Birthing Complications?

Question

i was just wondering if it is very common for a mare to die after giving birth. im not a super experianced horse woman, but my grandma has a huge horsefarm that i spend a lot of time at. the horse i usually ride had to be put down, because she started having internal bleading, after giving birth. :(

Answer 1

No its not common - but does happen and unless your able to inspect the horses afterbirth, most of the time it goes unnoticed until the mare needs to be put down.  Hope her foal is doing well!?

Answer 2

It happens unfortunately.

They rupture the membranes, the placenta is can grow into the uterus.. the uterus can prolapse, they can rupture an artery, the list is endless.

Its not a common thing, but an unfortunate thing.  Mare that often have tough births, extended labor and also malpositioned foals that have to be palpated to be moved, plus age increases the risk, all add to those risks.

Personally, if I had a mare that wasn't sterile *mules*, I still wouldn't breed it simply because I don't like the 'what if's' in life.

Answer 3

It is more common than people realize.  Before breeding any mare you should have a health check and culture taken by your vet to determine the breeding soundness of the mare.  You also want to give her a suppliment and the appropriate shots during pregnancy and before birth.  Even with the best of care, nature has not been kind to the equine world in the reproduction department.  Complications can occur and all owners should make themselves aware of those complications before breeding.  It is always possible to lose a mare, baby, or both.  But for every sad outcome I've known about, there are also many wonderful stories of aged mares delivering and raising healthy, strong foals.  Good care, proper nutrition, veterinarian help improves the chances of a good outcome but makes no guarantee.  You should always be prepared to accept a loss if you breed.

Answer 4

No  I do not think this is a common experience but I have heard of the babies being born dead tho