Reproduction: Mare Articles

Regulating Estrus
Pregnant Mares
Ultrasound and Your Horse
Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome
Does Ovuplant Have a Place in Your Breeding Program?
illy or !olt? ind out "e#ore $t%s Born
!ollecting !olostrum
Em"ryo &rans#er
oaling Mare ' (e)"orn* Preparing #or a Sa#e ' Success#ul oal Delivery
E+pectant Mare* ,ssuring t-e Healt- and .ell/Being o# t-e Pregnant Mare

Regulating Estrus
by Les Sellnow
E+ercise and diet are important in increasing a mare%s c-ances o# getting in #oal0
.-en a mare is le#t to -er o)n devices reproductively1 s-e )ill #all into a r-yt-m )it- (ature0
.-en t-e days are s-ort1 dar2 and cold1 -er reproductive system )ill s-ut do)n0 .-en t-e
longer1 )armer days o# spring arrive1 -er reproductive system )ill "egin to stir and )it-in )ee2s
)ill "e ready #or procreation0
or a num"er o# reasons1 man -as inter#ered )it- (ature%s approac-0 Per-aps t-e prime reason
is t-e creation o# a universal "irt-day #or certain "reeds o# -orses o# 3an0 40 &-us1 t-e #oal1 )-ic-
is "orn in 3anuary1 e"ruary1 Marc-1 etc01 o# a given year "ecomes one year o# age on t-e ne+t
3an0 40 So does t-e #oal t-at is "orn Dec0 40 ,lt-oug- "ot- "ecome yearlings1 one is nearly a #ull
year o# age c-ronologically )-ile t-e ot-er is only one mont- o# age0
&-is is signi#icant "ecause racing and ot-er #orms o# competition1 suc- as -alter classes at
5uarter Horse1 ,ra"ian1 Paint1 ,ppaloosa and ot-er s-o)s1 all divide entries "y age0 $t )ould "e
di##icult #or a &-oroug-"red #oal "orn late in t-e year to "e a"le to ma2e t-e Run #or t-e Roses1 #or
e+ample1 )-en it is only t)o/plus years o# age c-ronologically )-ile its counterparts are t-ree/
plus years0
&-e same )ould "e true at t-e annual &-oroug-"red sales0 Potential "uyers1 generally spea2ing1
are loo2ing #or young -orses "orn early in t-e year so t-at training can "egin and t-e -orses can
"e racing )-en t)o years old0
&-en t-ere is t-e matter o# racing and s-o)ing #illies and mares0 During t-e spring and summer
mont-s1 t-eir reproductive systems )ant to operate in normal r-yt-m )it- (ature0 &-is1 -o)ever1
can "e counter/productive to success on t-e trac2 and in t-e s-o) ring0
6.-enever $%m doing a pre/purc-ase e+amination o# a per#ormance mare1 $ al)ays give t-e
prospective o)ner my %#emale speec-718 says Dave Bec2man1 D9M1 a practitioner #rom
,nc-orage1 :y0 6Ho) s-e )ill react )-en in estrus is not somet-ing $ can o";ectively evaluate
during a pre/purc-ase e+am1 so $ ma2e certain t-ey 2no) t-at t-ere are some mares t-at1 )-en
t-ey come into -eat1 are a de#inite "e-avioral pro"lem and t-ey )ill not per#orm )ell1 "e it in a
race1 ;umping1 eventing or )-atever0 $t is li2e a "ig rolling "all o# -ormones )it-in t-eir
reproductive system and you don%t 2no) )-at to e+pect0
(o)1 t-ere are some mares t-at -umiliate me0 $ give t-at speec-1 t-e person "uys t-e mare1 and
s-e never causes t-em a pro"lem0 &-ere are a -and#ul o# great1 at-letic mares out t-ere t-at )ill
per#orm at t-eir pea2 )it-out Regumate or anyt-ing else0 Ho)ever1 in my e+perience1 t-e ma;ority
o# t-em are some sort o# pro"lem during t-e -eat period06
&-ere also is t-e matter o# t-e stallion to consider0 $# t-e "reeding #arm is a"le to control ovulation
in t-e mares "eing "red1 it is #ar easier to manage t-e stallion1 especially i# -e -appens to -ave
#ertility pro"lems0 Having mares come into estrus at regularly spaced intervals can "e an
important assist in maintaining -is #ertility0
&-e same can "e true #or stallions1 )-ic- are "eing used in an arti#icial insemination program0 $n
many cases1 several mares can "e "red )it- sperm #rom a single e;aculate i# t-ey all are in estrus
at t-e time t-e stallion is collected0
&-en1 too1 t-ere is t-e matter o# em"ryo trans#er0 &-e donor and recipient mares must "e on t-e
same page1 reproductively spea2ing1 i# t-e trans#er is to "e a success0 .-at all o# t-is "oils do)n
to is t-at in modern -orse "reeding1 regulating estrus -as "ecome a necessity in many instances0
Be#ore one discusses regulating an important part o# t-e -orse%s system1 it )ould "e )ise to
revie) ;ust )-at it is t-at is "eing regulated and -o)0
&-e Reproductive !ycle
.e start )it- t-e "asic premise t-at t-e 2ey to reproduction is lig-t0 .e can tal2 a"out t-e "almy
days o# spring1 t-e arrival o# green grass and t-e gentle touc- o# so#t )inds and )arm rains1 "ut
)-at matters t-e most is lig-t0 Because o# t-is 2no)ledge1 -orsemen literally can tric2 (ature into
moving out o# its natural r-yt-m )it- t-e administration o# arti#icial lig-t0
irst1 let%s ta2e a loo2 at t-e role lig-t plays in ;ump/starting t-e reproductive system o# "ot- male
and #emale0 &-e mare%s reproductive activity is descri"ed as "eing 6seasonally polyestrous06
Basically1 t-is means t-at s-e -as a reproductive season and a non/reproductive season0 Bot-
are controlled "y lig-t0 &-e non/reproductive season1 2no)n as anestrus1 comes during t-e #all
and )inter )-en t-ere is little lig-t0 &-e reproductive season "egins in t-e spring and continues
t-roug- t-e summer )-en t-ere is a great deal o# lig-t0 During anestrus1 t-e mare )ill not
respond to a stallion%s attention1 -er ovaries "ecome reduced in si<e and are inactive0
During t-e reproductive season1 t-e mare%s attitude c-anges1 at least on certain days1 along )it-
-ormonal activity )it-in -er reproductive system0 During t-e reproductive season1 t-e mare )ill
e+perience a series o# estrous cycles0 During t-is period o# se+ual activity1 t-e ovaries s)ell up to
t-e si<e o# tennis "alls and "ecome active1 rat-er t-an dormant0 &-ese cycles )ill repeat
t-emselves at =4/ to =>/day intervals until s-e "ecomes pregnant or until s-e reverts to anestrus
as lig-t #ails and late #all and )inter arrive0
&-e a"ove is true i# man does not inter#ere0 Ho)ever1 as mentioned1 arti#icial lig-t can "e used to
stimulate an earlier onset o# t-e reproductive season and drugs can "e administered t-at can
s-orten -er cycle and dictate )-en s-e )ill ovulate0 .-en a mare is operating in r-yt-m )it-
(ature1 )it-out -uman inter#erence1 t-ere )ill "e pea2 times #or "ot- conception and anestrus0
.-ile t-ere are t)o "asic reproductive seasons1 eac- o# t-ese t)o can "e split once again1
ma2ing #our in all0 ,s already mentioned1 t-e natural "reeding season occurs during spring and
summer1 )it- t-e -ig-est e##iciency coinciding )it- t-e longest day o# t-e year1 3une =?0 During
t-is period1 nearly 4@@A o# mares )ill "e cycling0
!onversely1 t-e anestrus season is at its pea2 during t-e )inter mont-s1 coinciding )it- days
)-en t-ere is relatively little lig-t0 During t-is period1 only a small percentage o# mares )ill cycle
and ovulate0 &-e ot-er t)o cycles are transitional stages t-at occur prior to t-e active season and
;ust "e#ore anestrus0 During t-ose times1 mares generally are erratic in t-eir cyclic and se+ual
"e-avior0 &-e estrous cycle during t-e active mont-s is controlled "y t-e interaction o# various
-ormones )it-in t-e "ody0 Ho)ever1 it all starts )it- t-e eye1 )-ic- allo)s t-e entry o# lig-t0
,s days get longer1 t-e mare%s "rain records t-e increased amount o# lig-t0 &-is stimulates t-e
-ypot-alamus gland located )it-in tissues o# t-e mid/"rain0 &-e -ypot-alamus starts t-e
reproductive system "y producing gonadotropic/releasing -ormone BCnRHD0 .-en CnRH is
secreted in t-e proper Euantity1 t-e pituitary gland1 located at t-e "ase o# t-e "rain1 is stimulated0
&-e pituitary is attac-ed to t-e -ypot-alamus "y a stal2 containing "ot- "lood vessels and
nerves1 )-ic- serve as its pat-)ay #or communication )it- t-e -ypot-alamus0 .-en stimulated1
t-e pituitary gland secretes t)o -ormones t-at a##ect t-e ovaries0 &-e #irst -ormone is 2no)n as
#ollicle stimulating -ormone BSHD0 &-is -ormone moves t-roug- t-e "loodstream to t-e ovaries1
)-ere it stimulates development o# one or more #ollicles0
&-e no)/developing #ollicles in t-e ovaries1 )-en t-ey reac- t-e stage )-ere t-ey are =@ to =F
millimeters in diameter1 secrete estrogen0 &-e estrogen -as several e##ects1 including a##ecting
"e-avioral centers in t-e "rain1 stimulating estrual activity1 a##ecting t-e cervi+ "y allo)ing
rela+ation #or entrance o# spermato<oa into t-e uterus1 stimulating t-e smoot- muscles in t-e
mare%s reproductive tract #or increased contractions to transport sperm and ovum1 and1 causing
t-e pituitary gland to in-i"it #urt-er secretion o# SH and stimulate t-e release o# t-e second
gonadotropic -ormone1 luteini<ing -ormone BLHD0
LH #acilitates maturation and ovulation o# t-e gro)ing1 egg/"earing #ollicle0
Ovulation occurs )-en t-e mature egg leaves t-e #ollicle and "egins its trip t-roug- t-e oviduct1
generally late in estrus0 Once ovulation -as occurred1 t-e luteal p-ase o# t-e estrous cycle is
us-ered in0 $n t-e )a2e o# ovulation1 t-e estrogen level #alls and t-e remains o# t-e ovulated
#ollicle are converted to #orm a corpus luteum B!LD or yello) "ody0 Luteal cells secrete t-e
-ormone progesterone1 )-ic- -as as its tas2 t-e s-utting do)n o# secretion o# t-e estrus/
stimulating -ormones and t-us setting t-e stage #or maintaining a pregnancy0
Because o# its role in t-e reproductive system1 progesterone Bin a synt-etic stateD "ecomes -ig-ly
important in arti#icially manipulating t-e estrous cycle0 During a normal estrous cycle1 t-e #irst tas2
#or progesterone is to su"due t-e actively contracting reproductive tract and to tig-ten and close
t-e rela+ed and open cervi+0 ,t t-e same time1 progesterone in-i"its t-e secretion o# SH and LH
#rom t-e pituitary0 .-en t-is -as "een accomplis-ed1 t-e mare goes into a state o# diestrus1
)-ic- means s-e is no longer in -eat and is no longer receptive to t-e stallion0
Under natural circumstances1 )-at -appens ne+t is dependent on )-et-er t-e mare -as "ecome
pregnant0 $# s-e did not conceive1 t-e uterus )ill remain under t-e in#luence o# progesterone #or
4= to 4? days0 $# no em"ryo is present in t-e uterus at t-e end o# t-at time1 t-e uterine
endometrium )ill secrete t-e -ormone prostaglandin0 &-is -ormone )ill destroy t-e corpus
luteum1 )-ic- is producing progesterone0 .it- t-e corpus luteum destroyed1 no progesterone is
produced0 .it-out progesterone as an in-i"itor1 t-e level o# #ollicle stimulating -ormone BSHD
rises and t-e cycle starts all over0
Manipulating &-e !ycle
&-e most "asic procedure involved )it- controlling t-e estrous cycle in a mare is lig-t0 $t is "asic
and simple "ecause all it involves is utili<ing a =@@/)att lig-t "ul"0
Mart-a M0 9ogelsang1 P-D1 o# &e+as ,'M University1 says t-at lig-t usage can "ring "ene#its1 "ut
t-ere is at least one side e##ect Bs-eddingD t-at could pose a pro"lem unless dealt )it-0
6!urrently1 t-e simplest and most e##ective management protocol #or "ringing mares into -eat
prior to t-e natural "reeding season is t-e use o# e+tended day lengt-16 said 9ogelsang0 6By
imposing an arti#icially long day on mares "eginning in late (ovem"er or early Decem"er1 t-e
-ormonal mec-anisms t-at control estrous cyclicity are stimulated suc- t-at mares )ill "egin to
ovulate in mid/ to late e"ruary Brat-er t-an Marc- or ,prilD08
,lt-oug- di##erent lig-ting sc-edules -ave "een studied1 a lig-ting program t-at supplies 4G -ours
o# lig-t to eig-t -ours o# dar2 seems to provide a consistent response0 &-e additional lig-t can "e
provided "y placing mares in stalls or paddoc2s )-ere t-ere is su##icient lig-t in t-e a#ternoon1
and maintaining t-e lig-t arti#icially until appro+imately 44 p0m0 &-e amount o# lig-t necessary to
elicit p-otoperiodic stimulation is at least t-ree #oot/candles at t-e level o# t-e -orse%s eye0 , =@@/
)att incandescent "ul" provides adeEuate lig-t in t-e average stall0
$t is important #or t-e mare o)ner to understand t-at e+tending t-e day lengt- does not provide
an immediate response1 nor does it eliminate t-e transitional period "et)een anestrus and t-e
ovulatory season0 , "e-avioral response can "e seen >@ to G@ days a#ter t-e program is initiated1
)it- t-e #irst ovulation occurring G@ to H@ days a#ter t-e lig-ting program "egins0
$t s-ould also "e noted t-at e+posure to e+tended day lengt- stimulates s-edding0 Depending on
t-e climate1 mares in e+tended day lengt- programs may need s-elter andIor increased nutrient
inta2e during t-is period0 ,lt-oug- not as #reEuently mentioned as a 2ey element in controlling t-e
estrous cycle1 nutrition can play a pivotal role1 as can e+ercise0 Scott Bennett1 D9M1 a practitioner
)-o also operates an eEuine -ospital in S-el"yville1 :y01 and #ocuses muc- o# -is practice on
"reeding pro"lems1 "elieves t-at "ot- e+ercise and diet can play signi#icant roles in t-e estrous
cycle0
Mares can "e put under lig-ts to stimulate an earlier onset o# t-e cycle1 "ut i# t-ey receive no
e+ercise and eit-er are too #at or too t-in1 lig-t t-erapy alone mig-t do little0 6$ li2e to see t-ese
mares get e+ercise16 says Bennett0 6$ "elieve a stall is a -orse%s )orst enemy0 $ li2e to see mares
turned out during t-e day )-ere t-ey can e+ercise and 2eep t-emselves #airly #it1 and "roug-t into
t-e "arn at nig-t and put under lig-ts0 , lot o# times1 $ )ill ;ust group t-em in a s-ed under lig-ts06
He also "elieves t-ere must "e middle ground "et)een a mare1 )-ic- is too #at and one1 )-ic- is
too t-in0 &-e )ay to control a -orse%s condition1 -e says1 is to #eed "y )eig-t* 6eed -orses
individually and #eed "y )eig-t1 not "y co##ee can06 Mares1 )-ic- are too #at1 -e says1 s-ould "e
placed in a dry lot )-ere t-eir inta2e can "e closely monitored0 &-ose1 )-ic- are too t-in1 s-ould
"e #ed an increased ration0 Diet can "e especially important to t-e senior mare1 according to
results o# a study conducted "y Elaine M0 !arnevale1 D9M1 MS1 P-0D1 )-ic- )as presented
during t-e 4HHG ,,EP ,nnual !onvention0
&-e study )as "ased on t-e premise t-at normally mares 4H years o# age and older ovulate t)o
