Equine Neonatal Care and Breeding

These flashcards cover key concepts in equine neonatal care and breeding practices, emphasizing vital signs, enrichment strategies, reproductive cycles, parturition stages, and neonatal monitoring.

What should you record upon a horse's arrival for clinical assessment?

Vitals, including temperature, pulse, and respiration.

What is the normal temperature range for adult horses?

99-101.5°F.

What is the normal heart rate for adult horses?

28-44 beats per minute.

What is the normal respiration rate for adult horses?

20-40 breaths per minute.

What are the typical vital signs for foals?

Temperature: 99-102°F; Heart Rate: 60-100 beats/min; Respiration: 20-40 breaths/min.

Define environmental enrichment for horses.

Providing stimulation that mimics natural behaviors to reduce stress and abnormal behaviors.

What is an example of physical enrichment for horses?

Turnout time, stall toys, balls, mirrors.

What does sensory enrichment include for horses?

New smells and auditory stimuli, like soothing music.

What is social enrichment for horses?

Visual contact with other horses or companion animals.

What is nutritional enrichment?

Using slow-feed hay nets, forage variety, and treat dispensers.

What constitutes occupational enrichment for horses?

Light training, trail work, and clicker tasks.

What does it mean that mares are seasonally polyestrous?

They cycle when daylight hours lengthen in spring and summer.

What happens to mares during winter?

They enter anestrus.

What is the average estrous cycle length for mares?

Approximately 21 days.

What are the stages of the mare's reproductive cycle?

Estrus, diestrus, and anestrus.

What behaviors indicate a mare is in estrus?

Tail raising, vulvar “winking,” and urination.

What happens during diestrus in mares?

The corpus luteum forms and secretes progesterone.

What is a therapy mask used for mares?

It simulates increased daylight to encourage earlier cycling.

How is semen collected for horses?

Using an artificial vagina (AV) and a phantom mount.

What happens to collected semen before use?

It is filtered, evaluated, and extended with a nutrient buffer.

How is semen stored for short-term use?

At 4 °C for up to 48 hours.

What is artificial insemination (AI) in horses?

Depositing semen directly into the uterus using a sterile insemination pipette.

What is embryo transfer (ET)?

Flushing the embryo from a donor mare and transferring it to a recipient mare.

What are common signs of impending parturition in mares?

Udder enlargement, waxing teats, and softening of tail head.

What does 'bagging up' refer to in mares?

Udder enlargement before foaling.

What are the stages of parturition in mares?

Stage 1: Preparation; Stage 2: Delivery; Stage 3: Placental passage.

How long does Stage 2 of parturition typically last?

10-30 minutes.

What should happen within three hours after delivery?

The placenta should be expelled.

What is the '1-2-3-4 Rule' for foaling?

Hour 1: Foal stands; Hour 2: Foal nurses; Hour 3: Mare passes placenta; Hour 4: Foal passes meconium.

What is failure of passive transfer (FPT) in foals?

Inadequate antibody intake from colostrum, leading to immunodeficiency.

What are signs of septicemia in foals?

Lethargy, fever, weak suckle, cold limbs.

What clinical signs indicate hypothermia in foals?

Cold extremities, shivering, decreased responsiveness.

What is meconium impaction?

Retention of the first feces, causing colic behavior.

What defines a premature foal?

Foal born before 320 days of gestation.

What is a common clinical sign of prematurity in foals?

Weak suckle reflex and inability to stand.

How long should technicians monitor TPR post-foaling?

Every 2-4 hours in the first 48 hours.

What should the healthy foal's temperature be?

Keep it ≥ 99°F.

Why is early recognition of abnormalities critical in neonatal foals?

It can mean the difference between recovery and loss.

What is meant by 'colostrum'?

The first milk that provides antibodies to foals.

When should a foal nurse for adequate immunity?

Within 2 hours of birth.

What are signs of normal foal behavior?

Alertness, desire to nurse, and pink mucous membranes.

What is the possible outcome of a retained placenta beyond three hours?

It becomes an emergency situation.

What is the implication of a mare showing post-partum infection?

Her foal is at greater risk for health issues.

What color should a healthy foal’s mucous membranes be?

Pink.

What should be included in a foaling kit?

Towels, gloves, lubricant, navel dip, thermometer.

What is the danger of malpresentation during foaling?

It can lead to dystocia and compromise foal oxygenation.

What clinical signs warrant immediate veterinary attention?

Delay in standing, weak suckle, cold extremities.

What technique is often performed to assist with retained placenta?

Examination of the perineum and uterus.

What should be verified about meconium passage?

It should occur within 24 hours of birth.

What condition can develop if a foal retains meconium?

Colic due to impaction.

What are key responsibilities of technicians in neonatal care?

Monitor vital signs, ensure nursing and meconium passage.

What indicates a neonatal foal is in shock?

Cold extremities and weak pulses.

What is the role of ambient temperature for the foal?

It needs to be maintained to prevent hypothermia.

What is a primary care approach for hypoglycemia in foals?

Administering dextrose IV or PO after warming.

Why must you check the foal's glucose regularly?

To ensure normal energy levels, especially if nursing is not normal.

What should be assessed in a neonatal physical exam?

Limb deformities, navel infection, overall health.

How do you handle a premature foal?

With gentle care and rotate frequently to prevent sores.

Define the clinical sign of 'waxing' in mares.

Small wax-like drops of colostrum appearing on teats.

What can occur if a foal does not nurse within the first few hours?

Increased risk of failure of passive transfer.

What is the significance of a 'dark tarry feces' in foals?

It indicates the first passage of meconium.

What type of nursing behavior indicates a healthy foal?

Responsive and following the mare closely.