California Thoroughbred Magazine February 2022

Page 50

Health

Some mares might need to be evaluated several times after foaling to ensure they are ready for a return breeding

POST-PARTUM PROBLEMS POST-PARTUM EXAMS WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER FOALING IS A MUST HAVE FOR ALL MARES

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omplications sometimes occur at foaling, and these can be minor or serious. Dr. Ahmed Tibary, professor of theriogenology at the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, says professional breeders usually have a standard protocol for post-partum examination of the mare by their veterinarian to fnd complications as soon as possible. “Tis examination is important for both the mare and foal and should occur within the frst 24 hours,” Tibary said. “Even if the foaling occurred quickly and with no

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CALIFORNIA THOROUGHBRED ❙ February 2022 ❙ www.ctba.com

observed complication, this does not mean there are no problems in the mare. You cannot see cervical or vaginal injuries, and these may occur even without a dystocia. “No post-partum examination is complete without saving and examining the placenta. Breeders and mare managers can look at the placenta and consult the veterinarian if they see something abnormal, or save it for the veterinarian to examine. Just assuming it is complete and throwing it away is not a good idea; the placenta is where a lot of answers can be found. “Tere are two types of mares that we examine. One is a mare whose pregnancy has been normal, with no


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