)ee2s later t-an mares 4> years o# age and younger0 ,not-er premise )as t-at more cycles per
conception )ere reEuired #or t-e older mares0 &-e o";ectives o# -er study )ere to compare t-e
e##ects o# t)o diets on young and old mares #or time to #irst ovulation o# t-e year and to compare
circulating concentrations o# insulin1 #ree #atty acids and cortisol0
$nvolved in t-e study )ere eig-t mares ranging in age #rom t-ree to 4F years1 and 4@ mares
)-ic- )ere 4H years o# age and older0 &-e mares )ere primarily o# Standard"red and
&-oroug-"red lineage0 ,t t-e "eginning o# t-e study1 young and old mares randomly )ere divided
into t)o groups0 One group received a commercial ration designed speci#ically #or older -orses at
t-e rate o# 4@ pounds per day1 and t-e ot-er group received 4@ pounds o# oats per day0 Bot-
groups also )ere #ed -ay t-at )as a mi+ture o# orc-ard grass and al#al#a0
&-e results )ere signi#icant #or t-e older mares0 !arnevale reported t-is as a conclusion*
6Old mares #ed a -ig-ly digesti"le1 nutrient/dense diet ovulated appro+imately t)o )ee2s earlier
in t-e spring t-an old mares #ed an isocaloric control0 &ype o# #eed did not a##ect time to ovulation
#or younger mares0 Old mares #ed t-e special diet ovulated on appro+imately t-e same mean
dates as young mares1 in contrast to a later ovulation date #or old mares #ed t-e control diet0
!oncentrations o# insulin and #ree #atty acids )ere -ig-er in old -orses receiving a nutrient/dense
diet0 Di##erences in e##ects o# diet "et)een young and old mares )ere pro"a"ly caused "y t-e
reduced capa"ilities o# old mares to digest and assimilate #eed1 resulting in a #unctional nutrient
de#iciency0 rom data1 it is apparent t-at older -orses need to "e maintained on a #eed program
t-at supplies t-em )it- t-e additional nutrients t-at t-ey need #or reproductive per#ormance06
Be#ore )e leave t-e matter o# lig-t1 nutrition and e+ercise1 it s-ould "e noted t-at )-at is good #or
t-e goose is good #or t-e gander0 Researc- -as s-o)n t-at t-e use o# lig-ts also can stimulate
t-e stallion to early reproductive capa"ility )-en com"ined )it- a proper diet and e+ercise0
B!aution s-ould "e used1 -o)ever1 "ecause some studies -ave indicated t-at stallions 6started6
earlier in t-e year #rom lig-t t-erapy tend to 6s-ut do)n6 earlier in t-e year0D
.-ile t-e use o# lig-t1 plus appropriate diet and e+ercise1 can in#luence t-e estrous cycle1 t-ey
are "asically non/invasive0 $n a sense1 t-eir in#luence on t-e cycle is indirect0
By contrast1 t-e administration o# certain drugs or -ormones -as a direct e##ect0
Early Season !-emical Ovulation !ontrol
One o# t-e most popular #orms o# treatment involves t-e administration o# altrenogest1 a synt-etic
#orm o# progesterone t-at is mar2eted under t-e trade name Regumate0 $ts "asic #unction is t-e
same as t-at o# progesterone during a normal cycle1 )-ic- is to s-ut do)n se+ual activity until
(ature can determine )-et-er a pregnancy -as occurred0 $n/dept- researc- on manipulation o#
estrous cycles -as "een carried on at !olorado State University0 .-ile t-e !SU program pre#ers
using altrenogest in controlling t-e estrous cycle1 researc-ers point out t-at t-ere are alternatives1
suc- as in;ections o# progesterone in oil0
&-at "eing said1 let%s ta2e a loo2 at -o) !SU prepares its mares #or manipulation o# t-e estrous
cycle0
&-e researc-ers "egin )it- lig-t0 Starting on Dec0 41 mares are provided 4G -ours o# lig-t per day0
,#ter G@ days o# e+posure to lig-t1 eac- mare is #ed one milligram o# altrenogest per 4@@ pounds
o# "ody )eig-t daily #or 4F days0 &-e mare is 2ept on t-is regimen #or 4F days1 and t-en t-e
altrenogest is removed0 Researc- at !SU -as demonstrated t-at t-e use o# lig-ts and t-e 4F/day
administration o# altrenogest are e##ective in esta"lis-ing normal estrous cycles early in t-e year0
$n a study -eaded "y E0 L0 SEuires1 P-D1 >? mares )ere split into e+periment and control groups0
One group o# 4J received t-e a"ove descri"ed lig-t and altrenogest treatment1 and t-e ot-er 4J
received neit-er0 ,ll 4J o# t-e mares under lig-ts and administered altrenogest returned to estrus
)it-in si+ days post/treatment1 compared to only seven o# t-e 4J control mares0 $# one )ants to
6s-ort cycle6 a mare and s-orten t-e a"ove treatment period #rom 4F to nine days1 prostaglandins
are used0 &-e administration o# altrenogest or progesterone in oil #or nine days1 plus an in;ection
o# prostaglandin Bt-e -ormone t-at )or2s to "ring a mare into estrusD on day nine1 -as proven to
"e an e##ective com"ination #or estrus sync-roni<ation1 says SEuires0 Un#ortunately1 -e adds1 t-e
corpus luteum is easier to control t-an #ollicular gro)t-0 &-ere#ore1 t-ere is no guarantee )-en
ovulation )ill occur0
Enter t)o more -ormones* -uman c-orionic gonadotrop-in B-!CD and gonadotropin releasing
-ormone BCnRHD0 Bot- can "e utili<ed to -asten ovulation and ma2e it more predicta"le0
irst1 -!C0 One o# t-e early studies carried out involving -!C )as at !olorado State )-en
!arnevale attended t-e sc-ool as a graduate student see2ing -er doctorate0 &-e study1 -o)ever1
concentrated on ovulation in mares in t-e spring transitional p-ase o# t-e cycle rat-er t-an t-ose
already in t-e receptive stage0 $n t-e study1 >K lig-t -orse mares )ere involved0 Beginning on
e"0 41 t-e mares )ere presented daily to a stallion to detect estrous "e-avior0 ollicular activity
)as monitored at #our/day intervals via ultrasonograp-y0 .-en #ollicular development reac-ed a
particular stage1 some o# t-e mares )ere administered -!C and ot-ers )ere not0 &-e mares
administered -!C ovulated earlier t-an t-e controls0 &-is led !arnevale to report t-e #ollo)ing* 6$t
)as concluded t-at administration o# -!C is an e##ective met-od to -asten time to ovulation in
transitional mares0 Human c-orionic gonadotrop-in could "e used to minimi<e time1 e+pense and
stallion use during t-e e+tended transitional estrous period "y reducing time #rom recruitment o# a
dominant #ollicle to ovulation0 Diestrus progesterone concentrations )ere not a##ected "y treating
mares )it- -!C1 suggesting adeEuate luteal #unction #or sustained pregnancy06
&-is study at !SU )as #ollo)ed "y one t-at too2 a loo2 at administering CnRH #or -astening
ovulation in transitional mares0 $n t-is study1 ?F non/lactating1 seasonally anestrus lig-t -orse
mares )ere assigned randomly to one o# t-ree groups1 )it- 4F in eac- group0 One group )as an
untreated control0 &-e second group )as given an in;ection o# t-e CnRH agonist "userelin at 4=/
-our intervals0 &-e t-ird group -ad CnRH administered via an implant t-at )as designed to
release CnRH over a =K/day period0 &-e implants )ere placed "eneat- t-e s2in o# t-e nec20 &-e
results revealed t-at CnRH agonist/treated mares1 receiving t-e -ormone as eit-er an in;ection or
an implant1 e+perienced -astened ovulation )-en compared )it- t-e non/treated control mares0
Seven o# 4F mares in Croup = responded to t)ice/daily in;ections o# CnRH agonist and ovulated
"et)een Day 4@ and Day =F a#ter initiation o# treatment0 Similarly1 nine mares given an implant o#
CnRH agonist BCroup >D ovulated "et)een Day ? and Day >@0 (one o# t-e control mares
ovulated )it-in >@ days o# initiation o# treatment0 &-e researc-ers concluded t-e #ollo)ing* 6,
CnRH agonist -astened t-e initial ovulation o# t-e "reeding season in mares0 &-e a"ility to
administer CnRH agonist via a su"cutaneous implant -as practical applications #or early #oal
production06
!ycling Mares ,nd !-emical Ovulation !ontrol
(o) #or a loo2 at using CnRH on mares1 )-ic- already are in t-e midst t-eir receptive estrous
cycles0 ,t t-e 4HH? ,merican ,ssociation o# EEuine Practitioners meeting1 Patric2 30 Meyers1
D9M1 MS1 Diplomate ,!&1 o# Ontario1 !anada1 reported on a study involving t-e administration o#
t-e CnRH analog deslorelin0 BDorland%s $llustrated Medical Dictionary descri"es an analog as
"eing a c-emical compound )it- a structure similar to t-at o# anot-er1 "ut di##ering #rom it in
respect to a certain component1 )-ile an agonist is descri"ed as "eing a drug t-at -as a##inity #or
and stimulates p-ysiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated "y normally occurring
su"stances0D
Meyers -ad t-is to say in introducing t-e results o# t-e study* 6&-ere is considera"le variation
"et)een mares and sometimes )it-in t-e same mare in t-e lengt- o# estrus1 t-e interval #rom
onset o# estrus to ovulation1 and t-e si<e o# t-e #ollicleBsD at ovulation0 &-is accounts #or di##iculties
in controlling ovulation )-en attempting to time insemination accurately )it- imminent ovulation0
&-e a"ility to control ovulation accurately and relia"ly in mares plays a pivotal role in ma+imi<ing
our reproductive management o# "ot- stallions and mares0 , single intramuscular or intravenous
in;ection B=1F@@ $UD o# -uman c-orionic gonadotrop-in B-!CD at t-e appropriate time during estrus
-as resulted in ovulation )it-in =? to ?K -ours and a s-ortening o# t-e estrous period compared
)it- untreated controls0 Disadvantages o# -!C include some re#ractory responses #rom
anti"odies #ormed against t-is #oreign protein0 &-e purpose o# t-e studies summari<ed -ere )as
to determine t-e e##icacy Bovulation responseD o# a -ig-ly potent CnRH analog1 deslorelin1
delivered in a novel slo)/release implant1 in accelerating and ensuring ovulation )it-in =? to ?K
-ours o# administration in cyclic estrous mares08
Over a t-ree/year study period1 su"cutaneous implants1 delivering eit-er <ero milligrams or =0=
milligrams o# deslorelin1 )ere administered to HGJ estrous mares at several di##erent locations in
,ustralia1 !anada1 Cermany1 S)eden1 and t-e United States in dou"le/"lind multicenter clinical
trials0 Standard"red1 &-oroug-"red1 5uarter Horse1 Saddle"red1 and ,ra"ian lactating and non/
lactating mares )ere included0 Horses )ere managed under prevailing conditions and practices0
, minimum "ody condition score o# G )as a prereEuisite #or entry into t-e trial to insure t-at t-e
mare )as on an appropriate nutritional diet0
Once estrus )as esta"lis-ed1 t-e reproductive tract o# eac- mare )as e+amined "y palpation or
ultrasonograp-y0 .-en a lead #ollicle "ecame >@ millimeters or more in diameter1 implants t-at
contained eit-er deslorelin or a place"o )ere inserted ;ust "eneat- t-e s2in o# t-e nec20 &-e
results revealed t-at in all geograp-ic locations1 t-ere )as a s-ortening o# t-e interval to ovulation
o# >K0? -ours0 &-e mares treated )it- deslorelin//a total o# FGG//ovulated at an average o# ?J0H
-ours a#ter treatment0 &-e mares treated )it- t-e place"o//a total o# ?@4//ovulated KG0= -ours
a#ter treatment0 &-e percentage o# mares ovulating )it-in ?K -ours a#ter treatment )as KK0GA #or
t-ose administered deslorelin and >40GA #or t-e place"o/treated mares0 Meyers o##ered t-e
#ollo)ing conclusion*
6!om"ined studies involving FGG treatments )it- deslorelin and ?@4 place"o implants strongly
support t-e claim t-at treatment o# estrous mares )it- a lead #ollicle o# >@ millimeters Bor moreD in
diameter )it- t-e CnRH analog deslorelin1 delivered in a slo)/release "iocompati"le implant1
causes acceleration o# ovulation and ensures t-at K@A o# t-e treated mares )ill ovulate )it-in ?K
-ours a#ter treatment1 reducing t-e time to ovulation "y FFA0 &reatment )it- deslorelin -ad no
adverse e##ects on pregnancy rates1 early em"ryonic loss rates1 a"ortion rates1 or #oal vitality0
Local reactions varied "et)een locations1 al)ays )ere slig-t1 disappeared mostly )it-in t-ree
days1 and never reEuired treatment o# any 2ind0 &-us1 )e can conclude1 administration o#
-ormones can -elp "ring a mare into estrus and can -asten time to ovulation )-et-er s-e is in
t-e estrous cycle or in t-e transitional period0 (ot to "e overloo2ed in t-e overall sc-eme o#
t-ings1 -o)ever1 are t-e use o# lig-t1 nutrition1 and e+ercise0
&-e a"ove involves t-e mare1 )-ic- )e are "reeding or )ant to "reed0 .-at a"out t-e
per#ormance mare )-ere )e )ant to suppress t-e estrous cycle? Suppressing t-e cycle t-ere
are t-ree "asic )ays to get t-e ;o" done1 says Bec2man1 )it- t-e sa#est "eing t-e administration
o# altrenogest0 &-e ot-er t)o involve implants t-at -ave not "een approved in t-e United States1
and spaying0 Regumate BaltrenogestD appears to "e t-e sa#est )ay to go )-en see2ing to prevent
a mare #rom coming into -eat1 says Bec2man1 alt-oug- it does -ave a do)nside//it is e+pensive0
Cenerally spea2ing1 one can e+pect to pay t-ree dollars per day #or Regumate t-at is
administered orally1 eit-er "y top/dressing #eed or "y sEuirting it directly into t-e -orse%s mout-
)it- a syringe0 $t ta2es Regumate a "it longer to act on t-e -ormonal system t-an does a s-ot o#
progesterone0 6You need to get t-e mare on it #ive or si+ days "e#ore t-e event or race1 t-en 2eep
-er on it t-roug-out t-e competition #or it to prevent -er #rom cycling16 Bec2man says0 Some
trainers administer Regumate continuously t-roug-out a season1 )-ile ot-ers )ill remove it i# t-e
mare -as a do)ntime o# t-ree )ee2s or more "et)een per#ormances0 (ormally1 Bec2man says1
a"out nine days a#ter Regumate is no longer administered1 t-e mare )ill cycle0
$# t-e o)ner plans on using t-e mare in t-e "roodmare "and in t-e #uture1 Bec2man "elieves1 t-e
on/again1 o##/again approac- to Regumate administration )ould "e pre#erred to 2eeping -er on it
constantly0
$t can "e argued t-at man s-ould not "attle (ature in t-e eEuine reproductive )orld1 "ut as long
as certain competitions are "ased on age and as long as some #emales -ave erratic "e-avior
)-en in estrus1 it )ill remain an economic necessity0
////////////////
,"out &-e ,ut-or
Les Sellno) is a #ree/lance )riter speciali<ing in articles on eEuine researc-0 Based near
Riverton1 .yo01 Sellno) also is t-e aut-or o# #iction and non/#iction "oo2s0
2ey)ords* estrus1 "reeding1 reproduction1 cycle0
posted* GIJI=@@G0 Last updated* GIJI=@@G0

