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, Foal Foot has Torn Hole Into Mare's Rectum & is Trapped
Summary
Your mare is foaling and is having difficulty. You notice that a foal's hoof is coming out of the mare's rectum. If the mare continues to push the foal out, she will completely tear the wall between her rectum and vagina. While this looks terrible, know that most mares do survive this, and the injury can usually be repaired.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
If possible, you can try to push the foal's hooves back in and redirect them to exit out the mare's vagina. If you can do this safely, and help deliver the foal with gentle tension on both feet, you may help the situation and prevent more damage. What has been created already is a recto-vaginal fistula (hole between rectum and vagina). What you have helped prevent is called a third-degree perineal laceration (common opening of rectum and vagina).Contact your vet as soon as possible, regardless of whether you were able to assist the mare or not.
What Not To Do
Do not assist the mare unless you are confident you can do it safely.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet should evaluate the mare as soon as possible. They will evaluate the mare and foal's overall health and provide symptomatic and supportive care. Once their health is deemed stable, they will talk to you about short-term management of the injury and thoughts about longer-term repair. In most cases, these injuries are not repaired initially. Instead 6-8 weeks is allowed for healing to take place and inflammation to subside.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Briefly describe the situation to me.
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