Reproduction

Post foaling examinations

• Examination of your mare and foal 24 hours post foaling is highly advised.
• Examination of the mare ensures the mare is in good health, has not incurred any injuries, has ample milk.
• Examination of the placenta/after birth to ensure it is normal and complete.
• Examination of the foal to assess any congenital abnormalities, normal behaviour, and conformational faults/ limb deviations.

A small blood sample to measure the IgG levels in the foal’s bloodstream can be completed on your yard and can indicate how much quality colostrum was consumed in the 1st hours of life. If your foal has a low IgG level they are at risk of sepsis which carries a poor prognosis and requires intensive hospital care. If detected early we can give them hyperimmune plasma transfusions to boost their IgG levels.

Pregnancy scans

• Day 14-16 post ovulation per rectum scan– identifies twin pregnancies prior to implantation
• Day 28 post ovulation per rectum scan – post implantation and heart beat scan
• Shetland ponies/miniature horses can require scanning via their abdomen like humans as they are so small. This can be carried out from

Foal identification

It is a legal requirement for foals to be passported and microchipped by 6 months of age or December 31st of the year they were born (whichever is later).

Pre-breeding examinations

• Before breeding your mare, examination can identify health issues and breeding conformational faults which may reduce fertility.
• Blood samples and swabs are often required to rule out infectious diseases that may reduce fertility or cause disease – CEM, EVA, EIA and Strangles.
• Ultrasound examination per rectum to identify the stage of the oestrous cycle the mare is in.
• Discussion of the logistics of AI or natural cover.