Mare & Foal Care Solutions

Broodmare

Waiting upward of 11 months to finally meet the foal you've been dreaming of can be filled with excitement, nerves and even quite a few questions. We're here to help guide you through what to expect at each stage.

Pregnancy stages

Pre-Breeding and First Trimester

(0-3 months)

Provide mares with routine wellness care these first 30-90 days to help minimize stress and potential complications/illness.

Broodmare care tips

• Schedule pregnancy checks: Confirm the progress of your mare’s pregnancy via regular ultrasounds and health exams led by your veterinarian.

• Keep an eye on stress: According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), stress has the potential to cause a drop in progesterone, a hormone that helps maintain pregnancy.¹ Avoid unnecessary travel and excessive stress and monitor your mare’s vital signs.

• Continue with routine wellness: Keep up with regular farrier and dental visits throughout pregnancy to help your mare feel her best.

Stay current: Dewormers and vaccines

• Deworming in the first trimester: Before breeding your mare, be sure she’s up to date with your veterinarian’s recommended deworming schedule.

⁃ Ask your veterinarian to perform a fecal egg count (FEC) test to learn if she’s a high shedder, especially if she traveled off-property for breeding—there may be an increased risk of parasitic exposure on other farms

⁃ FEC tests determine if your mare needs additional deworming before exposing her to new pastures or other horses

• Ensure vaccinations are up to date: Check your mare’s vaccination history before breeding to help protect against all five core equine diseases—Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), Western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), West Nile virus (WNV), tetanus and rabies.

⁃ Remember to ask your veterinarian about potential risk-based diseases of concern in your geographic area, including equine influenza, equine herpesvirus and other risk-based diseases.

Second Trimester

(4-7 months)

Stay attuned to balancing nutrition and physical activity to help support your mare’s vitality.

Broodmare care tips

• Evaluate nutritional needs: The AAEP recommends a diet that includes high-quality forage, hay and clean water.¹ Monitor body condition to make informed decisions when adding to or modifying your mare’s nutritional plan.

• Movement matters: Maintain regular exercise routines in the first 7 months of pregnancy, since it can positively impact the overall health of both mare and foal.

Stay current: Dewormers and vaccines

• Deworm in the late grazing season: The second trimester typically overlaps with the late grazing season, spanning October to December depending on your location.

⁃ Deworm your pregnant mare to help control small strongyles (including encysted forms) and tapeworms. View our Deworming Guide (PDF)

• Vaccinate to reduce the risk of abortion: Your veterinarian will likely administer the first of 3 vaccine doses in this trimester to help protect mares against abortion due to infection caused by equine herpesvirus type 1 (rhinopneumonitis).

⁃ The AAEP recommends this vaccine as early as 5 months into pregnancy (the second trimester) and again at 7 and 9 months (the third trimester).¹

⁃ Consider vaccinating against leptospirosis: Ask your veterinarian if your mare should be vaccinated against equine leptospirosis—a costly disease that can cause abortions in pregnant mares

Third Trimester

(8-11 months)

Revisit recommendations designed to help provide your mare with increased nutritional support and preventive care as she enters her third trimester.

Broodmare care tips

• Seek nutritional guidance: Your mare’s nutritional needs increase by about 30% while her developing foal grows in the final trimester. Consult your veterinarian for a tailored nutritional plan to support essential vitamin and mineral requirements.

• Continue with light to moderate exercise: It's important to avoid strenuous exercise. According to the AAEP, a pastured mare can receive the full amount of movement needed simply from grazing.¹

Stay current: Dewormers and vaccines

• Schedule pre-foaling vaccines: Your mare passes immunity to her foal through the colostrum (the first milk rich in maternal antibodies). It’s important to make sure your mare is properly vaccinated for diseases that could affect her foal during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy—it may also have the effect of boosting antibodies in the colostrum to protect foals against disease when they arrive.

