11/04/2025
🌟 FOALING SEASON IS UPON US! 🌟
Is your broodmare ready—and more importantly, are you prepared to support her when the time comes?
At Premier Equine Veterinary Services, we’re here to help you feel confident and ready for a safe, successful foaling. Here are some trusted guidelines to keep in mind as your mare’s due date approaches:
🟡 Unless there's an emergency, allow the foal time to break through the fetal membranes on its own. Once it does, make sure it’s breathing normally.
🟡 The umbilical cord typically breaks naturally when the mare or foal rises—no need to intervene unless advised by your vet.
🟡 Let the mare and foal rest quietly and bond without disturbance in those early moments.
🟡 Keep a close eye on both the mare and foal for alertness, normal breathing, and appropriate maternal behavior. The mare should be calm, curious, and accepting.
🟡 The foal should stand and nurse within 2 hours. If not nursing by the 3-hour mark, call Premier Equine Veterinary Services immediately. Delayed nursing can indicate weakness or a medical issue requiring prompt attention.
🟡 Once the placenta passes, check that it’s fully intact—especially at the tips of the horns. It should form a Y-shape with just one opening where the foal exited.
🟡 Colostrum is vital. Foals must receive it within 8–12 hours to absorb critical antibodies. If the foal is too weak to nurse, you may need to milk the mare and administer the colostrum via stomach tube—with guidance from your vet.
🐴 Need help preparing? Have questions or concerns?
Premier Equine Veterinary Services is just a phone call away. We’re here to support you and your mare every step of the way during this exciting season.
Here’s to healthy mares, thriving foals, and peaceful nights in the barn! 💛
Thank you to our friends for this helpful information