Pregnant Mares
by Written by: Atwood C. Asbury, DM, DAC!
&-e mare #rom )-ic- you -ave al)ays )anted to raise a #oal -as ;ust "een pronounced
pregnant "y your veterinarian0 (o) you ;ust -ave to )ait a"out 44 mont-s and see )-at s-e
produces1 rig-t? (ot so #astL &-ere is muc- more involved t-an ;ust )aiting i# you )ant t-e #oal to
-ave t-e "est c-ance o# "eing "orn -ealt-y0
Your #irst concern is to maintain t-at ne)ly detected pregnancy0 Barry Ball1 D9M1 P-D1 Dipl0 ,!&
Breproduction specialistD1 University o# !ali#ornia1 Davis1 s-o)ed early em"ryonic loss occurred at
a rate o# HA in young1 #ertile mares "y Day 4? a#ter #ertili<ation1 )it- a loss rate more t-an G@A
#or aged1 su"/#ertile mares during t-is same time period0 &-ere#ore1 rec-ec2s o# t-e pregnancy
are a must so i# an early loss occurs1 re/"reeding is an option0
!an you stop early em"ryonic loss? One possi"le de#ect1 inadeEuate progesterone secretion1 is a
rare occurrence1 "ut many "reeders supplement progesterone or synt-etic compounds )it-
similar actions suc- as altrenogest B"rand name Regu/MateD during early pregnancy0
Progesterone causes t-e cervi+ to remain tig-tly closed1 t-e uterus to remain #irm and -elps "loc2
production o# prostaglandins B-ormones t-at arise #rom in#lammation in t-e uterusD0 .-y not give
progesterone to all mares in early pregnancy? $t is e+pensive1 potentially -arm#ul to -andlers1 and
unnecessary in many cases0 Progesterone de#iciency can "e documented "y monitoring
progesterone levels #reEuently during t-e #irst #e) )ee2s o# pregnancy0 Repeated early
pregnancy loss is a reason #or concern1 and your veterinarian7s input is needed0 Managing stress
can o##set t-is pro"lem in many cases0 Minimi<e stress "y eliminating sudden #eed c-anges1
e+tremes in e+posure to adverse )eat-er1 t-reatening dogs c-asing t-e -orses1 loud noises1 etc0
Cood management practices #or all -orses include control o# intestinal parasites1 prevention o#
in#ectious diseases1 #eeding -ig-/Euality rations1 and care o# #eet and teet-0
Pregnant mares reEuire more0 &-e ma;or concern centers on t-e anti"odies passed to t-e #oal
t-roug- colostrum B#irst mil2D0 &-e eEuine placenta does not permit passage o# maternal
anti"odies to t-e #etus0 During t-e #inal )ee2s o# pregnancy1 t-e mare needs to concentrate
proteins t-at carry anti"odies to t-e #oal0 &-ere#ore1 a care#ully planned immuni<ation program
during gestation is critical0 !onsult your veterinarian #or a vaccination sc-edule since t-ere are
regional di##erences to consider Bsuc- as "otulismD0
Pro"lems )it- colostral trans#er o# immunity include a lo) anti"ody concentration1 premature
lactation and loss o# anti"odies1 and t-e #oal7s ina"ility to suc2le0 Measuring $gC Bt-e immune
anti"ody proteinD in t-e #oal7s serum at =? -ours o# age )ill determine t-e amount o# anti"ody
trans#erred0 &-ere is a correlation o# lo) levels o# $gC and suscepti"ility to in#ections0 &reating
#oals )it- immune plasma can modi#y t-e pro"lem0
Mare Healt-
Pregnant mares s-ould gain )eig-t moderately during pregnancy and -ave a natural glo) to t-eir
coats0 !are#ul inspection o# t-e udder and e+ternal genitalia s-ould occur at #reEuent intervals
t-roug-out gestation0 ,ny disc-arge #rom t-e vulva )arrants a call to your veterinarian0 Your
records s-ould clearly indicate )-ic- mares are sutured so t-ey can "e opened in time #or
#oaling0 $nspect t-e udder #or premature lactation0 Le#t on t-eir o)n1 #oaling mares )ill select an
open space )it-in a s-eltered area )it- clean ground and easy escape routes0 &-ose #actors are
evolutionary0 So1 it is to our advantage to provide similar #acilitiesMprotected and EuietM#or t-e
Ncivili<ed8 mare0 S-ould )e supervise all #oalings? &-e statistics say no1 due to t-e lo) incidence
o# pro"lems0 But )-en t-ere are pro"lems1 t-ey tend to "e "ig ones1 and immediate attention can
ma2e a di##erence0 &-e small "reeder mig-t "ene#it #rom tec-nologies t-at alert t-e #oaling
attendant0
One #inal management tip* Be)are o# t-e late pregnancy mare )-o see2s to eat all o# t-e -ay put
out #or -er and t-ree or #our ot-er mares0 $nvaria"ly1 you7ll end up )it- one overly stu##ed mare
and several -ungry ones0 &-is is "ad ne)s during #oaling since t-e a"dominal pressure during
#oaling can cause ruptures in t-e large "o)el and cecum0 &-is rupture is li2ely to occur )-en t-e
large "o)el is distended "y #eed and1 )-en it occurs1 it is #atal0 ,t "est1 -orse "reeding is an art
t-at allo)s minor ad;ustments to (ature0 &-e satis#action o# seeing t-at #oal "orn1 standing1
gro)ing1 and competing is more t-an adeEuate compensation #or t-e "reeder0 ,,EP ORUM
!lient Education
Reprinted )it- permission #rom &-e Horse* Your Cuide to EEuine Healt- !are0
posted* >I4?I=@@G0 Last updated* >I4?I=@@G0

