Normal and Abnormal Parturition

Question 1

how to prepare the mare for birth?

Answer 1

• boost vaccines (4-6 weeks before)
  -acclimate mare to handling if needed
  -open caslick’s if needed
  -assess nutritional status

Question 2

combined thickness of uterus and placenta (CTUP) what is the rule of thumb??

Answer 2

1 mm per month of gestation; screening for placentitis and placental separation

Question 3

what is a normal gestation lenght?

Answer 3

340 days plus or minus 20 days

Question 4

what determines gestation length?

Answer 4

the foal with crowding stress –> cortisol in the mare increases oxytocin for uterine contractions and milk let down

Question 5

name 3 signs of impending parturition.

Answer 5

vulvar elongation, loosening of perineal ligaments, udder development (waxing, hardening) dripping milk, change in foal orientation

Question 6

issues with mares dripping milk or streaming?

Answer 6

loss of colostrum for foal concern

Question 7

how to monitor the mare?

Answer 7

checking a few times in the night, video/webcams, positional devices, vulvar devices

Question 8

should we induce horses into labor?

Answer 8

no; unless medically needed

Question 9

what are the criteria for induction?

Answer 9

> 330 days of gestation, well developed udder, milk Ca above 200 ppm, relaxed cervix

Question 10

risks of induction of labor?

Answer 10

often a dysmature foal

Question 11

normal foaling positions?

Answer 11

anterior longitudinal position, heads and front legs extended

Question 12

stage 1 of foaling?

Answer 12

repositioning of foal, ends with rupture of membranes, should like 1-24+ hours

Question 13

stage 2 of foaling?

Answer 13

fetus passes into birth canal, lasts 15-30 minutes,

Question 14

at what stage should the amnion be visible?

Answer 14

stage 2 about 5 min after membrane rupture

Question 15

end of stage 2 of foaling?

Answer 15

mare rests, let cord break naturally

Question 16

stage 3 of foaling?

Answer 16

expulsion of membranes; 1-3 hours

Question 17

should you save the placenta? why?

Answer 17

yes! to make sure all parts are there and to check it over

Question 18

what is the 123 rule?

Answer 18

foal stands within 1 hour
foal nursing within 2 hours
foal passes meconium and placenta passed by 3 hours

Question 19

when is dystocia common in horses?

Answer 19

wrong foal position

Question 20

what is a fetotomy?

Answer 20

foal out in pieces due to being dead and cannot be passed naturally

Question 21

premature placental separation is known as what?

Answer 21

red bag delivery where the cervical star is seen

Question 22

concern with red bag?

Answer 22

foal has no oxygen exchange, break immediately and try to save the foal