When foaling complications arise, owners and veterinarians’ focus is often simply getting the precious cargo on the ground safely. But do not forget that the mare’s life might also be in peril during these scenarios.

Juan Samper, DVM, PhD, Dip. ACT, described the most common foaling problems he sees in a presentation at the 2012 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Anaheim, Calif. These include red bag delivery (due to premature separation of the placenta), difficult birth, and retained fetal membranes.

First, mares that develop placentitis––infection of the placenta that often ascends from the vagina up through the cervix late in gestation—might experience a red bag delivery. In this case the placenta does not break at the cervical star as it should, and the foal is born inside the fetal membranes, which look like a red sack protruding from the mare’s vagina. Fescue toxicosis, twinning, and induced labor can also lead to this condition. In such cases, the membranes must be ruptured by the birthing attendant and the foal’s delivery likely assisted.

“A complicated foaling, known as ‘dystocia,’ is usually caused by an abnormal position or posture of the foal or congenital deformities such as wry neck and contracted tendons,” explained Samper