The Brood Mare 285 
a competent veterinarian should make a rectal examina- 
tion, as the fcetus 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 the 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 
