We consider this book the foaling "bible" and pay it alms for having saved lives of many mares and foals. Our dog-eared copy has post it notes, marked pages and highlighted passages throughout. During the highly anxious moments of foaling season, we depend on the reassurance this cherished book departs to us every year. Hayes teaches us how to be prepared for foaling even when faced with major problems during labor. No matter what level of experience one has, this book is an absolute MUST READ when attending any foaling. To derive the wealth of knowledge this book offers, you have to read it! Many times I've recommended this book and a well intentioned MO buys it. Sometimes, however, I get a call in the middle of the night (which I never, ever mind taking) from a panicky MO in the midst of a foaling 'problem' and I can tell the book has not been read. Not only is it a must to own this book, it is likewise a necessity read this book, and to RE-read while on mare stare (I.E. foal watch) each and every year, each and every foaling. We do! Hayes imparts her wisdom to us in the areas of : 1) broodmare nutrition 2) assembling your foaling kit 3) predicting foaling 4) all 3 stages of labor 4) baby's first 12 hours 5) my personal favorite --the importance of "Being There"
The book is written as a crash course in foaling for the layman and/or veterinarian alike. Via photos, drawings and written explanation, Hayes ingeniously teaches us exactly what is going in inside your mare during all (3) stages of labor. This book is easy to understand for the first-time foaling attendant and yet it is in depth enough to aid a veterinarian as well. Through Hayes' words, the MO is taught how to be proactive and trouble shoot problems before they become of a life and death nature. Although Dr. Hayes suggests calling your vet for 'dystocias' (foaling problems), she is aware that most foalings take place out of range of veterinary help. Hayes maintains that the MO has placed the mare in a state of danger (by breeding her) and thus it is up to us (MOs) to keep our mare out of harm's way (a sentiment that I wholeheartedly agree with). This book instructs us so that we can save lives if necessary, which will alleviate some of the stress (and perhaps add to the joy) in the life and death situation, known as foaling.
"Blessed Are The Broodmares" by Dr Phyllis Lose, VMD
While this book is a time honored tradition, a downright classic, it is dated. In 1978 when this book was published, it was the most comprehensive source info on the topic. 1978! Wow, the book is almost 30 years old and people who read must keep this in mind. Would you use medical advice 30+ yrs old? Maybe, maybe not. Some old time remedies work great, some will harm you. Medical advise that is outdated can certainly be obsolete, if not dangerous. Here are some of the mis-informations in the book:
1) Dr Lose states that vaccinations in foals should start at 4 months old. We now know that foals vaccinated too early can become sick later as if never vaccinated. (This is due to the maternal antibodies passed --known as "passive transfer"-- to the foal in the mother's colostrom. The foal has an 'open gut' for the first 12 hours of life inwhich those antibodies in the colostrom slip through into the foal's immune system. These protective antibodies give the foal immunity to disease [foals are born w/ no immunity of their own]. It has been proven that the maternal antibodies will also "protect" the foal from vaccination, thus blocking the effects of the vaccinations. The question is when exactly do the maternal antibodies wane; IE when will vaccinating your foal be effective? ) Newest studies suggest waiting until the foal is at least 6 mos old to commence vaccinating unless there is an epidemic in the area. I/N flu vaccine should not be given until 11 mos.
2) Dr. Lose gives a long discourse about weaning and how it behooves foals to be weaned at 6 WEEKS of age. I do not know any current theory or reputable breeder who puts this into practice or that believe this is a good time to wean foals. Her reason for this is that milk quality/ quantity decline at 6 weeks. Dr Lose's most prominent reason for this is that (according to her experiences) orphan foals when compared to nursing foals of the same year are bigger and more developed. I know only of information CONTRARY to this theory. Some farms use a nurse mare and separate foals from their dams at 4-5 days of age, but they put them on another wet (lactating) mare and they due they for the sake of a valuable mare, not for the foal.
3) While this one isn't dangerous, it certainly is not possible: Dr Lose states that veins in a mare's dispelled placenta are individual fertilized ova all w/ umbilical cords.
4) Dr Lose states that only if the foals shows signs of weakness/ sickness should one perform the IGG / CBC test. PLEASE, have these blood assays preformed at 12 hours old. It could save the life of your foal. It did mine just last year: At the sight of this amazingly big, strong 12 hour old filly, my vet suggested to turn her out right away in a small private paddock with out waiting for the results of the tests. An hour later I got the urgent call that he was on the way w/ plasma b/c the filly had a dangerously low IGG (known as "lack of passive transfer"). The filly became weaker and more listless for the next 24 hours. The now strong, healthy filly would have had little chance at survival with out the early warning of IGG and CBC blood tests.