⁃ The AAEP recommends mares receive a booster to help prevent all core-based equine disease antigens (EEE, WEE, WNV, tetanus and rabies) along with veterinarian-recommended vaccinations for risk-based diseases.¹

⁃ At 8 months’ gestation, if appropriate based on risk, your mare may receive her first dose of vaccine to provide passive transfer of antibodies to foals against equine rotavirus. A second dose is given a month later at 9 months’ gestation, and a third dose is given at 10 months’ gestation.

⁃ At 9 months, your mare may receive her third dose of vaccine that helps protect against abortion due to equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) infections

⁃ View a full list of vaccination recommendations in this blog.

• Deworm in the spring (early grazing season): The third trimester typically overlaps with the early grazing season, which spans March to May depending on your location.

⁃ Deworm your mare to protect against small strongyles, including the encysted stage. Learn more in this blog.

Foaling Window

(pre-foaling, foaling and post-foaling)

It’s time to prepare for immediate pre-foaling care and postpartum wellness checks to help set mare and foal up for success.

Pre-foaling

• Prepare for arrival: Organize your barn and monitoring equipment while stocking up on supplies. It’s helpful to create a delivery “go bag” and foaling kit in advance (read this blog for more information).

• Monitor for infection: Call your veterinarian to screen mares for possible infection with serum amyloid A (SAA) testing if you notice premature udder development, vulvar discharge or a fever greater than 101.5 F.

• Be on the lookout for signs of foaling: 2 to 6 weeks prior to your mare’s due date, you should start noticing gradual udder development. As delivery approaches, the mare's teats will wax and her mammary secretions will change from clear and watery to opaque.

Foaling

• Learn the stages of labor: Prepare for the stages of labor and arrange the right foaling space in advance.

• Be a present, quiet observer: Your mare needs a quiet, safe space for foaling. Most labor is uncomplicated and goes smoothly—learn about potential flags to watch for in this blog.

Post-foaling

• Schedule a post-foaling exam: Your veterinarian should complete an exam on both the mare and foal 12 to 24 hours post-foaling. Be sure to save the placenta in a plastic bag or covered bucket (to keep it moist) for your veterinarian to examine at the appointment.

• Bloodwork needed for foals: In addition, your veterinarian will complete a physical exam on the foal, they may also perform bloodwork to ensure passive transfer of antibodies (an IgG test) along with a test for infection in the blood by evaluating SAA data, a CBC (complete blood count) or chemistry panel to evaluate organ functions (e.g., liver and kidneys).

• Perform a nursing exam: Your veterinarian will also perform a complete physical exam on your mare, paying attention to her udder to ensure she’s producing milk and her foal is nursing. They will also evaluate the placenta as part of a newborn foal exam to ensure it has passed in its entirety and there are no signs of infection.

• Observe mares and foals for the first 24 hours: Keep a close eye on mare and foal after foaling to ensure they’re alert and breathing normally.

• Know the 1-2-3 rule: Foals should stand within 1 hour of delivery and nurse within 2 hours, and the placenta should pass within 3 hours. Call your veterinarian if you have any cause for concern.

• Ensure foals get adequate colostrum: Visit the AAEP site for more information to confirm that foals are receiving the right amount of colostrum to support their health. It’s important that you observe the foal nursing within the first hours of birth and regularly thereafter (several times an hour). If you notice the mare is dripping milk, this is a sign that the foal may not be nursing and is a reason to call your veterinarian.

Zoetis care solutions for broodmares

Vaccines

Vaccines are essential to helping keep your broodmare protected from diseases during pregnancy, while boosters during the third trimester (4 to 6 weeks pre-foaling) help pass on important antibodies to protect the foal through the broodmare's colostrum. Zoetis has a comprehensive portfolio of vaccines to help protect your horse from core equine diseases and a variety of risk-based diseases.

Download the broodmare vaccine guide (PDF) to understand the expert-recommended approach to vaccinations for your broodmare.

