Foaling Kit
Everyone's foaling kit is a little different, but this is a list of the items we keep in our foaling kit:
Everyone's foaling kit is a little different, but this is a list of the items we keep in our foaling kit:
- Large Rubbermaid type container you can seal ... and put in:
- Clean towels (half and full size) - great use for the towels that are too worn for the house
- Pediatric Fleet Enemas - two per foal in case needed
- Banamine - only give with vet's approval, and once placenta has passed
- De-Wormer for mare - ivermectin give within 12hrs (or ask your vet for their recommendation of wormer and timing for your area)
- Nolvasan (generic name is chlorhexidine): Mix a 0.5% solution for dipping umbilical stump. If you have the 2% solution, then it would be 1/4 cup chlorhexidine with 3/4 cup water as an example. Use a clean screw-top container to store (e.g., spice container, film canister, etc.). Impt: Research shows iodine is too caustic and is associated with an increased risk of joint ill and patent urachus.
- Thermometer
- Baby bottle (human bottle works, just make the hole a little bigger in nipple)
- Lubricant (available in gallon jug at feed/farm stores) or K-Y Jelly (not mineral oil)
- Ivory Soap
- Disposable latex gloves
- Obstetrical sleeves or plastic rectal sleeves
- Flashlight (check batteries)
- Scissors
- dental floss in case you have to tie off umbilical stump
- Note pad and pen - use to write down time water breaks, time of birth, first nursing, passing meconium, etc. You will be tired and excited and forget, and it may be important information for your vet
- Vet's phone number should be in the kit, in several places around the barn, and in your phone.
- Foal blanket; ours never wear it for more than a few hours, but it can really help keep the shivers away those first hours
- Clean bucket to put placenta into until vet can check it (or line a dirty bucket with a clean garbage sack)