"ltrasound and #our $orse
by %en&a'in Espy, DM
,lt-oug- radiograp-s are valua"le #or detecting "ony structures1 ultrasound is pro"a"ly t-e
most versatile tool availa"le to t-e modern veterinarian0
Even a recent veterinary sc-ool graduate may -ave more -ands/on ultrasound e+perience t-an
your typical medical doctor0 &-e "asic principle "e-ind ultrasound is t-at t-e ultrasound
transducer sends out -ig- #reEuency sound )aves t-at are impercepti"le to t-e -uman ear0 ,"out
@04 percent o# t-e time t-e mac-ine emits sound )aves and t-en spends HH0H percent o# t-e time
listening #or t-ose sound )aves to "e re#lected "ac2 o## o# )-atever tissue to )-ic- t-e mac-ine
is e+posed0
Deeper structures are visuali<ed )it- lo) #reEuency pro"es B>0F m-<D0 &-is is t-e same t-eory o#
t-at "ass on your neig-"or7s stereo penetrating )alls and even "uildings a)ay0 Lo)er #reEuency
sounds are not as clear "ut are a"le to penetrate muc- deeper0 Li2e)ise1 s-allo) structures are
visuali<ed )it- -ig- #reEuency pro"es0 Hig-/pitc-ed noise is very clear "ut not a"le to penetrate
)ell0 or tendons and o";ects ;ust under t-e s2in t-at reEuire very precise imaging1 -ig-/
#reEuency pro"es BJ0F m-<D are most use#ul0
.it- all pro"es1 #luid/#illed structures appear as dar2 images on t-e screen1 )-ile so#t tissue
structures appear as varying degrees o# )-ite on t-e screen0 ,lt-oug- ultrasound can "e used in
"ot- large animal and small animal medicine to vie) internal organs1 t-e most common uses in
t-e eEuine species is to visuali<e tendons and reproductive structures0 , developing em"ryo can
"e visuali<ed as early as day 4=/4? days o# gestation1 )-ere rectal palpation alone can detect
pregnancy "y >@/>F days o# gestation0 Un#ortunately in miniature mares1 rectal palpation is
usually not a very sa#e option )-en )eig-ing t-e danger o# manually tearing t-e rectum0
Mares are prepared #or transrectal ultrasonograp-y "y )rapping t-e tail and t-en evacuating t-e
rectum0 &-e pro"e is t-en inserted rectally and t-e cross/section o# t-e uterus is visuali<ed0
Estrus Detection
Because ova #rom t-e mare are only via"le #or a"out 4= -ours1 and sperm is via"le #or up to J=
-ours1 it is )ise to ultrasound #or impending ovulation0 Using t-is tec-niEue1 it is possi"le to -ave
t-e semen in t-e mare 4=/=? -ours "e#ore s-e ovulates0
Uteri t-at are s-o)ing t-e in#luence o# estrogen )-en t-e mare is in -eat s-o) a typical N)agon
)-eel8 appearance t-at is caused "y t-e #olds o# t-e uterus "ecoming #illed )it- edema0
&-e #ollicles on eac- ovary may "e visuali<ed0 Usually a #ollicle on one ovary )ill "ecome
dominant0 .-en it gro)s to >F/?@ mm in diameter1 -uman c-orionic gonadotropin BH!CD or
deslorelin BOvuplantD may "e administered to t-e mare to cause -er to ovulate0 Ultrasound can
t-en "e used again a#ter insemination to con#irm ovulation0
$n #ull/si<e mares1 rectal palpation is still important "ecause o# t-e necessity o# "eing a"le to
detect t-e consistency o# t-e developing #ollicle0 &-e ma;ority o# t-e time rectal palpation in
miniature mares is not an option so )e rely on t-e si<e o# t-e ultrasound image alone0
Pregnancy Detection
,lt-oug- t-e em"ryo may "e visuali<ed "y day 44/4?1 "y day 4F/4J t-e em"ryonic vesicle -as
"ecome #i+ed to t-e )all o# t-e uterus and is muc- easier to visuali<e0 By day =? t-e -eart"eat
can "e visuali<ed to veri#y t-e presence o# a via"le #etus0
Early #etuses can "e mista2en #or uterine cysts and vice versa0 &-e mare can periodically "e
e+amined #or an increase in vesicle si<e0 &-is may di##erentiate cysts #rom true pregnancies0
&-e importance o# ultrasound can "e "est understood )-en reali<ing t-e mare7s -eat cycle is
appro+imately =4 days in duration0 &-e a"sence o# a pregnancy can allo) t-e decision to "e
made to re"reed t-e mare on t-e ensuing -eat cycle0
By day G@/JK days o# gestation t-e etal Cenital &u"ercle BC&D can "e visuali<ed closer to t-e
anus to con#irm t-e presence o# a #emale #oal1 or closer to t-e um"ilicus to con#irm a male #oal0
rom day K@ on)ards1 transa"dominal ultrasound can "e utili<ed "y placing t-e pro"e on t-e
a"domen ;ust cranial to t-e udder0
Periodic transrectal and transa"dominal ultrasound #or #etal -eart"eats can "e utili<ed to con#irm
via"le #etuses0
&)inning
,lt-oug- t)in em"ryos may "e -ard to visuali<e i# t-ey are side "y side or on top o# one anot-er
in t-e uterus1 usually )e can visuali<e t-em as separate entities0 Some data suggest t-at H?
percent o# t)in pregnancies result in a"ortion or still"irt- o# "ot- #etuses0 $# t-e t)in pregnancy is
allo)ed to progress )it-out intervention1 t-e mare usually carries t-e #oals to eig-t or nine
mont-s and t-en "ot- #etuses are a"orted0 Even i# t-e mare carries t-e t)ins to term1 only K
percent )ill "e "orn and live more t-an t)o )ee2s0
$# t)in em"ryos are visuali<ed1 t-ey may "e manually separated transrectally and t-e smaller one
is pinc-ed to cause deat-0 &-is procedure is usually per#ormed "e#ore day 4J0 &-oroug-"reds are
most notorious #or t)inning B>0F percentD1 and Standard"reds are ne+t at 4 percent0 Luc2ily1
miniature mares rarely t)in "ecause #etal reduction Bpinc-ingD is di##icult in t-is "reed0
ertility Pro"lems
Uterine cysts1 alt-oug- usually innocuous1 can inter#ere )it- #etal/uterine attac-ment and are
easily visuali<ed )it- ultrasound0
Retention o# #luid in t-e uterus #rom eit-er in#ectious or idiopat-ic endometritis can also "e
visuali<ed via transrectal ultrasonograp-y0 Some stallion semen can "e irritating enoug- to t-e
mare7s uterus to cause endometritis0 $# #luid retention is visuali<ed1 t-en t-e mare can "e treated
)it- intrauterine in#usion1 saline #lus-ing o# t-e uterus andIor o+ytocin to lend tone to t-e uterine
"ody0 inally1 using ultrasonograp-y1 post/partum mares can "e evaluated #or uterine tone and
t-eir a"ility to N"reed "ac28 on t-e ensuing N#oal -eat08
2ey)ords* ultrasound in t-e mare1 ultrasound1 reproduction ultrasound1 #ertility pro"lems1 t)inning1 estrus detection1 pregnancy
detection 0
posted* =I4KI=@@?0 Last updated* =I4KI=@@?0

Mare Reproducti(e Loss Syndro'e
by )ene(ie(e L. *ontaine, DM, MS, DAC+M, presented at
$orse'an,s Day -..- in /rlando, *lorida
Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome BMRLSD
$n t-e spring o# =@@41 a syndrome su"seEuently named NMare Reproductive Loss Syndrome8 or
MRLS a##ected several -undreds o# -orses in !entral :entuc2y and surrounding states0 ,s t-e
name indicates1 t-is disorder a##ected mainly mares t-at e+perienced early #etal losses as )ell as
a"ortions in t-e late part o# t-eir gestation1 "ut a num"er o# ot-er conditions )ere diagnosed in
-orses o# all genders1 and tentatively associated )it- t-e same causative agentBsD as t-e ones
causing t-e reproductive losses0
!linical syndrome
$n late ,pril =@@41 veterinarians per#orming #etal se+ing "y ultrasounding mares around G@ days o#
gestation started to notice an unusual rate o# early #etal loss0 $n some cases1 t-e #etus )as still
alive "ut surrounded "y cloudy #luid0 Soon t-erea#ter1 a large num"er o# a"ortions1 still"irt-s and
"irt-s o# sic2 #oals Bo#ten #ollo)ing premature placental separation1 also called Nred "ag8 deliveryD
)ere o"served "y practitioners in !entral :entuc2y0 ,"orted #oals displayed signs o# pneumonia1
-emorr-age1 pericarditis1 and in#lammation o# t-e um"ilical cord B#unisitisD0 oals t-at )ere "orn
alive e+-i"ited signs consistent )it- asp-y+ia around t-e time o# "irt-1 similar to t-e Ndummy #oal
syndrome80 $n addition1 most a##ected #oals -ad severe neurological signs1 respiratory pro"lems1
lo) )-ite cell count1 and lo) glucose levels0 Some o# t-ese #oals )ere "orn prematurely1
appro+imately 4/= )ee2s "e#ore due date0 Un#ortunately1 despite aggressive treatment and
monitoring1 t-e mortality rate amongst sic2 #oals )as elevated1 -ig-er t-an )-at is generally
o"served in Ndummy #oals80 $n adult patients1 anot-er su"set o# diseases )as diagnosed*
pericarditis Bin#lammation )it-in t-e sac surrounding t-e -eartD1 uveitis Bin#lammation o# t-e eyeD1
and in some cases colitis Bc-aracteri<ed "y severe diarr-eaD1 laminitis1 and #ailure to gain )eig-t0
Some -orses also -ad oral ulcers0 Pericarditis is a potentially li#e/t-reatening disease t-at is
c-aracteri<ed "y t-e accumulation o# #luid in t-e sac surrounding t-e -eart0 Large amounts o# #luid
inter#ere )it- t-e #unction o# t-e -eart1 and treatment aims at decreasing t-e pressure on t-e
-eart "y draining t-e #luid0 $# treatment is delayed1 irreversi"le lesions may a##ect t-e -eart and
cause c-ronic pro"lems suc- as #ailure to t-rive or e+ercise intolerance0 Uveitis may "e
accompanied "y "lep-arospasm Bclosing t-e eyelidD due to ocular pain1 corneal edema B)-ic-
results in a certain degree o# opacity o# t-e outer layer o# t-e eyeD1 opacity or cloudiness in t-e
anterior c-am"er o# t-e eye Bdue to accumulation o# cells1 in#lammatory #luid or #i"rinous materialD
and constriction o# t-e pupil0 Severe uveitis may result in "lindness o# t-e a##ected eye0 &opical
and systemic treatments1 )-ic- consist in alleviating t-e in#lammation and t-e associated
discom#ort1 and opening t-e pupil1 need to "e initiated as soon as signs develop1 in order to
optimi<e c-ances o# recovery0
!ause o# MRLS
,s soon as mem"ers o# t-e -orse community and veterinarians recogni<ed t-e syndrome1
scientists and e+perts )ere called upon to #ind possi"le causes #or t-is disastrous situation0 ,
num"er o# tests )ere run1 ranging #rom virology and "acteriology testing1 to to+icological analysis
and epidemiologic studies0 $t appeared rat-er Euic2ly t-at some #arms su##ered many more losses
t-an ot-ers1 and t-at a common #actor "et)een t-e most a##ected #arms )as t-e presence o#
large num"ers o# eastern tent caterpillars BE&!D and "lac2 c-erry trees0 $n addition1 t-e tests run
on -orses1 as )ell as t-eir environment1 #ailed to reveal t-e presence o# an in#ectious or to+ic
agent responsi"le #or t-e syndrome0 Even t-oug- "acteria )as recovered #rom a num"er o#
a##ected -orses and #etuses1 t-ey )ere later considered to "e opportunistic agents0 ,n interesting
#inding came #rom t-e analysis o# )eat-er patterns* in t-e spring o# =@@41 a period o# unusually
)arm )eat-er )as #ollo)ed "y a severe #rost and droug-t0 $nterestingly1 t-ese conditions )ere
almost identical to )-at )as o"served in t-e spring o# 4HK41 )-en e+cessively -ig- rates o#
pregnancy losses )ere identi#ied and attri"uted to #escue to+icosis at t-e time0 ,s studies
progressed1 late term a"ortions and early #etal losses )ere reproduced e+perimentally "y oral
administration o# caterpillars to pregnant mares0 O"servations made in t-e #ield as )ell as t-e
a"ove/mentioned studies seem to point to t-e Eastern &ent !aterpillar as t-e main culprit0
Ho)ever1 )-at component o# t-e caterpillar and t-e cause o# t-e syndrome1 remains to "e
determined0 Plans #or #urt-er studies -ave recently "een laid out during a meeting "et)een
researc-ers in Le+ington0
Prevention o# MRLS
$n =@@41 "e#ore any o# t-e study results )ere availa"le1 a variety o# treatments )ere initiated in
pregnant mares1 most o# t-em empirical and )it- no scienti#ic #oundation0 $n late spring =@@4 and
in =@@=1 various measures )ere implemented on some #arms to try to prevent #etal losses and
a"ortions1 including restricted access to pasture1 eliminating c-erry trees1 and use o# insecticides
andIor manual removal to decrease t-e num"er o# caterpillars0 Monitoring o# t-e mares )as also
intensi#ied )it- more regular ultrasound e+aminations "eing per#ormed in early pregnancy0
.-et-er t-ese measures )ere success#ul in reducing t-e incidence o# t-e syndrome in =@@= is
de"ata"le1 as t-is pro"lem seems to -ave "een sporadic in t-e past and climatic conditions )ere
not similar to t-e ones o"served in =@@40 !aterpillars )ere not as a"undant as in =@@41 )-ic-
may -ave contri"uted to a natural decreased incidence o# MRLS0
$mpact o# MRLS
&-e economic impact on t-e eEuine industry in :entuc2y )as considera"le1 and -as "een
estimated to "e more t-an O>@@ Million in =@@40 Most o# t-e losses )ere su##ered "y t-e
t-oroug-"red industry1 )-ic- accounts #or t-e ma;ority o# t-e "reeding #arms in t-e area1 "ut a
variety o# ot-er "reeds )ere a##ected as )ell0 &-e long/term e##ects o# t-is pro"lem are potentially
considera"le1 as :entuc2y usually attracts "reeding stoc2 #rom t-e "est #arms nation)ide and
a"road1 "reeders may "e some)-at reluctant to e+pose t-eir valua"le "roodmares to t-e
conditions responsi"le #or pregnancy losses0 $n addition1 mares e+periencing late term a"ortions
may su##er #rom t-e conseEuences o# a dystocia1 )-ic- can potentially damage t-eir reproductive
tract1 temporarily or permanently0 Horses t-at recovered #rom pericarditis or uveitis may also
su##er #rom permanent conditions impairing t-eir per#ormance0
Ot-er aspects o# MRLS
&-is syndrome )as #irst recogni<ed at t-e time )-ere most -orse ent-usiasts )ere #ocusing on
t-e upcoming :entuc2y Der"y1 )-ic- captured t-e attention o# t-e media to an e+tent never
dedicated to eEuine -ealt- pro"lems0 &-e magnitude o# t-is event stimulated a remar2a"le
colla"oration "et)een all mem"ers o# t-e eEuine industry1 and involved numerous specialists o#
very diverse "ac2grounds0 &-e colla"oration e+tended to ot-er states1 suc- as lorida1 t-at
implemented monitoring programs #or -orses located in :entuc2y at t-e onset o# t-e MRLS0
Modern tec-nology #acilitated t-e contacts "et)een participants to t-e various studies and t-e
rapid dissemination o# valua"le in#ormation to t-e pu"lic0 $n disastrous situations suc- as t-e one
caused "y MRLS1 it is primordial to #ind ans)ers rapidly and accurately in order to protect t-e
eEuine industry at large0 &-e events t-at too2 place during t-e spring o# =@@41 demonstrated t-e
outstanding dedication o# many people to t-e eEuine )el#are in general0
posted* 4=I4=I=@@=0 Last updated* 4=I4=I=@@=0

