bitsy
Well-Known Member
My maiden mare went into labor on her due date, she had no bag to speak of and she had never loosened the muscles in her back end. After several minutes I saw a red bag start to appear. I quickly opened it and saw one tiny hoof, for just a moment as the mare immediately got up and started walking about he stall. The little foot slipped away and the mare refused to lay down and push. I could actually see contractions running down her sides but she was basically ignoring it all. I called the vet clinic and told them I was on my way and what the problem was.
Once they laid her down and reached in almost to his shoulder he pronounced that position was correct, he had two little feet and a nose. It took what seemed like forever to pull this little filly out, it was so tight and the filly was barely 17" tall. I was sure they were going to pull the little things legs right off. Of course we all knew she was dead. Then the miracle, when they finally pulled her out and flopped her down on the floor, SHE MOVED! Could not believe it. It had been almost an hour and a half since I had opened the red bag. It seems the placenta was still attached in one little spot, must have been just enough to keep the baby going. After nine days in intensive care and a vet bill that would knock your socks off I have the most beautiful little bay overo filly
My question: Has anyone ever had a mare do this? Do you know if there is any way to prevent this from happening again? Could I give the mare something to help her body prepare for delivery? I love this mare to death and don't want to give up on her. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I managed to attach a picture, here is our little girl, she looks just like her mom!

Once they laid her down and reached in almost to his shoulder he pronounced that position was correct, he had two little feet and a nose. It took what seemed like forever to pull this little filly out, it was so tight and the filly was barely 17" tall. I was sure they were going to pull the little things legs right off. Of course we all knew she was dead. Then the miracle, when they finally pulled her out and flopped her down on the floor, SHE MOVED! Could not believe it. It had been almost an hour and a half since I had opened the red bag. It seems the placenta was still attached in one little spot, must have been just enough to keep the baby going. After nine days in intensive care and a vet bill that would knock your socks off I have the most beautiful little bay overo filly

My question: Has anyone ever had a mare do this? Do you know if there is any way to prevent this from happening again? Could I give the mare something to help her body prepare for delivery? I love this mare to death and don't want to give up on her. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I managed to attach a picture, here is our little girl, she looks just like her mom!

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