STUD NOTES

PREPARATION PROTOCOL FOR VETERINARY ASSISTED FOALING

Contributing Author: Dr Ian Douglas

For any of our difficult dystocia that require veterinary assistance, Ian is the veterinarian that we call in. Yallambee Stud and Ian Douglas have shared a very close association since 1999. The team for emergency veterinary foaling is quite formidable of Ian, Rick, Christie, and Sam with Tracy still checking the rest of the pregnant mare population for other possible foaling mares. Most occasions that Ian is called will result in the use of our overhead gantry.

Ian writes:
At a recent seminar on difficult foaling, emphasis was placed on getting the foal out as fast as possible and whilst there is nothing new in this revelation, on farm preparation in anticipation of a difficult foaling plays an important part in saving time and in achieving a successful live foal outcome. Critical time can be wasted if things are not prepared beforehand. Accordingly, the following is suggested:

• 1. Contact the veterinarian
• 2. Have the tail bandaged and have water available so the mare's perineal area can be cleaned down properly
• 3. Have oxygen & resuscitation equipment handy. Ensure that the oxygen cylinder is filled and the equipment is all there and in working order
• 4. Have enough persons to help. In addition to the veterinarian, one person to hold the mare's head and two others to help with traction
• 5. Have lifting equipment at the ready. This means an overhead gantry (or similar) with a chain hoist that is attached and working. Alternatively a tractor with a front end loader and a hook chain, at the ready
• 6. Have transport available and at the ready should the mare need to be transported to a hospital facility

These guidelines are now considered industry standard and it would be prudent that all commercial foaling down facilities comply, especially given the monetary value of some foals nowadays and the ever present threat of litigation.