Does /(uplant $a(e a Place in #our %reeding Progra'0
by Patric1 McCue, DM, P2D
&-e a"ility to induce ovulation in mares at a predicta"le time is important in eEuine
"reeding programs1 especially )-en cooled or #ro<en semen is used or )-en stallion availa"ility
is limited0 Ovuplant&M is a -ormone implant t-at -as recently "een approved #or inducing
ovulation in mares0 .-ile t-e product -as "een s-o)n to "e very e##ective in inducing ovulation in
a predicta"le time period in cycling mares1 reports #rom veterinarians and mare o)ners suggest
t-at Ovuplant&M treatment may prolong t-e time to t-e ne+t ovulation in t-ose mares t-at do not
"ecome pregnant0
Ovuplant&M contains deslorelin1 a man/made version o# gonadotropin releasing -ormone
BCnRHD1 )-ic- is produced naturally in t-e -ypot-alamus part o# t-e "rain0 CnRH stimulates t-e
release o# t)o ot-er -ormones* #ollicle stimulating -ormone BSHD and luteini<ing -ormone BLHD0
Made in t-e pituitary gland at t-e "ase o# t-e "rain1 SH is responsi"le #or t-e development o#
#ollicles and LH is responsi"le #or t-e ovulation o# #ollicles0
,dministration o# Ovuplant&M to a mare in estrus B-eatD t-at -as a large #ollicle Bi0e0 greater t-an
>Fmm in diameterD )ill usually result in ovulation appro+imately ?= -ours later0 O# t-e more t-an
>@@ mares treated )it- t-e implant at our #acility over t-e past t)o "reeding seasons1 K?A
ovulated )it-in ?K -ours o# administration and H4A ovulated )it-in J= -ours o# administration0
During t-e 4HHH "reeding season1 veterinarians and mare o)ners reported t-at some mares t-at
received t-e implant -ad a delay in returning to -eat or -ad a longer interval to t-e ne+t ovulation
i# t-ey did not "ecome pregnant0 !onseEuently1 )e investigated t-e e##ect o# Ovuplant&M
treatment on pituitary #unction and #ollicle development in cycling mares0
One group o# mares )as administered Ovuplant&M to induce ovulation )-en t-ey )ere in -eat
and -ad a large #ollicle )-ile anot-er group o# mares )as allo) to ovulate on t-eir o)n0 Ovarian
#unction )as #ollo)ed daily "y ultrasound e+amination and "lood sampling1 )-ic- measured
concentrations o# SH and LH0 &-e mares )ere evaluated #or one complete -eat cycle a#ter
treatment0 &-e a"ility o# t-e pituitary gland to release SH and LH )as tested in "ot- groups o#
mares "y giving t-em a small Ntest8 dose o# natural CnRH ten days a#ter t-e #irst ovulation0
&-e study s-o)ed t-at all mares treated )it- Ovuplant&M ovulated )it-in J= -ours0 &-e average
lengt- o# time "et)een t-is #irst ovulation and t-e ne+t one )as slig-tly longer in mares treated
)it- t-e implant B=F0G days vs0 ==0H days in t-e untreated maresD0 ,lso1 t-e num"er and si<e o#
#ollicles )as lo)er in Ovuplant&M/treated mares t-an in untreated mares during t-e period rig-t
a#ter t-e #irst ovulation BdiestrusD0 $n addition1 mares treated )it- t-e implant -ad a decrease in
daily SH concentrations and no surge o# SH mid)ay t-roug- t-e -eat cycle1 )-ic- is normally
seen0 inally1 t-e pituitary glands o# treated mares released less SH and LH in response to t-e
Ntest8 dose o# CnRH as compared to t-e pituitary glands o# untreated mares0
,dditional )or2 in our la"oratory -as s-o)n t-at t-e incidence o# delayed return to -eat is
increased greatly i# mares receive prostaglandin -ormones J/4@ days a#ter an Ovuplant&M/
induced ovulation0 $n a very recent study1 )e s-o)ed t-at removal o# t-e implant t)o days a#ter
treatment still caused ovulation1 "ut completely eliminated any negative e##ects on SH secretion
and #ollicular development0 ,ll mares in )-ic- t-e implant )as removed ovulated on sc-edule
during t-e ne+t cycle0
Our researc- s-o)s t-at Ovuplant&M treatment is very e##ective in inducing ovulation1 "ut is
associated )it- decreased #ollicle development a#ter ovulation1 especially i# prostaglandin
-ormones are used a#ter)ards0 &-e implant7s e##ect on t-e pituitary gland may "e responsi"le #or
t-e delay in #ollicle development and #or t-e prolonged interval "et)een ovulations in t-ose mares
t-at do not "ecome pregnant0 $n most instances1 t-is interval is only prolonged "y a #e) days0
Ho)ever1 t-e interval may "e prolonged "y several )ee2s in a lo) percentage o# individual mares
t-at -ave "een induced to ovulate )it- Ovuplant&M0 Recently1 it -as "een s-o)n t-at removing
t-e implant a#ter t)o days does not prolong t-e interval0 !onsult )it- your veterinarian to see i#
t-is implant -as a place in your "reeding program0
40 title Does Ovuplant Have a Place in Your Breeding Program? =0 aut-or Patric2 Mc!ue >0 "io
D9M1 P-D ?0 source ,,EP convention F0 date (ovem"er =@@@ G0 category reproduction* mare J0
te+t
posted* GI4KI=@@=0 Last updated* GI4KI=@@=0

*illy or Colt0 *ind out be3ore +t,s %orn
by Ric2ard D. $older, DM, AAEP Me'ber
:no)ing t-e gender o# a #oal "e#ore it is "orn -elps t-e -orse o)ner or "reeder "etter
manage several di##erent aspects o# t-e -orse "usiness0 &-is ne) management tool is very sa#e1
accurate and can easily "e incorporated into most "reeding programs0 Here are some e+amples
o# -o) sonograp-ic diagnosis o# #etal gender can "e used*
Many "reeders )ant to 2no) #etal gender to -elp t-em decide )-et-er to 2eep or sell a
mare or -er o##spring0 $# an older mare t-at -as produced several sta2es )inners is going
to -ave a #illy1 t-ey may 2eep -er0 Ho)ever1 i# s-e is going to -ave a colt1 t-ey may sell
-er0
, )eanling out o# a particular mare may "e sold i# t-e gender o# t-e mare7s ne+t #oal is
2no)n0
Mating lists #or t-e coming year may depend on t-e gender o# t-e #oal "eing carried0
Per-aps an o)ner )ants a #illy "y a particular sire0 $# -is mare is already carrying a #illy1
-e can "oo2 -is mare to anot-er sire0 Ho)ever1 i# s-e7s carrying a colt1 -e can "oo2 -er
"ac2 to t-e same sire0
$# an o)ner )ants a !anadian/"red #illy or a (e) Yor2/"red colt1 s-e can send t-e mare
carrying t-e proper gender to t-at location #or #oaling0
Occasionally a mare t-at palpates as a normal si+ty/day pregnancy may "e carrying a
dead or dying #etus0 ,n added "ene#it o# determining #etal gender is veri#ying t-e mare is
carrying a single1 live #etus0
$t is important to understand t-at t-is ne) tool identi#ies t-e gender o# a #etus only and cannot
control )-et-er it is a male or #emale0
Your veterinarian "egins t-e process "y scanning #or a live1 normal #etus0 &-e #etus is e+amined
#or gender "y locating a structure called t-e genital tu"ercle0 &-e genital tu"ercle B)-ic- )ill
eventually "ecome t-e penis in a colt and t-e clitoris in a #illyD develops on t-e midline o# t-e
#etus1 "et)een t-e -ind legs0 ,t around FF days1 t-e structure moves to)ard t-e um"ilicus in a
colt and to)ard t-e anus in a #illy0 &-ere#ore1 t-e gender o# a #etus cannot accurately "e
determined "e#ore a"out day G@1 )-en it -as #ully migrated0 ,#ter JF days1 t-e uterus is carried
over t-e pelvic rim "y t-e #luid o# t-e pregnancy and t-e #etus moves to t-e lo)est part o# t-e
uterus1 ma2ing t-e rectal ultrasound approac- di##icult0 Ho)ever1 as t-e pregnancy progresses1
t-e #etus gro)s and e+tends "ac2 to)ard t-e pelvis1 allo)ing it to "e vie)ed again
sonograp-ically around H@/HF days0
Bet)een H@/4F@ days o# pregnancy t-e #etus -as gro)n considera"ly and its gender can "e
diagnosed only a"out K@A o# t-e time0 ,t t-is stage t-e veterinarian is scanning #or e+ternal
genitalia Bpenis1 mammary gland1 clitoris1 etc0D )-ic- are #reEuently di##icult to see "ecause t-ey
are not )ell developed until around 44@ days0 ,#ter 4F@ days t-e #etus -as gro)n so large t-at it
"ecomes even more di##icult to vie) t-e rear area o# t-e #etus0
&-e a"ility to determine t-e gender o# a #oal "e#ore it is "orn reEuires planning0 Even t-e "est
eEuipment and t-e most e+perienced veterinarian )ill "e #aster and more accurate Ba HHA
accuracy rate can "e attainedD )-en t-e mare is "et)een G@ to JF days pregnant0 Be#ore and
a#ter t-is time1 si<e1 positioning and ot-er #actors ma2e #etal gender determination di##icult0 Since
timing is critical1 tell your veterinarian a-ead o# time t-at you )ould li2e to 2no) t-e gender o# t-e
#etus so t-at t-e service can "e arranged0
Ric-ard D0 Holder1 D9M1 ,,EP Mem"er1 graduated #rom t-e University o# &e+as in 4HGH and
&e+as , ' M University !ollege o# 9eterinary Medicine in 4HJ=0 He -as "een an eEuine
practitioner at Hagyard/Davidson/McCee ,ssociates1 PS!1 in Le+ington1 :entuc2y1 since 4HJ?
)it- emp-asis on reproduction1 and currently -olds t-e o##ice o# treasurer #or t-e #irm0 $n t-e past
several years -e -as "een instrumental in developing t-e tec-niEue #or EEuine Ultrasonic etal
Se+ Determination "et)een FF and 4F@ days o# gestation and -as given numerous presentations
on t-is su";ect0 Dr0 Holder is t-e o)ner and resides at O##utt/!ole arm in Mid)ay1 :entuc2y0
posted* GI4KI=@@=0 Last updated* GI4KI=@@=0

