172 MANAGEMENT OF THE FOAL. 



competent man at hand to assist the foal in securing his first 

 meal. This man should be one with whom the mare is ac- 

 quainted, and especially so if she be of a nervous temperament. 



It sometimes happens that the foal has not sufficient 

 strength to break the blanket in which he is enveloped ; then, 

 unless someone is at hand to do so, the young thing will soon 

 smother to death. 



"When it is difficult to get the youngster to help itself, try 

 •to stream some milk from the teat of the dam into its mouth, 

 and rub some of the milk on its nose. Continue this until it 

 gets a taste of the milk, after which it will be more eager to 

 help itself. 



Close watch should be kept to see that there is an evac- 

 uation of the bowels. A great many foals are lost each year 

 by a lack of attention to this very important matter. If the 

 foal exhibits symptoms of distress or much uneasiness, and 

 especially if the hind legs are drawn forward and the head 

 drooped and the little thing stumbles about the stall or pad- 

 dock as if trying to stand on its head, or turn a somersault, 

 give it at once an injection of half a pint of blood-warm water 

 with just enough soap in it to make it feel slippery to the touch. 

 Glycerine may be added to the water in proportion to one part 

 glycerine to two parts water. This may be administered by a 

 common rubber bulb syringe suitable for family use, or by any 

 other style of syringe not too large. 



It may be necessary to follow up the injection for a day or 

 two. A dose of castor oil may be given if required; care 

 should be taken not to give more than is necessary lest purging 

 may be induced. 



If the weather is suitable the sooner a foal is turned into a 

 dry, sunny yard with its dam the better. There is nothing bet- 

 ter than sunshine for all very young animals, especially if it is 

 not too hot. It is some trouble to look after the youngsters 

 when they are very young, but it pays to do so. 



