Breeding

Breeding with frozen semen: what are the considerations?

There have been concerns that frozen semen is associated with increased problems, such as accumulation of uterine fluid and persistent-breeding induced endometritis (PBIE). However, from the research...

The developmental behaviour of foals and its relevance to husbandry. Part 1: the first 3 months

Crowell-Davies (1986a) identified three developmental stages: the dependent period from birth to 3–4 weeks, the socialisation period from 2–3 months and the stabilisation period from 4 months...

Indications for and how to perform Caslick's operation in the mare

In general, a Caslick's operation is indicated when malconformation or inadequate closure of the vulva is present, for example as a result of trauma, weight loss, or congenital deviation from the...

Figure 4. A foal with a head tilt following head trauma. A subpalpebral lavage system is present in the left upper eyelid for management of a corneal ulcer.

Neurological disease in neonatal foals: beyond dummy foal syndrome

A variety of metabolic derangements can result in neurological dysfunction, which can be reversed by correcting the imbalance in many cases. It should be noted that, since these abnormalities...

Figure 1. Dystocia caused by ventrally deviated head and neck. The foetal poll was palpable and the muzzle was retrieved and guided into the pelvic inlet, allowing an uncomplicated assisted vaginal delivery. Although born alive, the foal was euthanised because of congenital deviation of the rostral maxilla and nasal septum (wry-nose).

Understanding dystocia in the field: part 1

From approximately 2 months into gestation, the equine foetus is highly active (Allen and Bracher, 1992). The characteristically long umbilical cord facilitates free movement within the allantoic...

Figure 1. Elbow-lock posture.

Understanding dystocia in the field: part 2

Once the nature of the dystocia has been diagnosed, a concise conversation with the owners should ensue. The likely prognosis for mare, foal and subsequent fertility, as well as costs associated with...

Figure 2. Feeding options for equine neonates

Don't forget the foal: the nursing requirements of hospitalised foals when the mare is the primary patient

Admitting a mare for treatment at an equine hospital when she has a foal at foot is not comparable to admitting an adult horse with a companion. The foal, even though it is not the primary patient,...

Diarrhoea in foals

Foal heat diarrhoea is a self-limiting condition that occurs in 75-80% of foals, aged between 5 and 15 days. Diarrhoea is usually transient, lasting 3–4 days, and foals typically remain bright and...

Figure 1. These foals are both demonstrating common neurological clinical signs: abnormal tongue position and poor suck reflex (a) and pronounced head tilt (b).

Neonatal maladjustment syndrome in foals

Historically, the syndrome has been attributed to hypoxic–ischaemic injury at foaling and the condition is seen in foals that have experienced a prolonged delivery as a result of dystocia or premature...

Figure 2. Definitive diagnosis of equine gastric ulcer syndrome requires gastroscopic examination.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome in foals

The risk factors for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in foals vary depending on foal age. In very young neonatal foals, excess exposure to acid is probably not a major risk factor as many foals...

Figure 6. Transrectal ultrasound examination demonstrating three cysts in ‘complex’ in the uterine horn (ultrasound depth 4.9 cm).

Examination of mares and fillies for breeding purposes

Accurate and detailed identification is essential and should be included in any report. Name, age, breed, colour/markings and microchip number should be checked against a valid passport. As detailed a...

Figure 3. A selection of treatments used in the management of the transitional mare.

Reproductive management of the transitional mare

Exposure of mares in deep anoestrus to a stimulatory photoperiod remains the most common method of advancing the first ovulation of the season. The duration from onset of adequate light exposure to...