Collecting Colostru'
by *air3ield !. %ain, DM, Dipl. AC+M, ACP, ACECC

$ow can + collect colostru' 3ro' a 'are and sa(e it 3or 3uture use, and
2ow long can + 1eep it0
!olostrum or 6#irst mil26 is t-e t-ic21 yello) secretion #rom t-e mammary gland t-at%s present
immediately a#ter "irt-0 Produced in t-e mare%s udder during t-e last t)o to #our )ee2s o#
gestation in response to -ormonal c-anges1 colostrum contains concentrated immunoglo"ulins
Banti"odiesD #rom t-e mare%s serum0 !olostrum and its protective anti"odies are present in t-e
mare%s mil2 #or only t-e #irst day a#ter #oalingP t-ese maternal anti"odies are necessary to protect
t-e #oal against in#ectious diseases0 &-e "est/Euality colostrum is produced in t-e #irst eig-t -ours
post/#oaling0 $deally1 t-e #oal )ill receive at least t)o pints o# mare%s mil2 )it-in t-e #irst 4= -ours
o# its li#e0
But #or various reasons1 a #oal mig-t not receive t-e colostrum it needs*
&-e #oal is too )ea2 to stand and nurse unassisted0 &-en1 colostrum mig-t need to "e
mil2ed #rom t-e mare and #ed via tu"e to t-e #oal0
, #oal is capa"le o# nursing1 "ut does not receive su##icient colostrum "ecause t-e mare
-ad premature lactation0 &-at is1 s-e lea2ed 6#irst mil26 and colostrum "e#ore t-e #oal )as
"orn0 By t-e time o# #oal delivery1 all t-e colostrum )as gone0
&esting o# t-e colostrum reveals an inadeEuate immunoglo"ulin content0
&-ere are ot-er reasons to collect colostrum0 $# a mare is at ris2 o# dying1 colostrum s-ould "e
collected #rom -er0 ,dditionally1 one mig-t opt to collect colostrum #or storage in a colostrum "an2
as 6insurance6 #or mares )-ic- deliver a #oal1 t-en don%t -ave su##icient Euantity or Euality o#
colostrum0 Many large "reeding #arms collect and store colostrum #or t-ese reasons0
One gat-ers colostrum "y mil2ing t-e secretion #rom t-e teats0 &-is is an easy procedure t-at
ta2es only a #e) minutes and can "e done "y anyone0 Crasp t-e teat "et)een t-e t-um" and
#ore#inger and gently sEuee<e and #orce t-e mil2 do)n)ard )it-in t-e teat canal Bt-e cavity inside
t-e teatD0 (o special eEuipment is reEuired ot-er t-an clean -ands and a clean container in )-ic-
to collect t-e colostrum0 !lean1 plastic1 scre)/top containers or seala"le plastic "ags are
pre#erred so t-ey are easy to open )-en #ro<en0
,#ter t-e colostrum is collected1 it can "e stored in any #ree<er #or up to a year B)-en #ro<en at /?Q
a-ren-eitI/=@Q !elsiusD0 ro<en immunoglo"ins are sta"le #or muc- longer1 "ut t-e overall
Euality o# t-e colostrum deteriorates over time0 3ust prior to use1 t-a) stored colostrum at room
temperature or in )arm )ater0 Do not t-a) "y micro)ave as essential anti"odies can "e
destroyed0
Because colostrum is only availa"le #or t-e #irst 4=/=? -ours a#ter a mare #oals1 it%s crucial to )or2
)it-in t-at time#rame0 ,#ter t-at1 normal mil2 production ta2es over and t-e amount o#
immunoglo"ulin is diluted "y t-e normal mil2 secretion0
$t is pre#era"le to collect colostrum s-ortly a#ter t-e -ealt-y #oal -as nursed t-e mare #or t-e #irst
time1 "ecause over time t-e concentration o# immu/noglo"ulins )ill "e diluted "y increasing mil2
production0 ,#ter t-e #oal -as nursed1 appro+imately one pint can "e o"tained sa#ely #rom t-e
mare )it-out ris2ing any colostrum de#iciency to -er #oal0 Only eig-t to 4@ ounces o# colostrum
s-ould "e collected//one time//#rom eac- mare per #oaling so as not to deprive t-e #oal0
$t s-ould "e noted t-at i# colostrum is stored in a colostrum "an2 )-ere it mig-t "e administered
to #oals #rom ot-er mares1 it is essential to -ave t-e colostrum tested prior to #ree<ing #or t-e
presence o# speci#ic anti"odies to eEuine red "lood cell types ,a and 5a0 &-ese are t-e most
common "lood types t-at result in a colostrum cross/matc- a"normality 2no)n as neonatal
isoeryt-rolysis B($ or ;aundiced #oalD0 $n t-at situation1 t-e anti/,a or anti/5a anti"odies in t-e
colostrum "ind to t-ose speci#ic "lood types on t-e #oal%s red "lood cells1 t-us causing t-e
removal o# t-ose anti"ody/coated red "lood cells #rom t-e #oal%s "lood circulation and resulting in
anemia and ;aundice0
&esting can "e done "y several veterinary la"oratories around t-e country1 at some o# t-e larger
re#erral practices1 and in t-e veterinary sc-ools0
Fairfield T. Bain, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVP, ACVECC, is a Staff Internist/Director of Clinical
Laborator at !a"ard#Da$idson#Mc%ee, a lar"e, &i"&#intensit e'(ine referral &ospital in
Le)in"ton, *. !e is an AAEP +e+ber ,it& specialt interest in e'(ine neonatal intensi$e care
and prenatal assess+ent of t&e fet(s -perinatolo".. !is Diplo+ates are in t&e A+erican Colle"e
of Veterinar Internal Medicine, A+erican Colle"e of Veterinar Pat&olo"ists, and A+erican
Colle"e of Veterinar E+er"enc and Critical Care.
posted* GI4KI=@@=0 Last updated* GI4KI=@@=0

E'bryo !rans3er
by Rob *oss, DM

Once an e+perimental tec-nology1 em"ryo trans#er -as "ecome an integral part o# "reeding
programs t-roug-out t-e )orld0 E+perience and tec-nological improvements -ave made it a
productive and relatively relia"le procedure0 Unli2e t-e in/vitro #ertili<ation procedures commonly
used in -uman in#ertility treatments1 "ot- conception and early em"ryo gro)t- occur in t-e donor
mare0 ,ppro+imately seven days a#ter conception1 t-e em"ryo is trans#erred to a recipient mare0
Em"ryo trans#er -as t-ree common purposes*
&o produce more t-an one #oal in a season #rom a particularly valua"le mare0
&o produce #oals #rom mares involved in anot-er activity suc- as s-o)ing or racing0
&o produce #oals #rom mares ot-er)ise una"le to carry a #oal to term success#ully0
&-ere are em"ryo trans#er centers t-at can per#orm on/site em"ryo recovery and trans#er1 as )ell
as supply recipient mares #or em"ryos t-at are recovered else)-ere and s-ipped #or trans#er0
Donor Mare Selection
&-e main reEuirement #or a success#ul donor mare is t-at s-e "e a"le to produce an em"ryo and
carry it #or seven days0 &-e more #ertile a donor mare1 t-e easier it s-ould "e to recover an
em"ryo0
One recent study divided donor mares into t-ree groups* young s-o) mares )-ic- )ere to
produce #oals )-ile maintaining t-eir careersP "roodmares to produce multiple #oals t-at yearP and
mares )it- a -istory o# #ertility pro"lems0 Em"ryos )ere recovered #rom t-e s-o) mares on more
t-an K@A o# attempts1 t-e multiple #oal group on appro+imately G@A o# attempts1 and mares )it-
a -istory o# #ertility pro"lems on >@A o# attempts0
&-is does not mean t-at a mare )it- a -istory o# #ertility pro"lems )ould "e a "ad donorP eac-
mare%s individual pro"lems need to "e assessed0 .-ile some ma2e e+cellent donors1 some ta2e
additional )or20 &-ere is a small portion o# mares #rom )-ic- it is impossi"le to recover an
em"ryo0
E'bryo Reco(ery
Standard "reeding practices can "e used )it- t-e e+ception t-at t-e mare s-ould -ave an
ultrasound e+am at least daily during "reeding to provide optimum monitoring and determination
o# t-e day o# ovulation0 Em"ryo recovery and trans#er success rates are considera"ly -ig-er
)-en a competent pro#essional is actively involved in "reeding and monitoring t-e mare0 Mares
)it- reproductive pro"lems mig-t need additional treatment "e#ore1 during1 or a#ter "reeding0
Several days #ollo)ing ovulation1 t-e uterus is #lus-ed0 , #ilter is used to recover t-e em"ryo0 &-e
donor mare usually receives prostaglandin #ollo)ing t-e #lus-ing procedure to return t-e mare to
-eat and prepare -er #or additional "reeding0 &-e typical mare can "e #lus-ed #or em"ryo
recovery every 4J/4K days0
Em"ryo recovery reEuires attention to detail to recover and maintain an em"ryo success#ully0
&-ere#ore1 one s-ould c-oose an eEuine practitioner )it- training and e+perience in t-e recovery
o# eEuine em"ryos0
E'bryo !rans3er
Once an em"ryo is recovered1 it can "e cooled and s-ipped to an em"ryo trans#er center or
trans#erred on/site0 &-e trans#er center -as t-e advantage o# -aving a large group o# recipient
mares #rom )-ic- to select1 as )ell as e+perienced personnel0
!are#ul selection o# t-e recipient mare can 6ma2e or "rea26 t-e procedure0 (ot only must -er
reproductive tract "e evaluated t-oroug-ly and "e in good -ealt-1 -er cycle must "e sync-roni<ed
)it- t-e donor mare0 &-ere is only a certain segment o# a mare%s cycle in )-ic- s-e is receptive
to t-e trans#er o# an em"ryo1 so t-e recipient mare s-ould ovulate at a"out t-e same time as t-e
donor0
&-e trans#er o# t-e em"ryo to t-e recipient mare can "e done surgically or non/surgically0 &rans#er
to a recipient mare t-roug- a #lan2 incision -as "een t-e most common met-od "ecause o#
relatively consistent results0
Recent studies -ave s-o)n t-at non/surgical trans#er1 )-en per#ormed under controlled
conditions "y someone e+perienced1 can give e+cellent results0 One s-ould select an em"ryo
trans#er program )it- a J@A or -ig-er success rate in producing pregnancies #rom trans#erred
em"ryos0
$ow Does it Wor1 3or Me0
&-e #irst step in starting em"ryo trans#er is to determine i# you )ill send your donor mare to a
trans#er center or -ave t-e )or2 done on your #arm0 !onsultation )it- your veterinarian pro"a"ly
is t-e "est )ay to start1 as your veterinarian )ill understand your -orse1 your needs1 and t-e
resources availa"le in your area0
$# t-e mare is s-ipped to a trans#er center1 s-e mig-t need to "e t-ere #or some time1 depending
on -o) e##ective s-e is at producing em"ryos1 t-e num"er o# #oals desired1 and t-e success o#
eac- trans#er0 ,n average donor produces an em"ryo F@A o# t-e time1 and )-en an em"ryo is
trans#erred1 a pregnancy is esta"lis-ed J@/K@A o# t-e time0 S-e can "e #lus-ed appro+imately
every =4R= )ee2s0
Em"ryo trans#er is not a cure/all #or reproductive pro"lems1 "ut )-en used ;udiciously1 it can
"ene#it most "reeding programs0 Proper evaluation o# donor mares and an understanding o# t-e
c-ances o# success s-ould -elp o)ners determine i# em"ryo trans#er is rig-t #or t-eir programs0
/ob Foss, DVM, is president, practitioner, and practice +ana"er of E'(ine Medical Ser$ices in
Col(+bia, Mo. T&is "eneral e'(ine practice incl(des one of t&e lar"er e+bro transfer pro"ra+s
in t&e co(ntr.
A'erican Association o3 E4uine Practitioners
5.67 +ron Wor1s Pi1e
Le8ington, 9# 5.7::
;<.<= ->>?.:56
www.aaep.org
posted* GI4KI=@@=0 Last updated* GI4KI=@@=0

