Happy to report our horses were well behaved at their Spring vet appointment. Even after being stuck inside for two days. They all got Spring shots and are working on shedding their Winter coats. Which means, Spring is coming!
Both boys had their teeth floated. Harmony is on a Fall rotation. We held off doing Cierra's, because she is pregnant. Ideally she will be able to wait until Fall.
Cierra was up first. She taped at 1324 lbs (up from 1257 lbs) The vet said she looked great, and was big. No changes with her care.
We talked in general about birthing, and foal expectations. Brads said no again to stitching a small digital device into Cierra, that would alert when delivery starts. I agree. If we miss the birth, we miss it. And we might. Especially with the rapid speed it typically happens. The clinic uses the device with mares brought in. Many of those mares are there for high risk equine birthing, where unpredictability is even less ideal.
Key things our vet wanted to make sure we knew: Any scenario other than both legs & head first, is an emergency call. I was surprised to learn one of their dairy vets comes out for birthing emergencies. Due to frequent practice.
Not to worry, we aren't completely clueless. The basics are familiar. Brad has life long experience with various livestock birthing, although it's been years.
We truly love sweet Cierra! I sure hope things go as well as possible for her. Our level of concern, combined with nerves and excitement (and sleep deprivation!) will only heighten the closer we get.
Also mentioned, was leaving the foal alone to lay on the ground at first. As long as the sack is off their face. Better for cord disconnection etc. Their goal is for the foal to nurse within 3-4 hours and they want to check the foal after 12 hours.
The figuring out timing conversation came with some humor. The two things mentioned as good indicators were milk drop (usually 24 hour window) and calcium drop. I had not heard of testing calcium hardness as an indicator.
We did ask about Cierra's chromosome abnormality. The vet had the same response we all had. Surprise. Of course our vet has heard of the abnormality, but said the mares are usually sterile.
Brad recently picked up some nice large bales of wheat straw for bedding the double stall. Those empty stalls are finally going to get used for something besides cats! We still need to pick out a foaling camera. There are many, open to recommendations. We continue thinking through different turn out scenario's vs potential future needs. Can you predict the future? Me neither.
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Nemo was next. He taped at 1252 lbs (down from 1277 lb).
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Koda was the horse needing the most care this visit. He taped at 1288 lbs (down from 1350 lb). Evidence Brad is doing a great job adjusting hay portions!! Our vet would like to see another 70 lbs come off. It will help with his lameness. Which has not gone away, and needed to be addressed.
He walked out of his stall gimpy. No need for additional observation. Koda has shown soreness off/on, more than usual lately. It was time for xrays.
such a good boy standing still on those small blocks
getting pretty pink playdoh pressed into his hooves
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larger platform for view from underneath
Our vet saw no signs of arthritis. His earlier diagnosis of Navicular (at 8 yrs) showed no sign in Koda's right foot, and at this check deterioration was barely visible. Koda's left side showed a slight increase. He said Koda is a bit young (coming 16) but recommended trying Osphos shots. We are catching it at a good time, and gave him his first shot.
Osphos studies have been done and it is not recommended for young horses. Apparently it is used in the racing industry and there has been evidence of bones not forming correctly on young growing horses that were given Osphos.
His trim looked good, although taking slightly more off the left toe might help. He will connect with our farrier & send xrays. No shoe recommendations at this time.
Brad & I are really hopeful the shot helps. Time will tell. I will be thrilled if Koda can continue to be ridden at home in the arena's and on our sandy trails. Home is where we are happiest. Hauling to other trails just isn't as important anymore.
We are keeping Koda on Cosequin. We got a couple more suggestions to try for his less than ideal ploppy digestive system.
- probiotic supplement
- senior feed
- small amount of metamucil and/or sand clear
- feeding some alfalfa pellets
Basically, changing/adding things that are easier to digest. I was going to try giving Koda yogurt, but read mixed reviews online. I decided not to. We have friends who swear by yogurt, and have given their equine plain yogurt for years. I suppose beet pulp might be worth trying down the road. Will pick one thing at a time to try. I'm thinking probiotic.
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Harmony was seen last and needed the least amount of care. She taped at 1183 lbs (down from 1217 lb). Our oldie has done so well here, and staying sound barefoot.
It will be interesting to see how she interacts with Cierra and her baby.
2/2022
8 comments:
Good exams all around then right?
So Koda is doing better?
Nice health report.
All our kids are doing well here too.
Just mud and frozen mud in the mornings.
Yes, three of ours had good exams. TMI, I know. I use my blog as reference *^*
Koda's exam wasn't bad perse (things could always be worse) it's just unknown. Not sure if he has actually improved from the Osphos, still gimpy off/on.
The vet said IF we see improvement in 3-4 weeks, then we would proceed with an additional series of Osphos. Not sure what other options are available, other than shoeing or becoming a full time pasture pet. I should do some research.
Glad your mules plus, are all doing well :)
Overall good news for your horses.
With foaling, one front leg should be extending in front of the other with the nose resting on the legs. This means that the shoulders are at an angle instead of being squarely blocked which makes it harder for the mare. One of my foals came out with the legs and nose sideways (like a horse when it lays down) which got me a bit panicky but it was mama Belle and she just took care of everything with a big push- love that mare!
Hope Cierra has an uncomplicated birth!
Makes sense Shirley. Good to know & watch for. Thanks!
My friend gave me a milk testing kit that accurately predicts impending birth within a small window. I used it when I saw Cowgirl dripping milk, and the day she delivered, it came up positive for impending birth.
There was another indicator, all the mares gathered around Cowgirl’s enclosure that day and they wouldn’t leave her and barely took their eyes off her. There was a much different intensity.
As soon as the sun went down, Cowgirl started to deliver. It was as if she had waited for the cover of dark.
I’m glad we were there because she didn’t deliver the afterbirth, and we had to tie it up off the ground so it didn’t leach bacteria. I tied it into two big knots. The next morning we got her right into the vet, with Epona at her side, and they had to flush it out.
Other than that, though, Cowgirl didn’t need our help. It’s impressive to see a maiden mare go to work and know how to do everything. The blueprint is all there.
Yikes on Cowgirl not delivering the afterbirth. SO glad everything turned out okay, and you have sweet Epona to love on!
We were told for the calcium testing to indicate delivery, to start testing calcium hardness in her milk early and keep testing. Watching for calcium hardness levels to drop. Sounds like it is definitely worth trying, but I'll defer to Brad since it is his mare.
I am trying not to think about it, too much. Our horse dynamics are going to change for sure.
https://www.mothernatureskit.com/mother_natures_mare_foaling_.htm
Those are the strips we used. Amazingly easy. She was dripping a lot of milk, so it was easy to capture and test. We only needed distilled water. It will test positive if you’re in a 24 to 12 hour period or less.
I’m not aware of the calcium testing.
Linda, thanks so much for taking the time to share a link to the foaling test kit you used!!
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