Learn more about Zoetis Vaccines

Core EQ Innovator^®

The first and only vaccine to help protect against all five potentially fatal core equine diseases in one injection.² Core EQ Innovator is safe for use in 3 months or older (based on field safety data).²

When: Annual revaccination and administer 4 to 6 weeks pre-partum

Learn more

Fluvac Innovator^® EHV-4/1

Fluvac Innovator EHV-4/1 is the #1 most trusted equine respiratory vaccine in the United States.³ It provides protection against highly contagious respiratory diseases: equine influenza (flu) and equine herpesvirus (rhino).

When: Annual revaccination and administered 4 to 6 weeks pre-partum.

Broodmares with ongoing risk of exposure should be boostered every 6 months.

Learn more

Pneumabort-K^® + 1B

(killed equine herpesvirus type 1 vaccine)

An equine vaccine for pregnant mares to help prevent abortion due to equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and help prevent respiratory infections caused by EHV-1p and EHV-1b.^4-7

When: First dose: 5 months gestation

Second dose: 7 months gestation

Third dose: 9 months gestation

Learn more

Lepto EQ Innovator^®

(leptospira pomona bacterin)

The first and only equine vaccine to help prevent leptospirosis in horses. Leptospirosis may cause the following clinical conditions in horses: abortion, equine recurrent uvetitis (ERU) or renal disease.

When: Annual revaccination

Lepto EQ Innovator is safe for use in pregnant mares in all stages of pregnancy

Learn more

Equine Rotavirus Vaccine*

(killed equine rotavirus)

Provides passive transfer of antibodies to foals to protect against equine rotavirus, a viral diarrhea.

When: 3-dose series in mares to protect foals

First dose at 8 months gestation

Second and third doses in 4-week intervals thereafter

Learn more

Arvac^®**

(equine arteritis vaccine)

Used as an aid in the prevention of viral abortion and respiratory infection due to equine arteritis virus (EAV).

When: Only vaccinate if high risk.

Mares in foal should not be vaccinated until after foaling and not less than 3 weeks prior to breeding.

Learn more

Pinnacle^® I.N.***

(modified-live Streptococcus equi)

Helps protect adult horses, foals and yearlings against the highly contagious upper respiratory disease strangles.

When: May consider a booster prior to anticipated exposure, but not during pregnancy.

Annual revaccination is recommended.

Learn more

*This product is conditionally licensed by the USDA while additional efficacy and potency data are being developed.
**The use of ARVAC is NOT recommended in pregnant mares, especially in the last two months of pregnancy.
***PINNACLE IN has not been tested in pregnant mares.

Deworming

Deworming is essential to help keep your broodmare unburdened by parasites while she's busy supporting her developing foal. Focus treatment during gestation to address the most threatening parasites to her health and her environment (small strongyles and tapeworms). Ask your veterinarian to perform a fecal egg count (FEC) test to determine if she is a high shedder or if she needs a treatment effective against roundworms prior to foaling.

Quest® Gel (moxidectin) and Quest® Plus Gel (moxidectin/praziquantel) have been evaluated as safe for use in breeding and pregnant mares and are the only equine dewormers that target the most threatening parasites, including encysted small strongyle larvae, in a single dose. Quest Plus Gel also includes a second active ingredient, praziquantel, which provides an expert-recommended late grazing season (fall) treatment against tapeworms, which also present serious health threats to horses.

Download the adult horse deworming guide (PDF) to understand the expert-recommended approach to parasite control in broodmares.

Find the right dewormer treatment plan. Our quiz will help you determine the effective product to use at the most appropriate time of year to help maintain your horse’s health.

Take our dewormer quiz

Quest^® Gel

(moxidectin)

Recommended for early grazing season (spring) to treat small strongyles, including their encysted larvae, and also treats a broad spectrum of other parasites including bots, pinworms and stomach worms. Gel formula dissolves quickly on the tongue.

