Foaling Kit by VSI

Convenient foaling kit helps ensure safe and proper foaling. Essential items needed during foaling are neatly contained in a handy carrying case. Don't waste time scrambling to find foaling items during this crucial period for you and your mare. Also includes a laminated foaling and post-delivery care sheet in an easy-to-read checklist format to aid you during the foaling process. Please Note: Product cannot be shipped to Canada. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Kit contains: Clear carrying case, 4 oz. PVP iodine, dip cup, 2-Pair OB long exam gloves, pair latex gloves, 4 oz. bottle eye and skin wash, 4.5 oz. bottle enema, #10 scalpel (sterile) 4" x 5 yd. tail wrap (vet wrap), 4 oz. bottle green soap, digital clock, large placenta bag, 12" string, lubricating jelly, hand wipe, marking pen, instruction card, and foaling time sheet.

Please click on "More Information" for kit contents and instructions and proper disposal of "sharps."

• PVP Iodine (4 oz.) and Dip Cup: The foal's umbilical cord should be dipped in PVP iodine twice a day for 3 days.
• Digital Clock, Marking Pen, and Foaling Time Sheet: Use the enclosed watch to time each stage of labor (see labor stages). The watch will help you to keep accurate track of the mare's progress during labor. Take written notes so that later you won't have to rely on memory.
• Wrap: Wrap the mare's tail when you feel certain she has started the first stage of labor. Do not apply too tightly or leave on the tail too long. This could cut off or reduce circulation and permanently damage the tail.
• Green Soap: Wash the mare's vulva and hindquarters in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• String: If the umbilical cord doesn't break, DO NOT CUT THE CORD! An inch or two from the foal's abdomen, where the umbilical cord narrows, you can grab both sides and twist and pull to separate. OR Place the twine in this narrow area, wrap around the umbilical cord, and pull until the cord is severed.
• Large Bag: This is to place the placenta in for inspection by your veterinarian.
• Lubricating Jelly and Enema: This should be used within the first 24 hours to help the foal empty the meconium (fetal stool) from its rectum.
• Exam Gloves: Personal protection for you during foaling.
• Latex Gloves: Personal protection while handling the placenta or during foaling.
• Eye and Skin Wash: Sterile wash if needed for the mare or colt.
• Scalpel: To be used only in emergency if the bag hasn't broken around the colt or becomes entangled and must be removed.
• Instruction Card
• Hand Wipe

The VSI Foaling Kit provides you with the most-needed items and instructions to safely deliver a foal, but it does not take the place of your veterinarian or many other items that you must supply.

• A foaling stall most recommended size: 14 feet x 14 feet.
• Clean bedding most recommended: wheat straw
• Towels: 2 or 3 large towels
• Muck bucket and fork. Locate next to stall (Remove manure and soiled bedding promptly).
• Veterinarians: Phone number and emergency phone number.
• Backup colostrum source: Name, phone number, availability and cost.
• VSI Foaling Kit

Foaling Information

Signs of impending parturition (birth):

• Filling of the udder (two to four weeks).
• Distention of the teats (four to six days).
• Waxing of the teats (one to four days).
• Obvious dripping of milk.
• Other signs include: Muscle around tail sags AND vulva sags to almost twice its normal length.

Stage I of Birth

Breaking of water bag.
Length of time: 1 to 2 hours.

Signs mare has started contractions:

• May act colicky and paw the ground.
• She may sweat around her neck and flanks.
• Urinates frequently or passes small amounts of drippings.
• She may pace and snatch small bites of hay.
• The birth canal dilates and the water bag may become visible at the mare's vulva.
• When the bag breaks, there will be a rush of fluid and Stage I ends.

Attention: Do NOT break the water bag.

Stage II

Delivery of the foal.
Length of time: 15-20 minutes.

• If this stage goes past 30 minutes, OR if you observe a red, velvety sack during birth CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN immediately.
• The mare may stand up, lie down, or roll to properly position the foal for delivery. Most mares lie down to deliver but if your mare stands and delivers her foal, you should try to catch the foal.
• The proper position of the foal during this stage resembles a diving position where the front legs will appear first with its nose tucked between them. The foal's hooves should be positioned so that one hoof is slightly ahead of the other. If the soles are up, you should call your veterinarian immediately. A mare may rest with the foal half in and half out. If Stage II goes beyond 30 minutes, call your veterinarian.

Stage III

Begins after delivery of foal when the mare must expel placenta or afterbirth.
Length of time: Up to two hours.

• Most mares will pass the placenta within one to three hours after the foal has been delivered. If the placenta is not passed in three hours, call your veterinarian.
• A retained placenta is toxic to your mare in less than six hours.
• A mare will usually stand up after delivery and this is when the umbilical cord should break.

Attention: Do NOT cut the umbilical cord. See "Post Delivery Care" instruction if the cord does not break.

Post Delivery Care *Review these procedures with your veterinarian.

• The umbilical cord is connected to the afterbirth, which is usually still in the mare. If for some reason the umbilical cord doesn't break, and you feel it is necessary to sever it, then look for a narrow spot that is one or two inches from the foal's abdomen. You can grab onto each side of the narrow spot and twist and pull to separate.

OR

• You can use the enclosed twine by wrapping it around the cord at the narrow spot and pull until the cord is severed. If the umbilical cord persists in bleeding, apply pressure with your thumb and forefinger to the navel stump for several minutes.

Treat the umbilical cord with the PVP iodine and Dip Cup soon after the cord breaks and twice a day for at least 3 days.

Foal Care

Monitor the following for at least the next 24 hours. Make sure:

• Foal is breathing normally.
• Foal is bright and alert. The foal should make attempts to stand within 30 minutes after delivery.
• Within about two hours of birth, the foal is standing and nursing. If this hasn't occurred within 3 hours of birth, call your vet. The foal may need medical assistance.
• The foal nurses enough in the first 8 to 12 hours to absorb the antibodies of the mare's colostrum. If you are concerned that the foal is not getting enough of the mare colostrum, call your veterinarian before the 12-hour mark.
• The foal passes the meconium within 12 hours of birth. Many veterinarianss may have you give the foal an enema to help clear the fetal stool from the rectum.

Mare Care

Make sure:

• The mare appears non-aggressive toward her foal and is curious and attentive to her foal.
• Mare is allowed to eat as soon as she is ready.
• A supply of clean, fresh water is provided.
• To examine that the placenta is intact once it has been expelled. It is Y-shaped and will include a hole through which the foal has passed. Put the placenta in the enclosed plastic bag.
• To examine the placenta. If through your examination of the placenta, it appears that it is not all there, then call your veterinarian immediately.

Make sure your veterinarian does a foal and mare exam within 24 to 36 hours of delivery. You need to be prepared to tell your veterinarian how the birth went and show him the placenta or afterbirth.

How to Dispose of "Sharps"
"Sharps" disposed of improperly are a health hazard to humans and animals.
It is important to dispose of all "sharps" appropriately. "Sharps" include needles, lancets, scapel blades, or other medical instruments that could cause a cut or puncture. Disposing of "sharps" properly protects anyone who might come in contact with your trash from the risk of injury or infection - this includes family members and sanitation workers. Never throw a loose "sharp" directly into the trash. "Sharps" should be placed in a rigid, puncture-resistant container with a secure lid immediately after use. Store the sharps container in a secure location, away from children and pets. When the container is full, seal it, and be sure to label it "Sharps." Each community has specific regulations for handling "sharps" and other medical wastes. Call your local health department or solid waste management system for the regulations in your area.
Please utilize proper disposal of all "Sharps" including needles, lancets, and scalpel blades. Thank you!