Horse-Dog-Advice Newsletter

Horse-Dog-Advice.com Newsletter excerpt
MARCH 20th, 2005

SIGNS YOUR MARE IS CLOSE TO FOALING

FOALING DATE APPROACHING: There are obvious as well as subtle signs of impending birth. The time frame during which they occur varies from mare to mare. The most obvious and reliable are:

Filling of the udder (two to four weeks pre-foaling)

Distension of the teats (four to six days pre-foaling)

Waxing of the teats (one to four days pre-foaling)

Obvious dripping of milk

More subtle signs include:

Softening and flattening of the muscles in the croup

Relaxation of the vulva

Visible changes in the position of the foal

Your eleven-month waiting game will be over before you know it. Be prepared ahead of time with the mare already used to the chosen foaling stall or paddock. Have everything you will need already on hand, including emergency Vet number in case she needs assistance. Brush up on foaling information before hand. BE READY!!!