5) She also states that a normal foal temp is 101. While temps vary greatly between individuals and are greatly influenced by ambient the temperature, a foal normal is up to 102, some vets even say 102 plus some change.
6) With out going into detail, sections on "pediatric problems" is, by nature of the age of the book, dated and lacks current theory on how best to treat/ diagnose certain ailments.
One must keep in mind as much as things change, things also stay the same. That is to say that not everything in the book is to be taken w/ a grain of salt. Dr. Lose also offers us multitude of relevant, pertinent information that the author gathered from her reproductive experience as a veterinarian which she employs to underline her points. In fact, Dr. Lose's personal stories are fun to read and help admonish us w/ real-life situations, which in my experience is the best way to learn and retain facts. She offers her reader wonderful insights into the mystery of a new foal such as: "...an unborn foal is like an unopened tresure chest with its contents yet to be discovered." These similies unveil her love for her occupation and the animals she cared for. If we stick to this side of Dr. Lose's book, it can be informative and enjoyable instead of misleading and possibly dangerous.
I use this book in conjunction with the Hayes book. Having read both cover to cover, I review both just before foaling season to refresh the brain cells. It never seems to get old, the information is presented in an easy to understand, easy to digest manner. It is laden with educational photos and drawings to help you visualize what it is you will be facing during a foaling. And during foal watch, the problem section is a must read. For each possible problem, there are very specific instructions on what to do.
Jones also presents a number of case studies at the end of the book. I found these invaluable and re-read each before foaling season. The real world is the best teacher, but most of us do not foal out enough mares to know even a small percentage of the situations we may be facing. Case studies, although not perfect, are a useful educational tool.
A wise decision indeed if one doesnt have the time or the nerve to foal mare out. No shame in that! However, even if you aren't in charge of the task, the knowledge these books can give you can protect your foal. Armed w/ facts, you can question foaling faciity practices and be certain your mare and new foal have the best care.
"The Complete Book Of Foaling" by K. Hayes DVM
ReplyDeleteWe consider this book the foaling "bible" and pay it alms for having saved lives of many mares and foals. Our dog-eared copy has post it notes, marked pages and highlighted passages throughout. During the highly anxious moments of foaling season, we depend on the reassurance this cherished book departs to us every year.
Hayes teaches us how to be prepared for foaling even when faced with major problems during labor. No matter what level of experience one has, this book is an absolute MUST READ when attending any foaling. To derive the wealth of knowledge this book offers, you have to read it! Many times I've recommended this book and a well intentioned MO buys it. Sometimes, however, I get a call in the middle of the night (which I never, ever mind taking) from a panicky MO in the midst of a foaling 'problem' and I can tell the book has not been read. Not only is it a must to own this book, it is likewise a necessity read this book, and to RE-read while on mare stare (I.E. foal watch) each and every year, each and every foaling. We do!
Hayes imparts her wisdom to us in the areas of :
1) broodmare nutrition
2) assembling your foaling kit
3) predicting foaling
4) all 3 stages of labor
4) baby's first 12 hours
5) my personal favorite --the importance of "Being There"
The book is written as a crash course in foaling for the layman and/or veterinarian alike. Via photos, drawings and written explanation, Hayes ingeniously teaches us exactly what is going in inside your mare during all (3) stages of labor. This book is easy to understand for the first-time foaling attendant and yet it is in depth enough to aid a veterinarian as well. Through Hayes' words, the MO is taught how to be proactive and trouble shoot problems before they become of a life and death nature. Although Dr. Hayes suggests calling your vet for 'dystocias' (foaling problems), she is aware that most foalings take place out of range of veterinary help. Hayes maintains that the MO has placed the mare in a state of danger (by breeding her) and thus it is up to us (MOs) to keep our mare out of harm's way (a sentiment that I wholeheartedly agree with). This book instructs us so that we can save lives if necessary, which will alleviate some of the stress (and perhaps add to the joy) in the life and death situation, known as foaling.
"Blessed Are The Broodmares"
ReplyDeleteby Dr Phyllis Lose, VMD
While this book is a time honored tradition, a downright classic, it is dated. In 1978 when this book was published, it was the most comprehensive source info on the topic. 1978! Wow, the book is almost 30 years old and people who read must keep this in mind. Would you use medical advice 30+ yrs old? Maybe, maybe not. Some old time remedies work great, some will harm you. Medical advise that is outdated can certainly be obsolete, if not dangerous.
