| |
Foaling
Kit & Checklist
by
Annamaria Tadlock
When
our first foal was due, I searched online for information on foaling
kits and preparation for foaling. I found a few articles and lists,
but nothing complete. Many of the lists didn't tell you what the
items were for. Many of the articles didn't have achecklist.
So, I decided to research it and write my own "foaling kit
& checkist".
All the
items below can be put into a clean, secure plastic container and
left in your foaling barn. A large bucket makes a nice holder for
the foaling kit and is easy to carry.
| Kit
ITEM(S): |
USE: |
| Flashlight & Batteries |
Many mares foal at
night or early in the morning, so keep these on hand to provide
light. |
| Plastic Bag |
To put placenta in.
Placenta should be examined to make sure that there are no holes,
tears, or pieces missing (which would mean that a piece could
still be in the mare and could lead to infection). |
| String |
To tie off umbilical
cord if it doesn’t break. Or tie up placenta if mare does
not drop it right away (tie it to itself to prevent the mare
from stepping on and pulling it out) |
| Scissors |
To cut string, or
tough sac around foal, or to cut string or suture material to
tie off cord. |
Iodine
7% and film canister
|
To dip foal’s
umbilical stump - pour iodine in clean film canister & dip
foal's umbilical stup in it. This will help prevent infection.
Betadine can also be used. |
| Mild soap & warm
water or Betadine |
To wash mare (vulva,
udders) prior to foaling. This will help prevent infection. |
| Dry washclothes and
towels . |
To grasp foal to pull
if needed, clean foal and mare if needed. |
| Frozen colostrum |
To give foal if mare
does not produce colostrum. |
| Plastic Gloves |
To keep hands clean |
| Vetrap |
To wrap mare's tail
prior to foaling. |
Notepad & pencils
|
To record time, mare’s
behavior, how foaling goes |
| Two Enemas |
In case foal does
not pass meconium (first poop). Consult a vet before administering,
as it is easy to cause a perforation of the bowel which can
kill a foal. |
| Vaseline |
To lubricate hands
if necessary to reposition foal |
Twitch
|
If mare rejects or
attacks foal |
| Halter & lead
ropes (including stud chain) |
To move, tie, or
restrain mare if necessary |
Clean bucket
|
To rinse hands, foal,
mare |
| Watch |
To keep track of time |
Paper towels
|
To clean yourself,
mare, foal, etc. |
| Cordless or Cell phone |
To call your vet in case of a problem without having to leave
your mare. |
| |
|
When
the foal is born:
Make sure the foal's nostrils are clear so it can breathe. If needed,
you can dry the foal with a towel (most mares will clean their foals).
Treat foal's umbilical stump with iodine for the first several days
to prevent infection.
Normal Foals will:
Get up within an hour
Nurse within 2-4 hours (they must nurse within 24)
Pass meconium (first poop) by 6 hours
Mare
care:
Clean mare/wrap tail before foaling
After foaling, she should stand within 30 minutes
Placenta should be dropped within about 3 hours
Tie up placenta if it is not dropped right away so it is not stepped
on and pulled out (tie it to itself)
Do not pull placenta out, as it can rip and remain in mare (causing
infection).
|
|
Share
This Page!