486 CYCLOPEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



III. Attention to the Mother. 



In this section we shall run over a few leading items as to the care of 

 the mother. For at least three or four weeks previous to the period of 

 foaling, the mare should be allowed gentle exercise, as a safeguard against 

 ab'^rtion. As the critical period approaches, she should be put in good 

 condition, not positively fat, and not thin, and if her digestion is dis- 

 ordered, it should be treated as directed elsewhere in this work. Medi- 

 cines, especially those violent in their action, are only to be used by ex- 

 perienced men, and even then with extreme caution. 



No person should be allowed to stay within sight of a mare showing signs 



TAIL PRESENTATION. 



of foaling. Even the attendant should keep in the background, as this 

 animal has a natural aversion to anyone being present during delivery. 



The stable should be warm, well ventilated, and free from drafts. A 

 box stall is always advisable. A mare heavy with foal should never be 

 tied in a stall, for if she should suddenly foal, she would be unable to 

 clean the offspring, and, besides, during the labor, she might seriously 

 injure herself. 



If any marked weakness is shown after foaling, a dose of diluted 

 whiskey is advisable. The after-birth is ordinarily passed within fifteen 

 or twenty minutes, and while this is likely to be accompanied by additional 

 pains of a colicky nature, they are not to be regarded as dangerous. 



