DISEASES AND TREATMENT OF THE HORSE 18? 



The mare during her period of pregnancy does not come 

 in season every three weeks, although we have met cases 

 where a mare with foal has accepted service of the horse. 



2. How to Care for a Mare With Foal. 



Endeavor to keep her in her natural condition as nearly 

 as possible. Feed fairly well but do not allow her to become 

 too fat. Give plenty of easy exercise by allowing her to go 

 about outside in fine weather. Light, steady work free from 

 undue exertion is not an injury, but on the contrary is bene- 

 ficial, although heavy pulls, rough usage, or anything caus- 

 ing sudden strain — backing up suddenly, etc. — must be 

 avoided, as this is very dangerous and liable to produce 

 premature delivery — miscarriage or abortion. 



3. Signs of Immediate Foaling. 



There is a noticeable falling away at each side of the 

 tail and, as a general thing, wax or milk will run from the 

 teats for a day or so before foaling. A few hours previous 

 to delivery the mare seems to be very uneasy. Labor pains 

 come on, and with the pains she is noticed to strain. Very 



Fig. 22. — Immediate Signs of Foaling — The Wate: 



soon the water bag appears, and as it comes the pains become 

 more severe. She strains and lies down. If the foal is com- 

 ing as it should, the head and front feet will make their ap- 

 pearance first. Delivery should take place now in a very few 