*oaling Mare @ Aewborn: Preparing 3or a Sa3e @
Success3ul *oal Deli(ery

Preparing 3or a Sa3e and Success3ul *oal Deli(ery
CARING FOR THE FOALING MARE AND NEWBORN
$# your mare -as made it t-roug- 44 mont-s o# pregnancy1 you%re almost -ome #ree0 La"or and
delivery1 )-ile momentous1 are generally uncomplicated0 Every e##ort s-ould "e made to present
during #oaling0 $n most cases1 you )ill simply need to "e a Euiet o"server0 Mares seem to pre#er
to #oal at nig-t in privacy1 and apparently -ave some control over t-eir delivery0 Hiring a #oaling
attendant1 installing a video monitor or using a "irt- alarm system can save t-e li#e o# t-e #oal i# a
pro"lem s-ould arise0 $t is advisa"le to -ave your veterinarian%s telep-one num"er near"y in case
o# an emergency0
A SAFE PLACE TO FOAL
.-at your mare )ill need1 -o)ever1 is a clean1 sa#e1 Euiet place to #oal0 Horses -ave "een giving
"irt- on t-e open range #or eons1 and t-is is still an accepta"le c-oice0 ,llo)ing t-e mare to #oal in
t-e pasture even -as some advantages0 ,n open grassy area is li2ely to "e cleaner t-an a stall
and provides a -ealt-y environment )it- adeEuate room to #oal0 You )on%t -ave to )orry a"out
t-e mare cro)ding into a corner or #oaling too close to a )all0 Ho)ever1 many o)ners pre#er to
con#ine t-e mare to o"serve -er progress0
S-ould you c-oose to #oal your mare in a stall1 provide one t-at is a minimum o# 4?% + 4?%0 $#
possi"le1 t-e stall s-ould -ave adeEuate "edding and a #loor t-at can "e readily cleaned and
disin#ected0 Dirt or clay #loors ma2e sanitation more di##icult0 Stra) Bparticularly )-eat stra)D is
pre#era"le to s-avings1 as it )on%t cling to t-e )et ne)"orn or mare t-e )ay small )ood particles
can0 Remove manure and soiled "edding promptly and disin#ect t-e stall "et)een deliveries0
THE COUNTDOWN
Mares provide clues t-at t-ey )ill soon give "irt-0 Ho)ever1 t-e timeta"le is #ar #rom a"solute0
Some mares may s-o) all t-e signs li2e cloc2)or21 ot-ers s-o) practically none0 &-e #ollo)ing is
a general guideline1 "ut "e prepared #or surprises*
&-e mare%s udder "egins #illing )it- mil2 =/? )ee2s prior to #oaling0
&-e muscles o# t-e vulva and croup rela+0 &-e tail-ead may "ecome more prominent
a #e) days prior to #oaling0
&-e teats "ecome engorged ?/G days prior to #oaling0
6.a+ing6 o# t-e teats occurs Ba yello)is-1 -oney/li2e secretion ScolostrumT appears
4/? days prior to #oalingD0
&-e mare "ecomes an+ious and restless0 S-e may appear to "e colic2y0 S-e may
2ic2 at -er "elly1 pace1 lie do)n and get up1 loo2 or "ite at -er #lan2s and s)eat0 S-e may
#reEuently raise -er tail and urinate0 Cenerally1 t-is is t-e #irst stage o# la"or B-o)ever1 "e
a)are t-at colic remains a possi"ilityP i# suc- "e-avior is prolonged #or more t-an an -our
or t)o )it-out progress to)ards #oaling1 contact your veterinarianD0
PREPARING FOR BIRTH
Most mares #oal )it-out di##iculty0 $t usually is "est to allo) t-e mare to #oal undistur"ed and
unassisted0 $# a pro"lem "ecomes apparent1 contact your veterinarian immediately0
.-at you can do*
.rite do)n your veterinarian%s p-one num"er )ell in advance o# t-e "irt- and 2eep it
"y all p-ones0
:eep a )atc- or cloc2 on -and so you can time eac- stage o# la"or0 .-en you%re
)orried or an+ious1 your perception o# time "ecomes distorted0 &-e )atc- )ill -elp you
2eep accurate trac2 o# t-e mare%s progress during la"or0 &a2e )ritten notes so t-at you
)on%t -ave to rely on memory alone0
.rap t-e mare%s tail )it- a clean )rap )-en you o"serve t-e #irst stage o# la"or0 Be
sure t-at t-e )rap is not applied too tig-tly or le#t on too long as it can cut o## circulation
and permanently damage t-e tail0
.as- t-e mare%s udder1 vulva and -indEuarters )it- a mild soap and rinse
t-oroug-ly0
!lean and disin#ect t-e stall as t-oroug-ly as possi"le0 Provide adeEuate "edding0
&est strips t-at measure calcium in mammary secretions are availa"le commercially0
&-ese strips aid t-e o)ner in predicting )-en t-e mare )ill #oal "ecause sudden
increases in calcium are associated )it- imminent #oaling0
UNDERSTANDING LABOR & DELIVERY
La"or is divided into t-ree stages*
Stage one "egins )it- t-e onset o# contractions and generally lasts 4/= -ours0 Even in a normal
delivery1 t-e mare may stand up1 lie do)n and roll several times in an e##ort to properly position
t-e #oal #or delivery0 During t-is p-ase1 contractions move t-e #oal t-roug- t-e cervi+ and into
position in t-e "irt- canal0 &-e #etal mem"ranes BallantoisD may "ecome visi"le at t-e mare%s
vulva0 .-en t-e sac "rea2s1 signaled "y a rus- o# #luid1 stage one ends0 &-e rupture o# t-e
allantoic mem"rane and rus- o# placental #luids may "e con#used )it- urination0

Stage two is t-e actual e+pulsion o# t-e #oal0 &-is p-ase moves relatively Euic2ly0 $# it ta2es more
t-an >@ minutes #or t-e mare to deliver1 t-ere is most li2ely a pro"lem0 $# t-ere is no signi#icant
progress )it-in 4@/4F minutes a#ter t-e mem"ranes rupture1 call your veterinarian immediately0 $#
la"or seems to "e progressing1 )ait and )atc-0 (ormal presentation o# t-e #oal resem"les a
diving position1 )it- #ront #eet #irst1 one slig-tly a-ead o# t-e ot-er1 -ooves do)n1 #ollo)ed closely
"y t-e nose1 -ead1 nec21 s-oulders and -indEuarters0 $# you notice -oo# soles up1 t-e #oal may "e
"ac2)ards or upside do)n1 and you s-ould call your veterinarian immediately0 $# you suspect any
deviation #rom t-e normal delivery position1 call your eEuine practitioner0 &-e most deadly o#
#oaling emergencies is a premature rupture o# t-e c-orioallantois1 2no)n as NRed Bag Delivery08
$# at any time during stage = you see redImaroon mem"ranes covering t-e #oal as it emerges
#rom t-e vagina1 t-e placenta must "e rapidly torn open0 &-e #oal is detac-ed #rom its "lood and
o+ygen supply0 (ormal mem"ranes t-at cover t-e #oal are )-ite or yello) and translucent0

Stage t2ree la"or "egins a#ter delivery and is t-e p-ase during )-ic- t-e a#ter"irt- BplacentaD is
e+pelled0 Most placentas are passed )it-in 4/> -ours a#ter t-e #oal is delivered0 $# t-e placenta
-as not passed )it-in > -ours1 call your veterinarian0 , retained placenta can cause serious
pro"lems1 including massive in#ection and laminitis0

POSTPARTUM CARE FOR MARE AND FOAL
$n t-e e+citement o# "irt-1 it is important to remem"er some tried and true guidelines*
,llo) t-e #oal time to "rea2 t-e #etal mem"ranes Bsee NRed Bag Delivery8 e+ception
a"oveD0 Once t-e #oal "rea2s t-roug-1 "e sure it is "reat-ing0
Cenerally1 it is not recommended to cut or "rea2 t-e um"ilical cord0 $# it -as not
"ro2en during delivery1 it )ill usually "rea2 )-en t-e mare or #oal gets up0 &-e cord
s-ould "rea2 at a site appro+imately one inc- #rom t-e #oal%s a"domen1 )-ere t-e cord%s
diameter is slig-tly narro)er t-an t-e remainder o# t-e cord0 $# it is necessary to manually
separate t-e cord1 it s-ould "e -eld #irmly on eit-er side o# t-e intended "rea2 site1 t-en
t)isted and pulled to separate Bnever cut t-e cordD0 &)isting and pulling o# t-e cord
stimulate closure o# t-e um"ilical vessels and reduce t-e li2eli-ood o# -emorr-age #rom
t-e cord stump0 $# "leeding persists #ollo)ing cord separation1 pressure can "e applied to
t-e stump #or several minutes "y sEuee<ing )it- a t-um" and #inger0 $t is (O& advisa"le
to suture or permanently clamp an um"ilical stump0 oals )ill not typically lose enoug-
"lood to "ecome anemic and t-ere is signi#icant danger o# trapping pat-ogens in t-e
um"ilical stump )-en you suture it closed0
Encourage t-e mare and #oal to rest as long as possi"le0 Cive t-em an opportunity to
"ond undistur"ed0
&reat t-e um"ilical cord )it- an antiseptic solution1 recommended "y your
veterinarian1 soon a#ter t-e cord "rea2s and #or several days t-erea#ter to prevent
"acterial in#ection0 Diluted B4*?D c-lor-e+adine solutions are pre#erred over strong iodine
#or naval dipping0 &incture o# iodine can "urn t-e s2in surrounding t-e um"ilical stump
and s-ould "e avoided0
O"serve t-e mare and #oal closely #or t-e ne+t =? -ours0
IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVATION
ollo)ing "irt- o# t-e #oal1 t-e mare and #oal s-ould "e monitored #or t-e #ollo)ing*
oal is "reat-ing normally0
oal is "rig-t and alert to its ne) surroundings0 &-e #oal s-ould ma2e attempts to
rise )it-in >@ minutes #ollo)ing its "irt-0
Mare is non/aggressive1 curious and accepting o# -er ne)"orn0 Occasionally a mare
)ill re;ect -er #oal0 $n suc- a case1 t-e #oal s-ould "e removed and reintroduced )it- t-e
mare under restraint0 oal re;ection is more common in maiden mares0
oal s-ould stand and nurse )it-in = -ours o# "irt-0 $# t-e #oal -as not nursed )it-in
> -ours1 call your veterinarian0 &-e #oal may "e )ea2 and in need o# assistance or
medical attention0
oal s-ould pass meconium Bt-e #irst stic2y1 dar2 stoolD )it-in 4= -ours a#ter "irt-0 $#
not1 an enema may "e needed0 emale #oals do not urinate until a"out 44 -ours a#ter
"irt-P male #oals may ta2e G -ours to urinate a#ter #oaling0
Mare s-ould "e "rig-t and alert0 ,llo) -er to eat as soon as s-e is ready and supply
plenty o# clean1 #res- )ater0
Once t-e placenta -as "een e+pelled1 e+amine it to ma2e sure it is intact1 particularly
at t-e tips o# t-e -orns0 &-e a#ter"irt- )ill "e Y/s-aped and s-ould -ave only t-e -ole
t-roug- )-ic- t-e #oal emerged0
$# you suspect t-e mare -as retained part o# t-e placenta1 call your veterinarian0 Be
sure to save t-e placenta #or your veterinarian to e+amine0
You may )is- to c-ec2 t-e mare%s temperature and ot-er vital signs periodically
)it-in t-e #irst =? -ours to ma2e sure t-ey are normal0 ,n elevated temperature may
indicate in#ection Bnormal range is HH0F/4@40F D0
IMPORTANCE OF COLOSTRUM
$t is essential t-at t-e #oal receive an adeEuate supply o# colostrum0 !olostrum1 t-e mare%s #irst
mil21 is e+tremely ric- in anti"odies0 $t provides t-e #oal )it- passive immunity to -elp prevent
disease until its o)n immune system 2ic2s in0

