Very Common
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
Mare Not Eating or Depressed, Soon after Foaling
Summary
The immediate post-foaling period is a time of increased health risk for mares. For that reason, it is important to monitor your post-foaling mare, without being intrusive or interfering with mare-foal bonding.
A post-foaling mare is often more interested in her newborn than anything else, and may show a temporarily reduced appetite. This is especially true for inexperienced mares. Regardless, appetite and attitude should return shortly after foaling, and will continue to be a good indicator of her general well-being.
The appearance of reduced appetite and mild depression immediately after foaling may not be indicative of a problem. If these signs persist though, then it could signal a problem. Signs of abdominal pain (colic) are not uncommon, and can relate to simple uterine cramping or something life-threatening, such as blood loss or intestinal crisis. A fever may be indicative of the beginning of an infection due to a retained placenta.
A post-foaling mare is often more interested in her newborn than anything else, and may show a temporarily reduced appetite. This is especially true for inexperienced mares. Regardless, appetite and attitude should return shortly after foaling, and will continue to be a good indicator of her general well-being.
The appearance of reduced appetite and mild depression immediately after foaling may not be indicative of a problem. If these signs persist though, then it could signal a problem. Signs of abdominal pain (colic) are not uncommon, and can relate to simple uterine cramping or something life-threatening, such as blood loss or intestinal crisis. A fever may be indicative of the beginning of an infection due to a retained placenta.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If you notice signs of colic, along with this sign.
- If you have any questions about the health of the recently foaled mare.
your role
What To Do
Assess the mare's general health using the Whole Horse Exam on Post-Foaling Mare (WHE), paying particular attention to heart rate, mucous membrane color, intestinal sounds, and appearance of the vulvar area. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet assesses the mare with a physical exam and may recommend laboratory or other diagnostic work if indicated.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- What is the horse's rectal temperature?
- When did you first notice this?
- When did your mare have her foal?
- Is the foal active and nursing?
- Was the foal's birth normal?
- Are you seeing other signs of abdominal pain (colic)?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
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.
Very Common
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)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health