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, 16:21, 8 December 2010
=== Stage 1 ===
* Mammary hypertrophy, waxing of the teats and possible escape of milk from the glands.
* Patchy sweating behind the elbows and around the flanks.
** Commences ~4 hours before the birth of the foal and increases as the stage progresses.
* Yawns
* No indication of pain.
* Food is taken readily
* Respirations are normal
* Pulse is ~60
* Body temperature may become slightly subnormal (36.5-37◦C).
* Restlessness, wanders aimlessly.
* Tail is frequently raised or held to one side.
* May swish the tail or slap it against the anus.
* Kicking of the abdomen
* Towards the end of this stage:
** Crouching
** Straddling of hindlimbs
** Going down on knees or sternum and rising again
** Glancing at flank
* This stage terminates with the rupture of the allantochorionic membrane and the escape of allantoic fluid from the vulva.
** No visible straining during this period.
=== Stage 2 ===
* Abrupt onset, lasts~17 minutes
* Appearance of the amnion or commencement of forceful straining
** Not much delay between them, often coincide.
* Soon after straining begins, the mare goes down.
* Lies on her side with the limbs extended
** Generally remains in this position until the foal is born.
* Transperent blue/white 'water bag' (amnion) visible at the vulva
* Quickly followed by the appearance in it of a digit.
* Straining at regular intervals.
** Each comprises 3/4 powerful expulsive efforts followed by a period of rest.
** Generally 3 minutes long
* One forelimb procedes the other by 7-8cm
** One elbow passes through the pelvic inlet before the other preventing minimal obstruction.
* Head is usually in the oblique position, but may be transverse with the cheek lying on the limbs.
* Greates and longest effort is with birth of the head.
* After expulsion of the foal, the mare may remain on her side exhausted for up to 30 minutes.
* Umbillical cord is intact when the foal is born.
** Subsequently ruptures 5-8cm below the belly due to movement of the mare or foal.
* Foal is usually born within the amnion, which is ruptured by movements of the forelegs.
* Lower portions of the hindlimbs often remain within the vagina for minutes after the rest of the foal is born.
=== Stage 3 ===
* Membranes expelled quickly after the birth of the foal.
* Usually within 3 hours.
* Duration of stage 3 is ~30 minutes.
* Afterbirth is expelled by myometrial contractions with no straining.
[[Category:Parturition]][[Category:Reproductive Behaviour]]