Common Diseases of the Horse 229 



nature. They should not be driven too far or very fast, and cart 

 mares should not be subjected to overstrain in the way of heavy 

 loads, working on heavy land, or in shafts where they are likely to 

 knock the sides of the abdomen, especially if the ground is uneven. 

 Judiciously worked, she is much more likely to foal at her proper 

 time and in a natural manner than the pampered animal which has 

 been kept in a loose bo.x. In some parts of the country, where the 

 mare has been rested for a month or so prior to the date of foaling, 

 and the time is exceeded, she is put into the plough for an hour or 

 so, and this frequently brings about parturition without doing the 

 least harm. 



Preparation of Foaling Box 



As the time approaches when the mare is due to foal, prepara- 

 tion must be made to ensure that birth takes place under the most 

 advantageous circumstances, and every effort must be made to 

 guard against disease. The majority of diseases which occur as 

 the result of foaling are, as already stated, due to lack of attention 

 in sanitary measures, and can be easily obviated. A loose box 

 large enough for the mare to foal without running any risk of 

 injury, or delaying birth by the offspring coming in contact with 

 the walls, should be prepared. 



It will require to be cleansed and disinfected all over in the most 

 thorough manner, and afterwards lime-washed; no parts should be 

 missed. If it contains a manger, this should be well scrubbed and 

 disinfected, and finished with boiling water. A good bed should 

 then be provided of clean straw, not too long or the movements of 

 the foal will be hampered. A good plan is to chop a bundle in 

 two with a hay knife. If a choice can be made it is well to select 

 a box as near as possible to the accustomed habitation of the mare, 

 as if removed to remote quarters she is quite likely to fret and 

 become nervous. 



Natural Foaling 



About the time the mare is due to foal, it is wise to keep 

 her under constant observation, but this should be done in such 

 a manner that she is unaware of the fact, or it is quite likely 

 to upset her. It is best done by means of a small sliding panel 

 in the box door. When the labour pains commence, she invari- 

 ably lies down, and in normal parturition the foal is usually born 

 in from ten to fifteen minutes. If the attendant is satisfied that 

 everything is progressing satisfactorily, no interference is necessary 

 or desirable; his presence will be resented and birth is quite likely 



