Stage 1

The mare was previous washed in the vulva region and the the tail wraped to keep it out of the way of the foal during birth. It is not obvious from this mare's behavior that she is going to foal. Although there is an increase in walking around the stall, this mare does not appear to be nervous until late in stage 1. This mare exhibits a pawing behavior. Contractions are occuring in this mare during early stage 1. She shifts her weight on her back legs but does not turn around and look at her flank when contractions are occuring. The contractions are being caused at this point by prostaglandin (PGF_2a). The prostaglandin also causes the sweating that may be observed.

Stage 2

This stage begins with the breaking of the water as the mare is lying down. The mare's contractions become more pronounced and you can see membrane protruding. When the mare stands up you can see the amnion (grey sack) protuding from the mare with a single leg visible. If you look carefully, you can see the hoof of the foal has rotated. Although the mare is standing, the second foot comes into view. The aminion also clearly has fluid in it at this time. Once the foal's head moves through the cervix, large powerful contractions of the uterus are stimulated by the release of oxytocin from the mothers posterior pituitary gland. Be sure to observe how force of contractions are increasing by the intensity of adominal contractions. The foal breaks the amnion itself during the final part of delivery. The mare stands up four minutes after birth although the placenta remains partially inside the mare The placenta is tied up and the mare and foal observed for placenta delivery and foal standing and nursing.

Stage 3

This stage begins after the foal is delivered. Note the mare has been laying down and we have not disturbed her. She spends time licking the foal to both stimulate his respiration, encourage the foal to get up and nurse, and to enhance the maternal-foal bonding. The foal stands up 20 minutes after birth and nurses about 45 minutes after birth. The mare is given 20 IU of oxytocin IM at 3 and 4 hours after birth since the placenta has not been delivered. The placenta is delivered 25 minutes after the second shot of oxytocin.