nutritional requirements have been consistently met they have been given every opportunity to develop to their full genetic potential. Some references suggest 3 to 3.25 percent however this may promote bone growth problems. A creep feed should contain 15 crude protein 6 lysine 7 calcium and 4 phosphorus calculated as percents of the total ration. Conclusion A new foal represents many possibilities to its owners the beginning of a new training prospect a future stakes winner a continuation of superior performance bloodlines new stock to augment a breeding program or a fine dependable work and pleasure animal. The achievements that the foal embodies will happen only if the foal is given every opportunity to grow and develop to the fullest of its genetic potential. Allowing this potential to be expressed comes through careful attention to detail and continual observation. The earlier a problem is detected the easier it is to resolve the situation. The nutrition health care and time invested in observing and handling this foal are only the beginning of his progress. Judicious educated management needs to be a continuing process throughout the formative years and beyond if champions are to be produced. Additional Publications AS-490 Management of the Foaling Mare AS-491 Management of the Pregnant Mare AS-467 Horse Health Management AS-460 Recognizing and Maintaining the Healthy Horse AS-429 Nutritional Management for Horses ID-190 Selecting Quality Hay for Horses ID-167 Maximizing the Value of Pastures for Horses AS-418 Fences for Horses New 9 93 Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics State of Indiana Purdue University and U.S. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to our programs and facilities.
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    • BREEDING and Foal Products - http://www.cavalor.com/vitamex/Cavalor.nsf/4c261aafa81d42f1c12567a9003fde4e/9260...
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: BREEDING and Foal Products. BREEDING and Foal Products Overview of appropriate products. Every year thousands of foals develop problems with respect to the absorption of colostrum mare's milk digestion infections and growth. Adequate prevention measures ensuring that the mother is capable of passing on all the necessary substances is crucial to the healthy development of the foal. In addition good colostrum preparations and a high-grade mare's milk replacer artificial milk mean that these problems can be minimised during the first hours days and weeks of the foal's life. For the purpose of dealing with problematic births Cavalor has essential colostrum products it is desirable that these be given during the first 24 hours NV VITAMEX SA Cavalor.
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    • Theresa Jones : Foaling Advice 10 - http://horseforum.com/tjones/adv12.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: Theresa Jones Foaling Advice 10. Foaling Advice Column By Theresa Jones HOME FOALING MANUAL ORDER MANUAL ORDER HORSE STORIES ADVICE COLUMN E-MAIL Welcome to The Theresa Jones Foaling Advice Column your chance to exchange questions information ideas and advice with the author of the Complete Foaling Manual and co-author of True Horse Stories Adventures of Vet Practice You can now order authographed copies of my books from this site at the lowest available prices by clicking on the titles. The advice column has grown over time so that in order for it to load in a reasonable time I have split it up in several pages starting with the oldest questions I have been asked on the first page and the newest on the last page. To avoid scrolling through all the pages you can jump directly to a desired page by clicking on the Advice Page numbers below. Please send me items comments questions regarding foaling horses that you would like posted in this column by CLICKING HERE Your messages will be posted as soon as I can answer them hopefully within a couple of days. This column is provided with an eye towards our younger readers to insure that there is no adult content or improper language accessible to them on this column. We will screen messages submitted for the same reason and WILL remove any unsuitable material prior to publication. I was planning on breeding her back in her foal heat but now I am wondering if I shouldn't give her a year off from having babies. Just in case it doesn't there are several commercial preparations of colostrum replacement that your vet can get. Once the colostrum problem is taken care of there are several mare's milk replacement formulas available to feed the foal on a regular basis. Sometimes for reasons not understood gestation in the fetus is delayed early on making the mare go overdue. However if anything changes that concerns you don't hesitate to have the vet out to check the mare over. You have to get a colostrum replacement saved colostrum from another mare or one of the commercial preparations-you can only get the commercial preparation through a vet or the foal will have to have a blood or plasma transfusion. Dear Melanie The only vaccination a foal might need is tetanus antitoxin