Wednesday, June 17, 2009

She was born, part II


After the foaling, I gave Annie a warm oatmeal mash. However, she still retained the placenta so I tied it up in knots. That way she wouldn't tear it. I tried pulling on it but I could feel it beginning to tear so I called the vet back. I don't know what happens when it doesn't get passed but I've always heard that they should expel it by around 4 hours post partum. I certainly didn't want to risk infection.

The foal had already had a few BMs so I didn't need to give an enema after all, which was good.

Around 9:00 the vet showed up and gave Annie a few shots: a sedative, and something else, an antibiotic, I believe. She flushed out the uterus and told me that if she didn't pass the placenta by noon, I was to give her another shot of oxytocin.

She checked over the horses and said that they looked good. The foal's dropped pasterns should improve over the next few days. She wanted to come out for the SNAP test on the foal in the morning to test for colostrum levels since it's best to do this test at 24 hours.

At noon, I gave her the oxytocin shot. It was easier giving her a shot this time, but not easy! The first time that I ever gave a shot to a horse was last summer when we were trying to get Annie in foal. Always before, it was my husband that gave the shots. Annie was great about it. It's only my squeamish stomach that objects.

I saw the beginnings of contractions again so I began pulling on the membrane. Annie backed right up to me as if she knew this had to be done. Inch by inch, it came out. The cord was warm, ropey, and elastic. It was bloody too. This was grossing me out but I knew I had to do it.

After a few minutes of pulling and waiting, pulling and waiting, there was no more inside of her.

Hallelujah! I bagged it all up and threw it aside for the vet to see.

Baby was spronking all around us. She would nurse a few minutes, struggle to lay down and then nap a few minutes, struggle to get up and walk, trot, and spronk around, and then go back to nursing. I saw her walk under her mom a few times, lol. Won't she be surprised when she grows up a little more and can't fit?

The next morning, Monday, the vet came out early and took some blood for the test. They tried to test it right away but, alas, the assistant had brought the wrong test kit. Luckily, there was still enough sample! They went back to the office to run the test there. A few hours later the vet's office called and said that the results were fine.

She was developing a soft bowel movement so the vet suggested giving the foal some probiotics. I drove over to the vet and picked them up.

Now, I have to give her the probiotics as well as dosing her umbilical cord with iodine. I've also been measuring her weight. The first day she was 83 pounds. Yesterday, she was 86 pounds. I forgot that working with foals was so difficult. I have to practically tackle her and then I need a third hand for the probiotics. It's a good thing that as soon as she was born and taking a break laying down, that I laid her head back, despite her protesting. Last night, to do her umbilical cord with iodine, I waited until she was laying down and again pulled her all the way down. She's still resistant but not too much. Annie is watchful when I work with her baby but very accepting. I guess she must have been a wild baby too. lol.

10 comments:

Grey Horse Matters said...

I'm glad that everything worked out well.A few more pictures would be nice even though I know you have your hands full now. The little ones are so adorable to see.

Dan and Betty said...

Thanks for sharing this with all of us. Betty and I are too old to consider bringing a foal into the world - as much as I would love to train a horse from the ground up.

I love the word 'sponk.'

Dan

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Sounds like you have things well in hand. What a super caring and dedicated owner. Are there more baby pics coming?BTW who won your pool?

Tammy Vasa said...

Thanks for the updates. Can't wait to see more pictures!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

What an amazing experience you've been through, Val. You've learned so much and done such an awesome job helping to bring Annie's foal into this world...and taking such excellent care of both Annie and Yalla!, too.
Im very proud of you, my friend. :)

~Lisa

Paint Girl said...

I am so glad things are well with momma and baby! Can't wait to see more pictures!
I know how you feel about giving shots, I'm just scared of needles and that freaks me out! My hands shake really bad! What I find funny, is I can tolerate animal blood just fine, but when it comes to human blood, I freak out!

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

I remember feeling a bit shell-shocked many years ago when I almost bred Lostine and was told all that was involved both during the pregnancy and after the birth regarding vet appointments, medications, and tests. I was stressing out over how I could get all this done and keep my job. I knew if I was constantly taking time off for vet appointments, I'd get into trouble. I'm glad all went well for you, Annie, and the foal.

The Wades said...

Sounds like you need a medical degree to manage a new foal. Kudos to you for doing such a thorough job.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Great birthing story and photos too! What fun!1 I am so glad she is here and healthy!! Good job! :)

Anonymous said...

How beautiful, Valerie! Loved these two posts. It was wonderful meeting you last night. Hugs to Yalla! from us!