HUNTER BROOD MARES 



performed normally, labour in the mare is usually 

 of a speedy character, so that if delayed, it may 

 become expedient to have professional aid, 

 delay under these circumstances being inad- 

 visable. Delay in the delivery of a foal may 

 arise from a variety of causes, into which it is 

 not necessary to enter, it being sufficient to state 

 that no interference should be permitted by 

 amateurs, as irreparable damage may be done, 

 exclusive of the danger of septic infection 

 occurring through such interference. The principal 

 diseases incidental to a mare at foaling time are : 

 septic laminitis, metritis, and mammitis, whilst 

 those affecting the foal are rheumatoid arthritis, 

 diarrhcea, and the converse of the latter. Rheuma- 

 toid arthritis arises through absorption of septic 

 material at the umbilicus, and occurs in some cases, 

 when the umbilical cord has been tied off too 

 closely, or septic material accidentally gained ad- 

 mission along the track of the cord. A dirty piece 

 of string, or string that has not been previously 

 sterilised by boiling, is capable of acting in the 

 manner indicated ; therefore, as a precautionary 

 measure, due care should be exercised to sterilise 

 the material employed for tying the cord, if such 



21 B2 



