Posted 2006-06-10 4:34 PM (#42839) Subject: Mare about to foal
Member
Posts: 24
I have a mare that was due to foal yesterday. Well she didn't. Are there any sure tell ways to know when they are going to foal. It wouldn't be so important, except for the fact that previous owner says her babies are so big she needs help. She started ozzing a small amount of a tary stuff 4 days ago, has swollen filled bag, had some waxing about 5 days ago and i havn't slept in over a week. Any advise would be welcomed. This is only my second time. Thanks
Posted 2006-06-10 6:44 PM (#42840 - in reply to #42839) Subject: RE: Mare about to foal
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Waxing happens within 24 hours of foaling.All mine have been less then 12 hours.Waxing is NOT just a little white discoloration.Mares can foal up to two or three weeks in eaither direction.Hip muscles relax,vulva gets real slack and waxing occurs.
Posted 2006-06-10 7:26 PM (#42841 - in reply to #42839) Subject: RE: Mare about to foal
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
Its almost unpredictable. There are signs, but they can hold up delivery until they are alone. With my mare (her first) I kept watch at a distance. When I noticed her sweating and standing stretched out I knew she was in labour and watched from my trailer window so she couldn't see me. We ended up having to pull the baby because she was so big (she is barely 4months and already 12.1hh).
Posted 2006-06-10 8:24 PM (#42843 - in reply to #42839) Subject: RE: Mare about to foal
Member
Posts: 24
Okay, what exactly is waxing. I guess what i saw was just a little yellowish something, coming from the teets. What about the discharge, is that just something they do??? Thanks, Connie
Posted 2006-06-11 2:16 AM (#42849 - in reply to #42839) Subject: RE: Mare about to foal
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Waxing is when milk drops down.It will look like candle wax.Can start as a WHITE dot and it grows.Its pretty obvious.Some minor discharge is normal as the vulva self cleans.I've never connected it with foaling.I look for the tail bone/upper hip muscles to get really slack,foal has moved rear ward and what I call the milk line(body cavity fliud) along the center under side from beteen the front legs to the milk bag to get obvisous.Then waxing occurs.Books say from 24 hours but it seems to me always less then 12 hours.Mare may act restless or a like light colic.Up down etc.I've had a fair amount foal middle of the day or late afternoon.
Mare about to foal
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