🚨 Signs of a Mare in Distress During Labor: What to Watch For
Monitoring a mare during labor is crucial to ensure the safety and health of both the mare and the foal. Knowing the signs of distress can help you take prompt action and seek veterinary assistance when needed. Here are the key signs to watch for:
⏳ Prolonged Labor
1. Stage One Labor Lasting Too Long
- Normal Duration: 1-4 hours
- Distress Sign: Exceeding 4 hours without progression
2. Stage Two Labor Delays
- Normal Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Distress Sign: Exceeding 30 minutes, indicating possible complications
😟 Behavioral Changes
1. Excessive Restlessness
- Normal Behavior: Some pacing and lying down
- Distress Sign: Continuous, frantic pacing or thrashing
2. Persistent Rolling
- Normal Behavior: Occasional rolling to get comfortable
- Distress Sign: Repeated or violent rolling, indicating severe discomfort
🩸 Physical Symptoms
1. Lack of Progress
- Normal Sign: Gradual progression of labor stages
- Distress Sign: No visible signs of the foal after water breaks
2. Abnormal Discharge
- Normal Discharge: Clear or slightly tinged fluid
- Distress Sign: Heavy bleeding or foul-smelling discharge
🚫 Foaling Position Issues
1. Malpositioned Foal
- Normal Position: Front hooves and nose first
- Distress Sign: Hind legs first or only one hoof visible
2. Lack of Movement
- Normal Sign: Foal’s legs and nose visible, followed by gradual emergence
- Distress Sign: Visible legs or nose without further progress for more than 10-15 minutes
🌡️ Vital Signs
1. Elevated Heart Rate
- Normal Heart Rate: 28-40 beats per minute
- Distress Sign: Significantly higher heart rate, indicating stress
2. High Respiratory Rate
- Normal Respiratory Rate: 8-16 breaths per minute
- Distress Sign: Rapid or labored breathing
💡 When to Call a Veterinarian
1. Immediate Help
- Signs: Prolonged labor, abnormal discharge, malpositioned foal, or severe distress behaviors
- Action: Call your veterinarian immediately
2. Early Intervention
- Signs: Any signs of distress mentioned above
- Action: Do not wait; early intervention can save both mare and foal