When: Deworm in spring

Learn more

Quest^® Plus Gel

(moxidectin/praziquantel)

Recommended for late grazing season (typically fall) to treat small strongyles, including their encysted larvae, with an additional ingredient from Quest Gel to treat tapeworms. Also treats a broad spectrum of other parasites including bots, pinworms and stomach worms. Gel formula dissolves quickly on the tongue.

When: Deworm in fall

Learn more

Strongid^® Paste

(pyrantel pamoate)

Recommended treatment for roundworms (ascarids) in high shedders. Schedule a fecal egg count (FEC) test with your veterinarian to determine if your broodmare is a high shedder that requires an additional dose of deworming treatment.

When: When veterinarian recommended. View our deworming guide (PDF) for more information.

Learn more

Anthelcide^® EQ Paste

(oxibendazole)

Recommended treatment for roundworms (ascarids) in high shedders. Schedule a FEC test with your veterinarian to determine if your broodmare is a high shedder that requires an additional dose of deworming treatment.

When: Use when veterinarian-recommended. View our deworming guide (PDF) for more information.

Learn more

Strongid^® C2X

(pyrantel tartrate)

Recommended for horses on farms with continuous parasite exposure due to high population density or shared pasture spaces.

When: For horses at continuous risk of parasite infection.

Learn more

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not use QUEST Gel or QUEST PLUS Gel in foals less than 6 months of age or in sick, debilitated and underweight horses.
Do not use in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.
Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics improve your treatment plans. Stall-side options allow for immediate feedback, and timing can be critical during reproductive stages and beyond.

Stablelab^® EQ-1 Handheld Reader

Accurately quantify Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in 10 minutes to help detect, monitor and screen horses for infection.⁸

Learn more

Vetscan Imagyst™

A first-of-its-kind technology, offering equine digital cytology image transfer and fecal egg count (FEC) analysis in a single platform.

Learn more

Vetscan^® HM5 Hematology Analyzer

Reports a full, 5-part complete blood count differential with 22 parameters in less than 4 minutes.

Learn more

i-STAT^® Alinity

Handheld analyzer that delivers lactate, blood gas, acid-base, electrolyte, chemistry and hematology results in 2 to 3 minutes. For use in the monitoring and management of diarrhea, ruptured bladder, colic, electrolyte and intra-operative monitoring.

Learn more

AlphaTrak^® 3

Handheld glucometer with results in 5 seconds. For use in the assessment of sick mares and foals.

Learn more

Vetscan^® VS2 Chemistry Analyzer

Comprehensive clinical chemistry results in 12 minutes.⁹

Learn more

Vetscan^® VSpro Coagulation Analyzer

For equine fibrinogen testing results within minutes.

Learn more

Regenerative Medicine Devices

Horses have naturally occurring properties in their bodies that can be isolated and used to reduce pain and promote recovery from common conditions like lameness due to osteoarthritis (OA).¹⁰ Our regenerative medicine device Restigen^® PRP is a platelet-rich plasma device that plays a significant role in the natural healing of injuries in soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. Emerging research has also shown that PRP treatment can improve conception rates in mares that have difficulty getting pregnant due to chronic uterine infection, expanding its potential benefits to include aiding foaling mares.^11,12

Restigen^® PRP

For use in broodmares having difficulty getting back in foal as a treatment for endometritis.^11,12

When: Post-foaling during re-breeding

Learn more

Antibiotics and Antimicrobials

Antibiotics are essential when treating bacterial infections because they are designed to kill the specific bacteria causing a disease. Accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian and initiation of the appropriate course of treatment can help ensure a speedy recovery for your horse.

Amiglyde-V^® Intrauterine Solution

(amikacin sulfate)

Antibiotic shown to be effective for the treatment of uterine infections (endometritis, metritis and pyometra) in mares, when caused by susceptible organisms including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp.

Learn more

Excede^® Sterile Suspension

(ceftiofur crystalline free acid)

Antibiotic used for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in horses caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus).

Learn more

Naxcel^® Sterile Powder

(ceftiofur sodium)

Antibiotic indicated for treatment of respiratory infections in horses associated with Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Streptococcus equi ssp. Zooepidemicus).

