Foaling

Foaling can be a stressful time for all concerned, not least of all, the owner!  But if everything goes smoothly, it is one of the most magical experiences that an owner can have. It is important to remember that the vast majority of foalings take place unassisted and without any unwelcome eventualities, but we advise to be prepared and have things in place should a problem arise.

In order to help mares concentrate high levels of antibodies in their colostrum, we recommend having them vaccinated against tetanus and equine influenza a month before their due date. This will stimulate specific immunity against these diseases which is helpful to the foal - and may also help the mare produce antibodies generally.

Problems To Look For

  • Positioning: The foal should present with its front feet (one slightly in front of the other) followed by the head. Any other positioning is abnormal and a successful delivery may require assistance.
  • Red Bag: If you see a red velvety structure bulging from the vulva, this is an extreme emergency and you should call your veterinarian immediately. The placenta has started to separate from the uterine wall before the foal is delivered and the foal can quickly suffocate and die. 
  • Mare Fatigue: If the foal is large and the mare is having a hard time pushing on her own, she may need assistance. She may become fatigued and stop pushing.
  • 1- 2- 3 Rule: The foal should stand within an hour, they should nurse within two hours of delivery and the mare should pass the fetal membranes within 3 hours of delivery.  If any of these are not happening as expected, give us a call. 
  • Failure of Passive Transfer: This is a failure for the foal to receive sufficient antibodies from their mother, and there are three reasons for this:
    • The mare has poor colostrum
    • The foal did not receive the colostrum in the appropriate amount of time 
    • The foal did not properly absorb the nutrients

This can be determined by a simple IgG test, and once diagnosed, the vet will take immediate treatment action as a foal can deteriorate quickly. Foals get the majority of their immunity from the mare's colostrum in the first 12-24 hours and it is also the most likely time for them to contract infection or disease.

Even if everything seems ok with the mare and foal, we still recommend an examination by a vet to check that everything is as it seems. A veterinary examination would involve checking the mare, foal and placenta. 

Ambulatory
We always come to you! We have hospital-grade veterinary and diagnostic tools which are entirely mobile, which means you have the convenience of keeping your horse right where they are.
Independent
We are proud to be a local, family-run practice, and if your horse needs specialist treatment, we are free to refer them to the top experts in the country for their specific needs, not where a corporate dictates.
Experience
Over 20 years as a practice we have built an outstanding reputation for trustworthy care, treatment and professionalism - and our team of vets have devoted their careers exclusively to equine medicine.
Emergencies
We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you always have our support and your peace of mind.

Our Services

Castrations

Castrations

Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, ideally during the spring or autumn.
Dental Care

Dental Care

We provide expert routine dental care and examinations - as the condition of your horse’s mouth plays such an important role in their overall health and welfare.
Emergencies

Emergencies

We know that emergencies can happen any time of the day or night - and we offer the assurance that you always have the veterinary support you need standing by. We offer our own in-house emergency cover, meaning you will always see one of our vets in your time of need.
Equipment and Diagnostics

Equipment and Diagnostics

We are proud to be a fully ambulatory practice and welcome the fact that modern mobile technology allows us to effectively deliver treatment and diagnoses at the convenience of your stable.
Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

We are privileged in veterinary medicine to have the ability to end suffering, and have a responsibility to work with you to do so in a way that is painless and minimises stress for all involved.
Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy continues to be the only reliable method for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses. At Agnew, we offer this service using our mobile equipment at your home stables to avoid any additional stress caused by transporting your horse or pony.
Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

We examine horses for a wide range of medical problems including weight loss, diarrhoea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders and skin disease right at your stables.
Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

We have close links with a number of outstanding veterinary clinical laboratories in Newmarket and around the country - and we are able to choose the most appropriate and experienced lab depending on what we are testing for.
Lameness Investigations

Lameness Investigations

Our vets have a great reputation for their lameness investigations at the convenience of your own stables. Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics.
Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Vettings are very important and are one of the most consequential things you’ll ask your vet to do – because purchasing a horse is a big decision! On that basis, Robin, Arnie & Stuart carry out the majority of our vettings as we feel experience is key to delivering the best outcome for you and the horse.
Reproductive Services

Reproductive Services

We offer a variety of reproductive services for your mare including artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancy management, foal management and vaccinations to prevent abortion.
Routine Health Care

Routine Health Care

At Agnew Equine, we believe that keeping your horse happy and healthy starts with Routine Preventative Care; vaccinations, regular dentistry, parasite control are fundamental to the well-being of your horse and doing all you can to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Surgery/Referral

Surgery/Referral

As an independent practice, our vets at Agnew Equine are able to review each case and, where necessary, recommend referral to the most appropriate hospital in the circumstances to help with the specialised care of your horse or pony.
“My best advice is register with Agnew Equine - they are the best!” Louisa Kelly
“Love these vets - wouldn’t go anywhere else! Fantastic.” Paulina Nicholls
“A great team of vets! Calm, caring, experts with a professional manner” Kelly Pope
“Best vets anyone could have. Fantastic in all ways.” Angela Frost
“By far the most attentive and polite practice I’ve come across”
Agnew EquineHot Lane Farm, Hot LaneBiddulph MoorStoke-on-TrentStaffordshireST8 7HP01782 510502find us
Map
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday
Closed
Sundays
Closed
In An Emergency

We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Simply call the practice on 01782 510502 to access our support.

Notices
Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions
Website sponsored by

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Logo

Find Us On Facebook