, #oal must receive colostrum )it-in t-e #irst K/4= -ours o# li#e in order to a"sor" t-e anti"odies0 $#
a #oal is too )ea2 to nurse1 it may "e necessary to mil2 t-e mare and give t-e colostrum to t-e
#oal via a stomac- tu"e0

$# a mare appears to "e lea2ing an e+cessive amount o# mil2 prior to "irt-1 consult your
veterinarian0 &-is pre/#oaling mil2 is not typically colostrum/ric-0 Ho)ever1 depending on your
veterinarian%s recommendation1 t-e mare may "e mil2ed and t-e colostrum #ro<en to give to t-e
#oal s-ortly a#ter "irt-0 or orp-an #oals1 or mares )it-out an adeEuate supply o# colostrum1 it is
important to locate a "ac2/up supply0 .it-out it1 t-e #oal is at an increased ris2 o# in#ections0 Your
veterinarian can test t-e colostrum to determine )-et-er it is ric- in anti"odies0 ,lso1 t-e #oal%s
serum can "e tested at 4K/=? -ours o# age to evaluate $gC anti"ody levels0 &-e ma;ority o#
a"sorption BKFAD ta2es place )it-in t-e #irst G/K -ours0 &-e #oal can "e tested )-en it is K -ours
old and i# $gC is de#icient1 it can "e supplemented0 $# you )ait until t-e #oal is =? -ours old to
evaluate $gC a"sorption and it proves to "e inadeEuate1 your only option )ill "e a plasma
trans#usion0 $# $gC is inadeEuate1 treatment #or ailure o# Passive &rans#er BP&D s-ould "e
instituted "y your veterinarian0


OTHER FOALING CAVEATS
$# a mare appears to reEuire assistance during #oaling1 call your veterinarian0
$# you suspect a pro"lem during t-e #oaling process Bsuc- as a #oal )-ic- is not in
t-e normal "irt- positionD1 call your veterinarian immediately0 $# caug-t early enoug- in
la"or1 your veterinarian may "e a"le to reposition t-e #oal #or a normal delivery0
Remem"er1 a prompt delivery is crucial to t-e -ealt- o# t-e ne)"orn #oal0
Unless it is a dire emergency1 do not try to pull a #oal0 ,n e+ception to t-is rule mig-t
include a "ac2)ards presentation Bor NRed Bag Delivery8D1 "ecause t-e #oal can
su##ocate unless delivered promptly0 Under no circumstances s-ould you ever pull )it-
anyt-ing more t-an your o)n muscle po)er1 and pull only during a contraction B)-en t-e
mare is strainingD0 $mproper pulling ris2s damage to t-e mare%s reproductive tract1 in;ury
to t-e #oal and premature separation o# t-e um"ilical cord1 )-ic- )ill deprive t-e #oal o#
o+ygen0
Many #oals "egin li#e )it- )ea2 legs0 Don%t "e overly concerned i# t-e "a"y is do)n
in t-e pasterns and #etloc2s #or t-e #irst day or t)o o# li#e0 &-ey )ill generally straig-ten
up0 Ho)ever1 i# you see e+treme deviations o# lim"s or note ot-er p-ysical pro"lems1 or
t-e condition persists1 consult your veterinarian0
$t is al)ays a good idea to -ave your veterinarian do a post/partum e+amination o# "ot- t-e mare
and #oal1 as )ell as t-e placenta0
A FINAL NOTE
(ature -as provided an e##icient system #or t-e mare to deliver and care #or -er young0 Be a
prepared and in#ormed o)ner so you can en;oy t-e miracle o# "irt-1 2eep your an+iety in c-ec2
and -elp t-e ne) mot-er and #oal get o## to a great start0

or more in#ormation1 contact your veterinarian0

,merican ,ssociation o# EEuine Practitioners B,,EPD
?@JF $ron .or2s Par2)ay
Le+ington1 :Y ?@F44


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E8pectant Mare: Assuring t2e $ealt2 and Well?%eing o3
t2e Pregnant Mare

E8pectant Mare: Assuring t2e $ealt2 and Well?
%eing o3 t2e 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. Fortunately, management is something
we can control.
As a conscientious owner, you probably have many uestions about
caring for your e!pectant mare. "n truth, you may be a little
worried. #ela!. With a little T$%, your mare should progress through
her pregnancy without mishap. &roper nutrition, deworming,
e!ercise 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 e!istence are perhaps the most
precarious. 'uring the first () days, there is a *)+*,- chance that
the embryo will be resorbed. .tress, illness, uterine infection,
hormonal abnormalities, the presence of twins and other factors
have been implicated in early embryonic loss. /ften, the cause
remains undetermined.
When the mare conceives, the fertili0ed egg 10ygote2 travels down
the fallopian tubes and enters the uterus around day 3+4. "t
migrates throughout the uterus until about day *3 and typically
5sticks6 onto the uterine wall at *3+*4 days. 7y day *8+*(, the
embryonic vesicle is usually large enough to be detected by
ultrasonic e!aminations, during which, an image is made by
bouncing sound waves off tissues. For practical reasons, some
breeding farms simply tease the mare *9+8) days after her last
breeding date to see if she comes back into estrus 1heat2. "f she
does not, the pregnancy and its heartbeat may then be detected by
ultrasound. Trans+rectal palpation, at appro!imately ()+(, days
post+breeding, can usually confirm pregnancy. Ultrasound
examination at 14-16 days post-ovulation can confirm pregnancy
and detect the presence of multiple embryos (twins).
Teasing, palpation or ultrasound has not 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 between 9, to :) days post+ovulation since
this is the time period when resorption is most likely. A mare
confirmed in foal by ultrasonography at *9 days and;or () days will
not necessarily still have a fetus *) months later. The ability of your
mare to maintain a pregnancy through the first :) days needs to be
confirmed by your veterinarian.
TROUBLESOME TWINS
.ome reproductive specialists recommend an ultrasound e!am at
*9+*3 days post+ovulation to detect twins. <arly 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=
"n :,- of mares with twin embryos, one or both
embryos are resorbed or aborted during the first 3) days.
However, waiting to see if this occurs naturally could delay or
interfere with a subseuent successful pregnancy.
/f the small percentage of twins that survive in utero
past ,) days, it is highly unlikely that two healthy foals will
be born. "f either survives, it may be small and weak.
>ost twins surviving past ,) days will spontaneously
abort at 3+? months.
>ares carrying twins are more likely to give birth
prematurely 1before ())+(8) days2. &remature foals may
have serious medical problems and are less likely to survive.
HELPING NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE
@ood broodmare management is the best aid for helping the mare
make it through the critical first ()+3) days of pregnancy.
The mare should go into the breeding season fit and perhaps
gaining weight. .everely underweight mares will have more trouble
conceiving than will mares of appropriate weight.
Avoid stressing the mare as much as possible. .tress can cause a
drop in progesterone, a hormone which helps maintain pregnancy.
"llness and;or fever can cause the mare's system to secrete
prostaglandins, which may cause abortion.

USE GOOD JUDGMENT
Transport your mare only if necessary.
Ase caution when e!posing your mare to other horses.
Bou should avoid any undue risk of inCury or disease
transmission by isolating broodmares from transient horse
populations.
&rovide nutritious forage, but don't overfeed.
.upplementing with vitamins and minerals is unnecessary in
mares being fed a balanced diet.
>ake sure the mare is current on vaccines and
deworming. %onsult your veterinarian for recommendations
regarding specific vaccinations and deworming interval during
pregnancy.
'o not administer hormones or other drugs unless
specifically prescribed by your euine practitioner.
%arefully evaluate the mare before deciding whether to
breed on foal heat. %onsult your veterinarian.
COASTING THROUGH MIDDLE PREGNANCY
Anless there are special circumstances, during the first 4 months of
pregnancy, treat your mare as you would a non+pregnant one. .he
will benefit from moderate riding or e!ercise. There is no reason to
increase your mareDs caloric intake until the last (+9 months of
pregnancy. %onstantly evaluating her body condition is a better way
of altering her diet rather than feeding her more because you 5think
she needs it.6
The ration should be composed primarily of high+uality forage in
appro!imately the same as pre+pregnancy amounts. <!tremes in
weather can alter her nutritional reuirements and should be taken
into account when formulating the ration. .he should always have
plenty of clean, fresh water. The mare will also benefit from routine
hoof and dental care, standard vaccinations and regular deworming.
VACCINES
Eaccinations should be current, since infectious diseases can trigger
abortions. The mare should be vaccinated for <astern and Western
encephalomyelitis, West File virus, influen0a and tetanus at the
beginning of pregnancy. A booster should be given one month prior
to foaling to increase the antibody level in the mare's colostrum
1first milk2 and help protect the newborn foal from disease. Also, the
mare should be vaccinated against euine rhinopneumonitis
1commonly called virus abortion or rhino2 at five, seven and nine
months' gestation. %onsult with your local veterinarian regarding
other vaccines that may be advisable in your area, such as rabies,
rotavirus and botulism.
DEWORMING
>ost deworming agents available today are relatively safe for
pregnant mares. %onsult your veterinarian to establish an effective
and safe deworming schedule for your mare.
"t 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. /f course, manure should always be properly
disposed of.
CHANGING NEEDS
'uring the last four months of pregnancy, the foal will grow rapidly.
To accommodate this growth, the mare's energy needs will increase.
<ven so, special nutritional supplements are probably unnecessary.
@ood+uality hay and forage should remain the bulk of the
e!pectant mare's diet. %oncentrated feeds, such as grains, may be
added to the ration to bolster energy intake without adding e!cess
bulk.
Ase the mare's body condition as your guide to how she's faring.
AdCust the ration accordingly. The mare should not become obese.
Bour veterinarian can advise you regarding a proper nutritional
program for your mare.
<!ercise during the last four months of the mare's pregnancy should
be light to moderate. "n fact, a pastured mare will get as much
e!ercise as she needs Cust gra0ing. Eigorous e!ercise is not
recommended.
HOME STRETCH
The average length of pregnancy in the mare is ((?+(9( days.
However, normal gestation can range from (8)+(?) days. Bou
needn't become overly concerned if your mare is past due.
&rolonged gestation is not generally associated with problems or
e!tra large foals unless the mare is gra0ing endophyte+infected
fescue grass. "f your mare's pregnancy e!tends much past (9)
days or you're concerned, ask your veterinarian to e!amine her to
determine if the mare is still pregnant and confirm that all is well.
SUSPECTED ABORTION
>ares do occasionally abort. "f you notice a vaginal discharge or
dripping milk during pregnancy, contact your veterinarian. "f you
find the remains of a placenta or fetus, save it for your veterinarian
to e!amine. "t may be possible to ascertain the cause of abortion
and treat the mare accordingly. >ares can and do abort without ill
effects. 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.
IMPENDING BIRTH
There are obvious as well as subtle signs of impending birth. The
time frame during which they occur varies from mare to mare. The
most obvious and reliable are=
Filling of the udder 1two to four weeks pre+foaling2
'istension of the teats 1four to si! days pre+foaling2
Wa!ing of the teats 1one to four days pre+foaling2
/bvious dripping of milk
An increase in milk calcium *+( days pre+foaling
1detected by using a stall side test kit2

More sub!e s"#$s "$%!u&e'
.oftening and flattening of the muscles in the croup
#ela!ation of the vulva
Eisible changes in the position of the foal
PREPARING FOR BIRTH
Bour eleven+month waiting game will be over before you know it. To
prepare, brush up on your foaling knowledge with the companion
AA<& educational brochure, The Foaling >are and Fewborn. Bour
veterinarian will be happy to supply it and will also be able to
answer any further uestions you may have about caring for your
e!pectant mare.

For more information, contact your veterinarian.
American Association of <uine &ractitioners
9)4, "ron Works &arkway, $e!ington, GB 9),**
1?,:2 8((+)*94

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