Pregnancy Protocol
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Keep the following information near the foaling stall...
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An ultrasound examination for pregnancy is recommended at 18 days post breeding or ovulation. This is a good time to identify twins and correct them if necessary. Follow-up ultrasound examinations are recommended at 25 days and 40 days of pregnancy.
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All pregnant mares should be rectally palpated in the fall to confirm pregnancy.
- Pregnant mares should be vaccinated for rhinopneumonitis.
RHINOPNEUMONITIS: Equine herpes virus 1 is the causative agent of rhinopneumonitis, a viral upper respiratory infection that can cause spontaneous abortions in susceptible pregnant mares. The time from infection with the virus to an abortion may be up to four months and the respiratory infection in the mare may be mild and not noticed by the owner. The highest incidence of rhinopneumonitis abortion is in the last trimester of pregnancy. Vaccination of the pregnant mare with the killed virus is recommended at 3, 5, 6, and 9 months of pregnancy. Use of a modified live virus vaccine for pregnant mares is not advised.
Pregnancy Time Line Date of Vaccination 3 months 5 months 7 months 9 months -
Late pregnant mares should be vaccinated 30-45 days prior to the expected foaling date in order to boost the antibody levels in the colostrum (first milk).
Vaccination Date of Vaccination EWTF (four way) WN -
Continue a normal deworming program for pregnant mares.
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The nutritional needs of the mare increase during the last three months of pregnancy. Feed a ration that meets these needs and is optimal in trace minerals such as selenium.
- Wash the mare's vulva prior to foaling and clean the stall twice a day. We recommend that the mare's tail be wrapped prior to foaling. The stall should be bedded with clean straw.