Birth Problems in Horses: Dealing with Dystocia
DIFFICULT PASSAGES: Dealing with Dystocia The 11-month gestation period of horses is longer than that of most other mammals, but when the foal finally comes, the birth is surprisingly swift under normal circumstances, taking less than 30 minutes from the time the mare’s water breaks to complete foal out. This rapidity is necessary for wild horses, as a prolonged birth would leave both mare and foal extremely vulnerable to predators. While domestic mares giving birth don’t usually have to contend with predators, there are other dangers associated with the birthing process that owners of pregnant mares should be prepared to deal with. Dystocia, meaning difficult birth, can be serious or even life-threatening, and often requires human intervention. Ninety percent of the time, mares give birth without any difficulty, but understanding what can go wrong the other ten percent of the time can be a life saver. Claire Card, DVM, Phd, diplomate ACT, is a Professor of Th...