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Broodmare health

Prior to breeding, we recommend ensuring your mare’s general health and reproductive health is optimal, thereby increasing her chances of getting pregnant and delivering a healthy foal next year. 

While unforeseen problems can always occur, there are a number of procedures that can be performed on your mare to determine her suitability for breeding. A pre-breeding veterinary exam on your empty or problem mare also allows sufficient time before the season to get your mare into optimal health, whether this is for AI or natural service.

General healthcare

  • Faecal egg counts and deworming
  • Dental care
  • Hoof care
  • Body condition – condition scoring
  • Selenium levels check

Non-pregnant mares checklist

  • Pre-breeding examination with ultrasound

The examination includes an inspection of the vulva, vagina and cervix and a rectal scan of the uterus and ovaries. It may also include a caslick procedure, uterine culture and cytology, uterine biopsy and treatment of uterine infections.

All pre-breeding exams require a crush for safety.  These exams can be done at the Palmerston North clinic or on your property if a crush is available.

  • Vaccinations

Strangles, Tetanus, Salmonella and Equine herpes virus (EHV) vaccination as required.

Pregnant mares checklist 

  • Vaccinations

Strangles, salmonella and tetanus booster 4-6 weeks prior to foaling.

EHV vaccination is recommended to reduce the risk of abortion. This is given at 4, 5 and 7 months of pregnancy if mares have not been vaccinated before service. Alternatively a yearly booster is given at 4 or 5 months of pregnancy

  • Blood-testing for risk of Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI) – Foal Jaundice.

This affects foals in the first few days of life with clinical signs varying from jaundiced, dull and depressed foals to sudden death. In thoroughbreds 1 in 100 pregnancies are said to be affected by this condition. Although it is not a common disease it has devastating consequences when it occurs. The good news, a simple blood test taken in late pregnancy can help evaluate the risk of your mare producing an NI foal. This allows you to take simple preventative management measures to protect at risk foals at birth. This test should be considered for valuable foals or high risk mares.

Individual mare programmes can be set up.  Call us today to discuss your needs.