Here are some of the mis-informations in the book:
1) Dr Lose states that vaccinations in foals should start at 4 months old. We now know that foals vaccinated too early can become sick later as if never vaccinated. (This is due to the maternal antibodies passed --known as "passive transfer"-- to the foal in the mother's colostrom. The foal has an 'open gut' for the first 12 hours of life inwhich those antibodies in the colostrom slip through into the foal's immune system. These protective antibodies give the foal immunity to disease [foals are born w/ no immunity of their own]. It has been proven that the maternal antibodies will also "protect" the foal from vaccination, thus blocking the effects of the vaccinations. The question is when exactly do the maternal antibodies wane; IE when will vaccinating your foal be effective? ) Newest studies suggest waiting until the foal is at least 6 mos old to commence vaccinating unless there is an epidemic in the area. I/N flu vaccine should not be given until 11 mos.
2) Dr. Lose gives a long discourse about weaning and how it behooves foals to be weaned at 6 WEEKS of age. I do not know any current theory or reputable breeder who puts this into practice or that believe this is a good time to wean foals. Her reason for this is that milk quality/ quantity decline at 6 weeks. Dr Lose's most prominent reason for this is that (according to her experiences) orphan foals when compared to nursing foals of the same year are bigger and more developed. I know only of information CONTRARY to this theory.
Some farms use a nurse mare and separate foals from their dams at 4-5 days of age, but they put them on another wet (lactating) mare and they due they for the sake of a valuable mare, not for the foal.
3) While this one isn't dangerous, it certainly is not possible: Dr Lose states that veins in a mare's dispelled placenta are individual fertilized ova all w/ umbilical cords.
4) Dr Lose states that only if the foals shows signs of weakness/ sickness should one perform the IGG / CBC test. PLEASE, have these blood assays preformed at 12 hours old. It could save the life of your foal. It did mine just last year: At the sight of this amazingly big, strong 12 hour old filly, my vet suggested to turn her out right away in a small private paddock with out waiting for the results of the tests. An hour later I got the urgent call that he was on the way w/ plasma b/c the filly had a dangerously low IGG (known as "lack of passive transfer"). The filly became weaker and more listless for the next 24 hours. The now strong, healthy filly would have had little chance at survival with out the early warning of IGG and CBC blood tests.
5) She also states that a normal foal temp is 101. While temps vary greatly between individuals and are greatly influenced by ambient the temperature, a foal normal is up to 102, some vets even say 102 plus some change.
6) With out going into detail, sections on "pediatric problems" is, by nature of the age of the book, dated and lacks current theory on how best to treat/ diagnose certain ailments.
One must keep in mind as much as things change, things also stay the same. That is to say that not everything in the book is to be taken w/ a grain of salt. Dr. Lose also offers us multitude of relevant, pertinent information that the author gathered from her reproductive experience as a veterinarian which she employs to underline her points. In fact, Dr. Lose's personal stories are fun to read and help admonish us w/ real-life situations, which in my experience is the best way to learn and retain facts. She offers her reader wonderful insights into the mystery of a new foal such as: "...an unborn foal is like an unopened tresure chest with its contents yet to be discovered." These similies unveil her love for her occupation and the animals she cared for. If we stick to this side of Dr. Lose's book, it can be informative and enjoyable instead of misleading and possibly dangerous.
Complete Foaling Manual by Theresa Jones
ReplyDeleteI use this book in conjunction with the Hayes book. Having read both cover to cover, I review both just before foaling season to refresh the brain cells. It never seems to get old, the information is presented in an easy to understand, easy to digest manner. It is laden with educational photos and drawings to help you visualize what it is you will be facing during a foaling. And during foal watch, the problem section is a must read. For each possible problem, there are very specific instructions on what to do.
Jones also presents a number of case studies at the end of the book. I found these invaluable and re-read each before foaling season. The real world is the best teacher, but most of us do not foal out enough mares to know even a small percentage of the situations we may be facing. Case studies, although not perfect, are a useful educational tool.
Thanks. This was a helpful review. I started Blessed once but it scared me so much I figured I'd just send my mares out for foaling! :)
ReplyDeleteA wise decision indeed if one doesnt have the time or the nerve to foal mare out. No shame in that! However, even if you aren't in charge of the task, the knowledge these books can give you can protect your foal. Armed w/ facts, you can question foaling faciity practices and be certain your mare and new foal have the best care.
ReplyDelete