but that should be left up to your vet. The area veterinary service came right away gave her some oxytocin and tried to manually help the placenta expel. Fearing that she would tear and hemorrhage the veterinary left some more oxytocin and planned to come back the next morning. It was manually enlarged and a piece of decaying placenta removed. More oxytocin was left 4 doses 2 hrs apart with the possibility that the cervix would contract again thus trapping the placenta material remaining.The mare was infused both days with penicillin and saline solution. Realizing the complications we are now facing is there anything we can do to save this mare's life and keep here ridable Answer Posted March 30 2000. The uterine infusions with antibiotics are particularly important. My concern is because of the condition she was in when delivered here could I have a health problem with the foal or the mare Answer Posted April 1 2000. You are truly a godsend MY question is for my cousin whom I've been barn sitting with waiting on her mare Echo to deliver. I'd better get back to the barn Please don't ever stop your foaling help column it's been Wonderful help through this whole pregnancy Answer Posted April 2 2000. I'm wondering if inducing mares hurts them or the foal because the vet said something about inducing her before the foal gets much bigger. Thanks for the kind words about the book-but as wonderful a book as Blessed Are The Broodmares is it isn't mine. My question is what caused mare to have uterine inertia Have you ever heard of polycystic kidney disease in equines If so is it hereditary as I would like to breed my mare again. Karen Ottinger 4 1 0 The necropsy report on the kidneys came back with a diagnosis of multiple renal infarcts due to hypoxia. What should I have done to prevent this whole scenario from happening Answer Posted April 3 2000. Dear Karen I'm so very sorry for all that you and your animals went through I'm sure the veterinarians at the clinic have a much better grasp of this situation than I do but it sounds to me like a case of neonatal maladjustment syndrome caused by lack of oxygen during the delivery complicated by failure of passive transfer. All body systems are affected and the kidneys can be especially sensitive to lack of oxygen which was confirmed by the necropsy report on the kidneys showing infarcts due to hypoxia. I don't know what would have caused the mare to have uterine inertia but suspect that the hormones required for delivery just didn't kick in properly. I don't know if the vet might have been on another emergency call when you called about your mare's labor not progressing but the hour delay in the vet's arrival certainly didn't help your foal's chances. On Mother's Day I received a call from the breeder who told me that Gracie was ultrasounded and found to be 20 days pregnant. Hi Karen Congratulations And you got the good news on Mother's Day That's great. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you when Gracie's time draws near Take care Theresa. I know this isn't exactly a foaling question but. The vet said she may have had a uterine reaction to the semen. Is there a hormone treatment I can give her to ensure a healthy uterus She was bred out of town last year so I couldn't monitor the situation closely. Answer Posted April 3 2000. I could be wrong but it seems a little far removed from conception to attachment for a reaction to the semen to be the problem. When do I decide that it is taking too long The other mare a maiden is starting to have a dry discharge on her nipples that can be removed by touching it and it comes back within 6 8 hours. She's due the end of April and hasn't started getting a bag I've put her on Blessed Thistle hoping this will help. It would be very difficult if not impossible for your vet to detect twins at this point so now it's the agonizing waiting game. I was concerned about the possibility of a twin pregnancy because of how large she is. When I went to the barn this morning I noticed that she is urinating very often and also seems to have a snotty like discharge in her vulva clear She has been off her grain now very slow to eat for a week or so now but I am not concerned with that because she has been turned out in some really good pasture. Is this okay You recommend straw for bedding but she has been throwing her hay out of her feeder and bedding herself down with that I don't have straw yet. I would talk to your vet about the possibility of placentitis and putting the mare on antibiotics and maybe Regumate. Would my gelding who is stalled next to her possibly whinny when she starts to give birth Anything else I am missing Thanks again. Fawna is now 9 days overdue and although I am not worried I am becoming impatient and experiencing the sleepless nights. So although you're already tired and frustrated watch her carefully Let us know about your new baby Theresa. The man who is trailering himself owns a large horse operation with much experience in the trailering of mares and foals. If she doesn't have an infection the antibiotics won't hurt anything. Getting pregnant was not a problem just slipping