Learn more

Nolvasan^® Surgical Scrub

(chlorhexidine acetate)

Proven antimicrobial skin and wound cleanser.

Learn more

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
AMIGLYDE-V
Concurrent use of other aminoglycosides should be avoided because of the potential for additive effects. Do not use AMIGLYDE-V in horses intended for human consumption. See full Prescribing Information, here.

EXCEDE
People with known hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure to EXCEDE. EXCEDE is contraindicated in animals with known allergy to ceftiofur or to the β-lactam group (penicillins and cephalosporins) of antimicrobials.
Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. The administration of antimicrobials in horses under conditions of stress may be associated with diarrhea, which may require appropriate veterinary therapy. See full Prescribing Information, here.

NAXCEL
People with known hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure to NAXCEL. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Do not use in animals found to be hypersensitive to the product. The administration of antimicrobials to horses under conditions of stress may be associated with acute diarrhea that could be fatal.
See full Prescribing Information, here.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are medications used to reduce pain, inflammation and fever. Specific medication is determined by your veterinarian based on your broodmare's condition and health needs.

Ketofen^® Injectable Solution

(ketoprofen)

Ketofen is recommended for the alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders in horses.

Learn More

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
KETOFEN should not be used in breeding horses. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. See full Prescribing Information, here.

Helpful resources for broodmares

Broodmare vaccination guide

A comprehensive vaccine guide to help protect a pregnant mare and her developing foal from the common equine diseases.

Adult deworming guide

See our annual recommendations for deworming your adult horse.

Stablelab reproductive overview

When to use Stablelab in broodmares and foals.

Stablelab handout

A simple overview to learn more about Stablelab.

Foal

Foaling season is an eventful time filled with anticipation. As you eagerly await the arrival of your foal, we’re here to provide the essential resources and support needed for her health and well-being throughout this memorable year ahead.

Foal’s first year of life

0-3 months old

The first few hours and days of your foal’s life are a sweet time for bonding. It’s also critical to keep a close eye on vital signs and overall well-being.

Foaling Preparedness

• Prep your foaling kit: Gather the necessary supplies and learn about the stages of labor and the first 24 hours of a foal’s life by reading this blog. Educate yourself on the important signs to watch for—and know when to seek your veterinarian’s immediate help.

• Monitor for early signs of labor: You should start to notice gradual udder development. As delivery approaches, the mare’s teats will wax and her mammary secretions will change from clear and watery to opaque.

Foaling and the first few weeks

• Know the 1-2-3 rule: One of the most important milestones for a foal is to stand within 1 hour and nurse within 2 hours of foaling, and mares should pass the placenta within 3 hours of foaling. Contact your veterinarian immediately if any of these milestones do not occur on the 1-2-3 timeline.

• Monitor vitals: Observe foals for signs of illness like lethargy, decreased nursing, increased breathing rate and effort, elevated body temperature and diarrhea.

• Schedule a newborn foal exam: Ask your veterinarian to conduct a physical exam of both mom and baby in the first 12 to 24 hours after arrival, including an evaluation of the placenta.

• Get on your farrier’s calendar: The AAEP recommends that foals receive a first hoof trim around 1 month after delivery.¹³

• Focus on nutrition: A mare’s first milk (colostrum) is rich in antibodies that help provide foals with passive immunity to help prevent disease while their immune systems fully develop. Visit the AAEP site for more information to ensure foals receive the right amount of colostrum needed to support their health.

• Deworm foals to control roundworms at 2 months: Roundworms are dangerous to foals in their first few months of life, so regular deworming is important to help prevent roundworms from working their way into a foal’s system.

View our foal deworming guide (PDF).

4-6 months old

Prioritize nutrition and preventive care to help protect growing foals as they set out to explore new pastures and meet fellow herdmates.

Support foals and mares during weaning

• Weaning will vary for foals: Weaning typically occurs between the 4- and 7-month mark, once foals require additional nutrients from grain and forage. Learn more about weaning methods and nutritional planning from the AAEP in this article.

