The Brood Mare 285 



a competent veterinarian should make a rectal examina- 

 tion, as the foetus can be felt in this manner. This 

 examination should not be undertaken by one who is 

 not skilled in such work, as it is likely to cause abortion 

 if not carefully performed. 



Signs of parturition. 



Since thfe gestation period is of uncertain length with 

 mares, they should be closely watched from the tenth 

 month until parturition. There are some signs of the 

 near approach of parturition that seldom fail. The 

 udder becomes greatly distended some time before foaling, 

 but the teats very seldom fill out full and plump to the 

 end more than a few days before the foal is born. In 

 most mares the vulva enlarges, and a reddening of the 

 lining of the vagina is noticed immediately prior to par- 

 turition. There is also a marked falling away and de- 

 pression of the rump muscles about a week before the 

 time. About twenty-four hours before foaling a clear 

 wax forms on the end of the nipple. This wax is often 

 confused with that formed from the colostrum which 

 escapes from the udder, so care is needed in distinguishing 

 it. Immediately prior to time of parturition, the mare 

 will usually show some nervousness and if with other stock, 

 a desire to be left alone. 



Parturition. 



The normal presentation of the foetus at the time of 

 parturition is fore-feet first, with the head between the 

 front legs, and these act as a sort of wedge in dilating the 

 passage. Sometimes the foal is born with a rear presenta- 

 tion, in which case the rear feet come out first, and the 

 widening of the legs acts in a similar manner. One of the 

 variations from these presentations is with the front 