them was. Dear Jennifer Sewing her up is a good way to prevent infection but it doesn't mean that she absolutely won't develop an infection. I'm very glad to hear that he's getting stronger every day That's great news I hope the vets at the hospital treated your mare as well and got her uterus cleaned up. The only thing you can do is keep a watch on her and be ready for anything as with all pregnant mares But as long as she's acting okay and eating okay for a miserably pregnant mare I wouldn't be too terribly concerned. I really haven't paid much attention to that other than to say Yeah sure when someone tells me a mare I'm watching will foal because the moon is full that night. vet thought the problem was or what the treatment is so I can't give an opinion about that. Once in awhile foals will swell up for reasons that aren't pathologic-too much turnout not enough turnout standing on hard ground things like that. Keep a close watch on the foal continue with the vet's treatment and let him her know if the swelling doesn't go away or if the foal develops anything else. we raise Appaloosas I guess my questions are was the baby so deprived of nutrients and oxygen that even since she was born alive the act of trying to stand over-taxed her system or-since the placenta was not attached to the uterus could blood transfer have occurred in reverse and caused the baby to bleed to death and if so should the cord have been immediately tied off Lastly could the foal have tried to breathe on it's own prematurely and thus have aspirated fluids into the lungs It will be a long time until I can stop blaming myself for not being there but some answers will help. I think it's unlikely that that much blood would flow backward into the placenta and very likely that the foal aspirated fluid during the delivery due to the hypoxia it was experiencing from the prematurely detached placenta. In some cases the placenta has been detaching for long enough before delivery that oxygen deprivation is already so severe that the foal won't survive. Instead of thinking about this baby please try to focus on all the others that have lived wonderful lives because of you. I have been reading everything I can about pregnancy and foaling I delivered two kids of my own so needless to say I feel like I'm pregnant again and I have no clue as to when she will foal when the foal is born it will need a tetanus antitoxin injection but when should a foal be weaned and after the foal is born how soon can I touch it what other vaccinations will the foal need Will the mare need any after she delivers and how soon should I introduce the two geldings to the foal Any help will be greatly appreciated. You can touch the foal as soon as it is born and other than possibly tetanus antitoxin it won't need any other vaccinations until it is 3-6 months old that's up to your vet The mare should receive vaccinations some time in late April-early May. Is she bagged up Does she look as though she's making progress toward foaling As long as she is acting eating and drinking okay for a miserably pregnant lady I wouldn't be too worried. If there is anything at all in the mare's behavior or appearance that bothers you don't hesitate to have the vet take a look at her. I am writing a paper on the problem of equine neonatal isoerythrolysis and if you have any information or pictures you could send me it would be greatly appreciated Answer Posted April 10 2000. The antibodies in the colostrum recognize the foal's red blood cells as foreign objects and attack and destroy them. What are the chances of twins Also when the foal comes do I coat the umbilical cord with iodine 7 tincture If my mare has twins what are my options to keeping all alive Answer Posted April 11 2000. One is usually bigger than the other but surprisingly it's usually the smaller one that survives if both survive to the end of gestation I've only been involved with the delivery of normal healthy twins once. Other than the nightly bouts of contractions she doesn't seem in distress her appetite is good except she throws her hay on the stall floor. It's also possible that the contractions you are seeing aren't contractions at all just the mare protesting to the foal pressing on her bladder. Take your cues from her-even though she's obviously uncomfortable as long as she's eating and drinking and acting normal for a miserably pregnant mare everything is probably just fine. Dear Sarah Your mare is probably pacing because she's feeling so much pressure and discomfort from the foal. When I had her vet checked in December the vet felt that she was at least 7-8 months along but couldn't give me anything more than a guess. How accurate is the palpation as far as narrowing down approximate length of pregnancy My question is this from what little information I was able to find out she was bred to a 15-15.2 hand horse she is about 13.2 hands She is quite obviously pregnant but is not bagging up at all. The baby appears to have settled down low and I noticed some relaxation in her vulva area. Do you know if she's a maiden Maiden mares will show their discomfort more than experienced mare