• Support mares during the weaning process: According to the AAEP, mares should be turned out in a space where they can freely exercise. It’s also important to decrease grain rations for 7 to 10 days to facilitate drying up and prevent weight gain while they’re no longer producing milk for their foal.¹⁴

Help protect against illness

• Foals initially get maternal antibodies from mares through colostrum found in milk, but as foals begin to wane, it’s important to protect them from common diseases with the right vaccines.

⁃ Core vaccinations between 4 and 6 months: The AAEP recommends foals receive their first dose of vaccines to protect against the five core diseases: Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), Western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), West Nile virus (WNV), tetanus and rabies.

⁃ Risk-based vaccinations between 4 to 6 months: The AAEP recommends foals receive a first dose against risk-based diseases like equine influenza (flu) and equine herpesvirus EHV-1 and 4 (rhino) during this time as well. Consult your veterinarian for additional risk-based vaccine recommendations based on your foal’s geography and other risk factors.

• Deworm foals to control roundworms between 4 and 6 months: Your veterinarian can help provide a targeted deworming treatment plan tailored to your foal’s needs.

View our foal vaccine guide (PDF)

View our foal deworming guide (PDF)

7-9 months old

Support foals with wellness checks and preventive care as they continue on the path to becoming yearlings (in just a few short months).

Preventative care checklist

• Focus on nutrition: Healthy young foals can gain nearly 3 lbs per day! Strive for balance when ensuring these 7- to 9-month-olds receive adequate nutrition to support their development. Here’s a detailed guide from the AAEP that includes nutritional recommendations.

• Build a strong foundation with hoof care: According to the AAEP, foals should continue hoof trimmings with a farrier on a monthly schedule to set them up for success now and down the road.¹³

• Ask about booster vaccine options: Consult your veterinarian to schedule vaccine boosters (4 to 6 weeks following the first doses) to help protect foals against the five core equine diseases (EEE, WEE, WNV, tetanus and rabies).

⁃ Check with your veterinarian to see if your foal should be vaccinated for risk-based diseases that include equine influenza (flu) and equine herpesvirus EHV-1 and 4 (rhino)

• Schedule your foal’s first fecal egg count (FEC) testing and continue deworming: Now is a great time to schedule FEC testing to help identify high shedders.

⁃ If evidence of roundworms is detected, deworm to control in addition to targeting strongyles and tapeworms.

View our foal deworming guide (PDF).

10-12 months old

So much growth occurs in your foal’s first year of life, and now is the time to schedule proactive care visits ahead of their next developmental chapter as a yearling.

Preventive care checklist

• Schedule the third dose for certain vaccines: One year after foaling typically signifies the time for yearlings to receive a third dose of core- and risk-based vaccines. Discuss optimal timing for this dose with your veterinarian.

- Core vaccinations: EEE, WEE, WNV, tetanus, rabies

- Risk-based vaccinations: Equine influenza (flu) and equine herpesvirus EHV-1 and 4 (rhino). Consult your veterinarian for additional risk-based vaccine recommendations based on your foal’s geography and other risk factors.

• Deworm foals to target strongyles at 12 months: At 12 months, foals require another deworming treatment to control strongyles. Your veterinarian can help provide a targeted deworming plan tailored to your foal’s needs.

• Plan for a dental exam: Foals are getting their first molars and may have sharp enamel points around this age. A routine dental appointment may help foals feel more comfortable.

Zoetis care solutions for foals

Vaccines

Foals and yearlings set out to explore new pastures and meet fellow herdmates as they grow and learn in the first years of life. It’s crucial to take preventive care actions that help protect horses against potential disease threats.

Zoetis offers a comprehensive portfolio of vaccines to help your horse live a happier and healthier life. Download the foal vaccine guide (PDF) to understand the expert-recommended approach to vaccines in your foal’s first year.

Learn more about Zoetis vaccines