Rare
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Foaling, Vaginal or Vulvar Discharge after Foaling
Summary
For 7-10 days after a mare has foaled, there is a natural "cleaning up period" for the mare's uterus and reproductive tract. Locia is the sluffing of the attachment surface that developed in pregnancy between the uterus and placenta, and results in a brownish-red vaginal discharge that occurs for about a week after foaling.
This is a normal finding and, taken alone, should not cause concern. The key is that during this time, the mare's appetite and attitude must remain normal and she should not have a fever.
This is a normal finding and, taken alone, should not cause concern. The key is that during this time, the mare's appetite and attitude must remain normal and she should not have a fever.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp>101F/38.3C), or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Assess your mare's general health, paying particular attention to her attitude and appetite and rectal temperature. If a mare ever seems depressed or has not had appetite in the week following foaling, assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) on Post-Foaling Mare, paying particular attention to rectal temperature. If anything seems abnormal, you should call your vet right away.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
In most cases, vaginal discharges post-foaling are normal. But if your vet is called, they will likely assess the mare's general health to determine if a post-foaling vaginal discharge is normal or not. Rectal palpation and ultrasound are useful in determining the state of the mare's reproductive tract after foaling. Laboratory blood work provides additional helpful information.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- When was the foal born?
- Did a vet assess the mare, foal and placenta soon after foaling?
- How is the mare's attitude & appetite?
- Did the mare passed the placenta whole?
- What is the color and quantity of the discharge?
- Can you detect that the drainage or discharge has an odor?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