usually because they don't understand what they are feeling. I wouldn't be too worried about the discrepancy between the mare and stallion's sizes. As I've said over and over again I've never regretted an unproductive night spent with a mare but have regretted not staying a few times. I recently found your site and have immensely enjoyed it I do have a curiosity question for you though. I was looking for this information for our mares and for a science fair project. Answer Posted April 16 2000. Dear Henry Without seeing the mare or knowing anything about her I can't possibly guess when her due date might be. Reading through the column will help a lot to give you the info. That's perfectly normal-it is expelled as the mare's cervix relaxes in preparation for labor and delivery. Also the filly was born on her brothers 1st birthday and grandmas 70th birthday WOW what a day The filly is a sorrel Tovero 90 white and so far healthy the vet will come and check her Answer Posted April 24 2000. Congratulations Jennifer That's great news especially that the baby was born on Easter Sunday and all went well. My question is Is she possibly loose because she is so close to foaling I just hate keeping her completly off the grass she wants to be out so badly. But this is driving us Mad One day we are positive it is any time then the next day she's running around the paddock kicking up her heels She has been doing a lot of the usual mare in foal things rubbing herself lifting the tail a lot some days she looks like she has dropped then you look at her again and think I just don't know Anyway Do you think she can stand a little grass I've heard it's good for milk production and since she doesn't seem to have much of a bag I hate keeping her completely off. I CHECK THE FLUID IN HER UDDER NIGHTLY still nothing but watery yellow liquid. I turned her out for a few hours this morning brought her back in checked under her tail and noticed there is still some discharge slightly darker deeper yellow tint Am I just panicking over nothing I will tell you this mare a couple weeks ago bagged up waxed looked almost ready to go and nothing. I have never been through this with any other mare and I have a very bad feeling about this foaling but because I have nothing solid other that overdue baby to go on I feel silly about calling the vet once again. The only thing I can think of is that if she's had foals before she knows she's close to delivery and is checking to see if it's allantoic fluid she's expelled. I've learned a lot You've talked about collecting the colostrum if a mare is dripping excessively or streaming. I assume you wouldn't be worried about her dripping unless you thought it was going to be a while until she foals. Therefore it's probably best to freeze the colostrum in freezer bags. The changes you've described from the mare's previous pregnancies are probably normal. She is at a stable where they feed alfalfa hay 2x daily and I give her a supplement for horses who are on an alfalfa diet directions say for horses receiving 8lbs alfalfa daily This mare is an easy keeper and so I don't give her a lot of concentrates 1 pint of mare and foal mix 1 2 pint grain daily. Dear Sharon I know how frightening and frustrating this is but really your vet's advice to hang in there was absolutely correct. So although your mare is overdue by her breeding dates she may not be overdue for the development of the foal. Well she delivered a healthy stud colt Sunday morning at 12 35. At 14 days old he developed a fever 104 temperature lethargic white count 16 000 diagnosis was an infection of the umbilicus. Vet prescribed daily antibacterial scrub of the umbilicus and antibiotics for 7 days Vet is optimistic that the infection is localized and has not invaded his system he does not believe the umbilicus has attached itself to places it should not be attached to expect to have another blood test run today to re-check white count if still high my vet will ultrasound the area My question is how common is this Things seemed to be progressing so well I am so afraid that this type of infection may affect him later on joint ill Just wanted to add that I find your site very informative. babies but through sites such as yours the birthing process has been eased. Answer Posted April 28 2000. Hi Cheryl Navel ill isn't all that uncommon and with proper veterinary treatment is usually curable with no long lasting effects. Joint ill can occur from navel ill but with good treatment the chances of that happening are greatly reduced. Sometimes for reasons that aren't always understood the development of the fetus is delayed. So although your mare is well overdue according to her breeding dates she may not be overdue for the development of the foal. Can you tell me what the reasons for scowers may be shortly after birth causing death Answer Posted May 5 2000. Dear Julianna Infested fescue does cause problems in mares but not usually seizures in foals. Click here to return to beginning of Advice Column Click here for More Advice Postings To Submit for Foaling Advice CLICK HERE This site is provided as a service by The Horse Forum.
