I set a small table outside of my foaling stall, and this what I put on it, my copy of Blessed Are The Broodmares, a printout from Scott Creek miniatures on foaling presentation. (Both have been read and reread) A small pair of fingernail scissors, just in case it's a red bag. A pair of forceps, just in case the cord doesn't break on its own. Two sterlized slip nose dog leashes, just in case a leg is mal positioned I can slip them on the leg presented. A small painters bucket so I can fill it with warm water to scrub up if needed. Bentidine solution for the umbilical stump. I keep a baby enema on hand, but only use it if needed. I also keep a 60cc syringe, ( cut off the end and insert the plunger into the cut off end) just in case I need to milk the mare, and a smaller syring in case I need to feed the foal collected milk.In my fridge, I keep banimine that I got from the Vet to give after delivery as third stage labor is hard on the mare, and I don't want her to hurt the foal. I stock up on lubracant, such as mineral oil, just in case I need it. When I notice the mare in first stage labor I wash her udder and female parts, wrap her tail and leave her alone. I watch her from a monitor. When she gets really restless or starts going down alot I go to the barn and try to watch where she doesn't mind me being. If all goes well, I break the amniotic sack if it doesn't break on its own, and leave the mare to bond with her foal. After she arrises I give her the banimine have Hubby hold the foal so I can treat the navil stump, you can use batidine or alcohol, my Vet likes alcohol because she says it dries the stump quicker. Then I look and see what sex we have, check the mouth for cleft. If the eyes appear to be red from delivery I will apply some teramyacin eye ointment. Then we leave the stall and watch from the outside. If the foal can't find the udder I will go in and assist by milking the mare alittle and applying the milk to the teat, I'll have Hubby hold the foal under the mare with mouth toward the teat and with the milk on my finger try to get the foal to nurse from the teat. If that doesn't work, I will milk the mare and feed the foal with the syringe. They need to get the colostrum in them within the first two hours or they start to get week. I now this is long, sorry, Congratulations on your new baby. Post pictures.
and I was doing a google search on supplies and care, and there is so many variations, I have read about newborn vaccines, enemas, and worming. So I thought I would ask here, What is the standard newborn care techniques that go on in your barns?? Thanks!!!
