Very Common
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Difficult or Delayed Foaling, Dystocia
Summary
Dystocia is a situation in which normal delivery of a foal is hindered or delayed. It requires quick, decisive and correct action to preserve the life of mare and foal. It is relatively easy to injure mares by using excessive or incorrectly delivered force in pulling a foal.
Dystocia can be a result of a relatively large fetus versus a mare with a relatively small birth canal. It can also relate to abnormal presentation (breech), or presentation (head or limbs back, for example).
Ninety percent of mares foal without difficulty when left alone. Once fetal membranes appear, the foaling should progress quickly. The foal should be born in 20-30 minutes.
Normal presentation is front feet first, pointing downward, with muzzle right behind and in between. Anything different than this may mean mal-position or presentation. In this case, repositioning of the foal may be needed.
Dystocia can be a result of a relatively large fetus versus a mare with a relatively small birth canal. It can also relate to abnormal presentation (breech), or presentation (head or limbs back, for example).
Ninety percent of mares foal without difficulty when left alone. Once fetal membranes appear, the foaling should progress quickly. The foal should be born in 20-30 minutes.
Normal presentation is front feet first, pointing downward, with muzzle right behind and in between. Anything different than this may mean mal-position or presentation. In this case, repositioning of the foal may be needed.
my vet's role
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Less Common
Rare
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Depends on underlying cause of the dystocia.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Should I rebreed my mare given this complication?
- If I rebreed my mare, will she experience this same impediment to foaling again?
Prevention
Talk to your vet about attending the foaling, or being available should any complications arise during foaling.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
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