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    • The Draft Horse Journal Veterinary Column: Doc - What About Selenium, Vitamin E, and Fat In the Diet of the Draft Horse? - http://www.drafthorsejournal.com/vetcolumns/winter00_01/winter00_01.htm
      
      • Abstract:
        Document Excerpt: The Draft Horse Journal Veterinary Column Doc What About Selenium Vitamin E and Fat In the Diet of the Draft Horse Doc-What About Selenium Vitamin E and Fat In the Diet of the Draft Horse Part 2 C A.J. Neumann D.V.M. published in The Draft Horse Journal Winter 2000 2001 Part I of this article appeared in the Autumn 2000 issue of the Draft Horse Journal. To fully understand or to help you understand this article you should read the previous writing if you have not already done so. In the horse there are four types of vitamin E and selenium deficiencies that are generally recognized by the tissues that are affected. They are white muscle disease in foals so-called yellow fat disease of foals Equine Degenerative Myloen-cephalopathy EDM and some reproductive disorders of the mare and stallion. Vitamin E and selenium deficiencies that are clinically apparent to most practitioners typically involve the newborn foal. These conditions occur as a result of an inadequate intake of vitamin E and selenium by the mare during pregnancy or during lactation. Forage and horse feed locally grown in most areas of the United States and Canada will fall very short of this figure as to selenium content being often as low as 0.05 mg kg. In the pregnant mare selenium is transferred across the placenta. In the newborn foal with inadequate E and selenium the immune system would be depressed and that could be an important factor in neonatal diarrhea pneumonia and naval infections. Nursing will be a problem as their tongues do not function properly and appear stiff. The affected foals if left undiagnosed and untreated will develop swellings on the neck under the mane. The CPK and AST tests often will be very high and combined with the symptoms are indicative of an E and selenium deficiency. It will invariably have subcutaneous swellings especially along the ventral abdomen difficulty in breathing and some fairly hard lumpy areas over the body. This picture is typical of the yellow fat disease of foals and often the post mortem examination will diagnose it. Equine Degenerative Myloencephalopathy EDM is a degenerative disease of the spinal cord and brain stem. However it is most commonly seen affecting foals from one to fourteen months of age and becomes very apparent by the time the animal is four years old. The disease is characterized by symmetrical gait abnormalities which may occur very fast or be a long time in developing. Among them are a genetic factor pyrethrum insecticides creosote and oil-based wood preservatives and a Vitamin E deficiency. Others have reported that long-term Vitamin E supplementation was instrumental in the clinical improvements of affected horses. So even though it appears that EDM may have a genetic predisposition Vitamin E when used at 2000 IU day for prevention and 6000 IU day for treatment is beneficial to the condition. There is research still to be done on EDM and the role of Vitamin E in its prevention and treatment is yet to be more clearly defined. The role of selenium and Vitamin E in reproduction problems of the horse is unclear as far as research is concerned. According to the scientific literature available numerous studies have failed to confirm any benefit of supplementing the diet of the mare or stallion with these products to enhance their reproductive performance. When discussing their mineral program I am often stunned by the fact that they are not feeding anything but a simple salt block which was made for cattle use. Some feed salesman has told them that is all they need for the horse So when does a salt block fulfill the mineral needs of a draft horse let alone those requirements needed by breeding stock Any old time breeder of draft horses knew the best time to service mares was when they were turned out to pasture in April or May. Or course there are other factors to consider in this equation but back to the original problem the addition of selenium and Vitamin E to the diet of these mares will often increase their conception rates. In cattle and sheep lack of selenium in the diet will cause decreased motility of spermatozoa increased placental retention increased fetal mortality slower growth rate of the young and a reduction of milk production. Could a lack of selenium in the mare cause the same conditions I have not found reports of controlled experiments to determine the efficacy of Vitamin E and selenium to increase libido in stallions. However in those stallions with decreased libido who are not overweight or under exercised I have used alpha tocopherol which has the properties of Vitamin E with a good deal of success. Again this comes from a practitioner's viewpoint but for me when a client had the problem the treatment seemed to work in a good many cases. I believe it is much better to use the alpha tocopherol as the wheat germ oil will lose much of its Vitamin E content over a relatively short period of time and only the Vitamin B activity will be left in the product. It is generally agreed that a plasma or serum selenium concentration of 0.1 mg liter or greater indicates adequate selenium in the diet. There are two ways to provide selenium and Vitamin E in treating a deficiency of these compounds. One is by giving an injection of a product intramuscularly which contains both Vitamin E and selenium. I have given draft foals 20 ccs of this product intramuscularly every three days for a series of four injections upon occasion. Consumption of one-half ounce of this salt per day by the horse would provide it with an adequate amount of selenium. The concentration of selenium in this salt is so little that the horse would have to eat a pound of it a day in order to produce selenium toxicosis but it is extremely unlikely a horse would do so. A number of feed companies have been licensed to add selenium and Vitamin E to their mineral mixtures. Feeding these according to the company's directions should provide adequate selenium in the diet of the draft animals. It wasn't so long ago that the thought was for the horse to have a high protein diet to maximize its athletic performance. It is now generally thought the total protein of the ration for an adult draft horse should be about 12 It has been found that a high fat diet will have some direct benefits for the working or you may say the athletic draft horse. Fat added to the diet will increase the muscle glycogen utilization which in aerobic activity will help to delay fatigue. I would conclude from this that a drafter on a high fat diet would have lower heat production and therefore should be stabled or blanketed in cold weather. High fat high protein and low carbohydrate diets have been used in horses suffering from equine polysaccharide myopathy EPSM So what is EPSM It is a condition where the horse will show exercise intolerance and or various forms of lameness in varying degrees. Usually these animals will have a history of numerous attacks or will exhibit some form of chronic lameness or a peculiar gait. Many of the affected animals will show a lack of muscle mass and a lack of energy with a reluctant poor performance. They are the Quarter Horse Morgan Arabian Welsh-cross ponies Standardbred related horses Belgian Percheron Clydesdale Shire draft mule Norwegian Fjord Haflinger crossbred draft and draft light horse crosses. Valentine in conjunction with other scholars has done much to identify this condition in the draft and draft cross animals. Her work has been reported and printed in many of our veterinary medical journals as well as being published in various horse related periodicals. One can find her reports and read them and greatly enhance your knowledge of the condition EPSM. From time to time she has sent the reports to me on her work in this field and I greatly appreciate the work she has undertaken and the discoveries she has made regarding this form of myopathy. As a practitioner I find there still is much to be learned or understood about this condition especially as it involves the draft horse breeds and the draft cross horses. They were receiving no mineral supplement and no selenium or Vitamin E except which might be in the hay or grain. I tentatively diagnosed the problem as some form of equine myopathy possibly EPSM. I recommended the hay be immediately changed and all of the mares were to receive a dose of injectable selenium and Vitamin E. I believe the selenium and Vitamin E played a huge role in treating this condition which appeared to me to be possibly EPSM. They were placed in slings in a trailer and were taken to the State Veterinary College where they were diagnosed as having EPSM. A diagnosis of EPSM had been made by histopathological examination of the appropriate muscle tissue. The problem however was that one more horse in the paddock was showing symptoms of EPSM and the distraught owner was getting it ready for shipment to the clinic. I contacted the local veterinarian and found out there were several horses in the group which were showing the symptoms plus the one going to the college clinic. The afflicted ones were treated with the selenium and E injections. This case was interesting because the horses were not receiving any mineral-only a salt block. There is some speculation that a shiverer and a stringhalt horse are the products of EPSM. For the last four years I have treated every one of them that I could by placing them on a high fat diet low in carbohydrates and with adequate Vitamin E and selenium available in the ration. I could go on listing case reports about animals who were treated for various forms of myopathy but that is not the purpose of this article. But I do believe from my own personal experience as a practitioner that a selenium and or Vitamin E deficiency has something to do with its onset. I have found that a high AST SGOT test 300 indicates to me the animal is deficient in selenium. I have tested horses who had a high 300 AST test who appeared normal in every other respect and brought this figure down to normal 100 to 300 by the addition of selenium and Vitamin E to their diets within a time frame of eight to sixteen weeks. I told you when I started this it would be written through the eyes of a veterinary practitioner who is not a researcher but a professional person who needs answers when problems arise concerning the welfare of a client's stock.
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